Free LOLER crane thorough examination checklist
Free LOLER crane thorough examination checklist (PDF-ready). Records thorough examinations under LOLER 1998 Regulation 9 (Great Britain). Download free.
Updated 2 Oct 2026
LOLER Crane Thorough Examination Checklist
Thorough examination per LOLER 1998 Regulation 9 (Great Britain)
Structural Members
Wire Ropes
Hooks and Sheaves
Brakes and Controls
Safety Devices
Outriggers and Stability
Documentation and Certification
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Short answer
A LOLER crane thorough examination checklist records a competent person's examination of a crane's structure, ropes, hooks, brakes, safety devices, hydraulics, outriggers and load indicator. In Great Britain, regulation 9 of LOLER 1998 requires examination at least every 12 months, or 6 months for lifting persons, or under an examination scheme, and regulation 10 requires defects to be reported.
Checked against LOLER 1998 (Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed)) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack LOLER crane thorough examination checklist contains 37 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Structural Members, Wire Ropes, Hooks and Sheaves, Brakes and Controls, Safety Devices, Outriggers and Stability, Documentation and Certification.
- Regulation 9 requires examination before first use, with limited exemptions, after installation or assembly where safety depends on installation conditions, and periodically where deterioration could cause danger.
- An examination scheme may set intervals longer or shorter than 6 or 12 months; a longer one must rest on a rigorous risk assessment (HSE INDG422).
- Schedule 1 lists what the report of thorough examination must contain.
- Regulation 10: the examiner reports defects, and the crane is not used until a dangerous defect is fixed.
- Regulation 11 requires reports of thorough examination to be kept for set periods.
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What is a LOLER crane thorough examination checklist?
A LOLER crane thorough examination checklist is a structured inspection document used to support the thorough examination of cranes required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), Regulation 9. LOLER applies in Great Britain and requires lifting equipment exposed to conditions that could cause dangerous deterioration, including mobile cranes, tower cranes, overhead cranes and loader cranes, to undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months (or 6 months if the crane is used to lift persons), or in line with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. The thorough examination must be as thorough as is appropriate to detect defects that could result in danger. It is more detailed than a routine inspection and covers structural integrity, wire ropes, chains and lifting accessories, hooks and safety catches, brakes (hoist, slew and travel), safety devices (overload protection, limit switches, anti-two-block), hydraulic and electrical systems, outriggers and stabilisers, and the load-indicating device. The competent person (typically a third-party insurance company engineering surveyor or an independent qualified engineer) must issue a written report of thorough examination containing the information set out in Schedule 1. If a defect involving an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury is identified, the competent person must tell the employer immediately and send a copy of the report to the relevant enforcing authority (HSE or the local authority). This checklist supports the competent person by providing a structured format to work through all the required examination items and record their findings.
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Benefits of using this LOLER crane thorough examination checklist
- LOLER compliance: meet Regulation 9 requirements for thorough examination of cranes at 12-month (or 6-month) intervals with a documented report.
- Defect detection: a structured examination sequence ensures that structural, mechanical, hydraulic and electrical defects are systematically identified.
- Competent person support: the checklist provides a comprehensive framework for the examining engineer to record findings against each examination item.
- Statutory reporting: if a serious defect is found, the structured format supports the statutory notification to the employer and the enforcing authority.
- Insurance and compliance records: completed examination reports give insurers and HSE inspectors the examination history they ask for.
- Lifecycle management: linking thorough examination reports to the crane asset in MapTrack builds a complete examination history that supports resale valuation, fleet planning and end-of-life decisions.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise crane checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
- File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
- Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
- Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
- Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
- Email safety managers when a hazard report is submitted, with an automation you set up.
- Keep every hazard and incident report against the site it came from, with photos.
- Turn a hazard report into a corrective-action work order with its own review step.
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What to include in a LOLER crane thorough examination checklist
This LOLER crane thorough examination checklist covers 11 key areas:
- Crane details: type (mobile, tower, overhead, loader), make, model, serial number, SWL/rated capacity, owner details.
- Examination details: competent person name, organisation, date, previous examination date, examination scheme reference.
- Structural examination: boom, jib, turntable, chassis, outrigger beams, counterweight mounting, A-frame or mast.
