What does LOLER Regulation 9 require for hoist inspections?

LOLER Regulation 9 requires that lifting equipment, including hoists, is not used unless it has been thoroughly examined by a competent