- Wire ropes and chains: hoist rope, luffing rope, pendant ropes, equaliser ropes, rope terminations, chain condition.
- Hooks and attachments: hook body, safety catch, swivel, thrust bearing, block and sheaves.
- Brakes: hoist brake, slew brake, travel brake, luffing brake, parking brake.
- Safety devices: load moment indicator (LMI), rated capacity indicator (RCI), anti-two-block, boom angle indicator, wind speed indicator, limit switches.
- Hydraulic system: cylinders, hoses, fittings, valves, hydraulic oil condition.
- Electrical system: controls, switches, indicators, lighting, earthing, cable condition.
- Outriggers and stabilisers: extension, locking pins, pads, level indicators.
- Report of thorough examination: findings, defects identified, classification (safe to use / not safe to use / repairs required), next examination due date.
How to use this LOLER crane thorough examination checklist
- Record the crane details, competent person credentials and examination date. Review the previous examination report and any maintenance records.: Enter the crane type (mobile, tower, overhead, loader), make, model, serial number, SWL or rated capacity and the owner or operator details. Record the competent person name, organisation, qualifications and the date of this examination. Obtain the previous thorough examination report and review any open defects, recommendations or conditions. Review the maintenance log to understand what work has been carried out since the last examination. This background informs the current examination and highlights areas that need particular attention.
- Conduct a visual and structural examination of the boom, jib, turntable, chassis, outriggers and counterweight system.: Examine the main boom sections for dents, cracks, corrosion, paint blistering (which may indicate underlying corrosion) and deformation. Inspect jib sections, pendants and connection pins. Check the turntable, slew ring bolts and bearing for play, corrosion and correct torque. Examine the chassis, track frames or carrier for structural damage. Inspect outrigger beams, cylinders, locking pins and pads for cracks, leaks and secure operation. Verify the counterweight mounting bolts and brackets are intact and the counterweight configuration matches the manufacturer specification.
- Inspect wire ropes, chains, hooks, sheaves and all lifting accessories for wear, damage and compliance with manufacturer specifications.: Examine the hoist rope, luffing rope, pendant ropes and equaliser ropes for broken wires (count per lay length against the discard criteria in BS 6570 or the manufacturer specification), diameter reduction (more than 10 percent from nominal typically requires discard), corrosion, kinking, bird-caging and crushed sections. Check rope terminations for security. Inspect the hook body for throat opening increase (more than 5 percent of the original is a discard criterion), twist, cracks and safety catch operation. Examine sheaves for groove wear, cracking and bearing play. Inspect all chains for elongation, link wear, distortion and corrosion.
- Test all brakes (hoist, slew, travel, luffing) and safety devices (LMI, RCI, anti-two-block, limit switches).: Test each brake system under controlled conditions. The hoist brake must hold the rated load without drift. The slew brake must hold the superstructure against wind loading. Travel brakes must hold the crane on the maximum operating grade. The luffing brake must hold the boom at any angle without creep. Test the load moment indicator (LMI) and rated capacity indicator (RCI) by approaching the rated capacity at a known radius and confirming the device alarms and cuts out at the correct threshold. Test the anti-two-block device by running the hook block towards the boom tip and confirming the hoist stops before contact. Test all limit switches for hoist, luffing and travel.
- Examine hydraulic and electrical systems for leaks, damage and proper function.: Inspect all hydraulic cylinders (hoist, luffing, telescope, outrigger) for leaks, scoring and seal condition. Check hydraulic hoses for chafing, cracking, bulging and secure fittings. Examine hydraulic valves, the oil cooler and the reservoir. On the electrical side, check the main control panel, switches, indicators, cab lighting and external lighting for correct operation. Inspect cable reels, slip rings and trailing cables for wear and damage. Verify earthing connections are intact. For tower cranes, check the climbing mechanism, bolted connections and electrical supply cable for condition and security.
- Complete the report of thorough examination. Record all findings, classify the crane condition and specify the next examination due date. If a serious defect is found, tell the employer immediately and send the report to the enforcing authority.: Compile all findings into the written report of thorough examination with the information required by LOLER Schedule 1. Classify the crane as safe to use, safe to use with conditions (specify repairs required and the timeframe), or not safe to use (immediate withdrawal from service). Specify the next thorough examination due date, which must not exceed 12 months (or 6 months for personnel lifting) unless an examination scheme sets the interval. LOLER Regulation 10 requires the report as soon as is practicable, and HSE's Approved Code of Practice (L113) expects it within 28 days in normal circumstances. If a defect that involves an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury is identified, the competent person must tell the employer immediately and send a copy of the report to the relevant enforcing authority (HSE or the local authority) as soon as is practicable, rather than waiting for the 28-day norm.
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Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full LOLER crane thorough examination checklist as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
LOLER Regulation 9 requires a thorough examination at intervals not exceeding 12 months for lifting equipment, or 6 months for lifting equipment used to lift persons (e.g. a crane with a man-basket), unless an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person sets the intervals. The thorough examination must also be carried out before the crane is used for the first time, after assembly or installation at a new location, and after any major repair or modification. Between thorough examinations, routine inspections should be carried out in accordance with the examination scheme. In MapTrack, you can schedule the 12-month or 6-month thorough examination per crane asset and receive alerts when the next examination is due.
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Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998Thorough examination timing, defect reporting, record keeping and report contents. Applies in Great Britain. | Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed) |
| legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives) |
| Safe use of lifting equipment. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidanceHSE Approved Code of Practice and guidance on LOLER. | L113, 2nd edition (December 2014, with amendments 2018) | Whole instrument | Health and Safety Executive (HSE) |
| Thorough examination of lifting equipment: A simple guide for employersHSE guide for employers on thorough examination and examination schemes. | INDG422, first published 06/08 | Whole instrument | Health and Safety Executive (HSE) |
| Code of practice for safe use of cranes - GeneralCode of practice for safe use of cranes (general part); BSI lists it as under review. | BS 7121-1:2016 (BSI status: Current, Under Review) | Whole instrument | BSI (British Standards Institution)Sold by the publisher |
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Edition: Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed)
Thorough examination timing, defect reporting, record keeping and report contents. Applies in Great Britain.
- reg 9: Thorough examination before first use, after installation and periodically, plus inspection between examinations where appropriate.
- reg 9(3)(a)(i): Equipment for lifting persons and lifting accessories exposed to deteriorating conditions must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months, unless an examination scheme applies.
- reg 10: Examiners must notify and report defects; equipment must not be used until a defect is fixed, or past the deadline set for a defect that could become dangerous.
- reg 11: Requires keeping of declarations of conformity and reports of thorough examination for set periods.
- Sch 1: Lists the information a report of thorough examination must contain.
Safe use of lifting equipment. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
Edition: L113, 2nd edition (December 2014, with amendments 2018)
HSE Approved Code of Practice and guidance on LOLER.
Thorough examination of lifting equipment: A simple guide for employers
Edition: INDG422, first published 06/08
HSE guide for employers on thorough examination and examination schemes.
Code of practice for safe use of cranes - General
Edition: BS 7121-1:2016 (BSI status: Current, Under Review)
Code of practice for safe use of cranes (general part); BSI lists it as under review.
BSI (British Standards Institution)Sold by the publisher
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
LOLER Crane Thorough Examination Checklist preview
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">LOLER Crane Thorough Examination Checklist</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Crane details: type (mobile, tower, overhead, loader), make, model, serial number, SWL/rated capacity, owner details.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Examination details: competent person name, organisation, date, previous examination date, examination scheme reference.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Structural examination: boom, jib, turntable, chassis, outrigger beams, counterweight mounting, A-frame or mast.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Wire ropes and chains: hoist rope, luffing rope, pendant ropes, equaliser ropes, rope terminations, chain condition.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Hooks and attachments: hook body, safety catch, swivel, thrust bearing, block and sheaves.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Brakes: hoist brake, slew brake, travel brake, luffing brake, parking brake.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-crane-thorough-examination-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">LOLER Crane Thorough Examination Checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
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Writing about this topic? You’re welcome to quote this checklist. Here’s the wording to use so your readers can find the original.
The MapTrack LOLER crane thorough examination checklist contains 37 checks across 7 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack LOLER Crane Thorough Examination Checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-crane-thorough-examination-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). LOLER Crane Thorough Examination Checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-crane-thorough-examination-checklist
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-crane-thorough-examination-checklist.
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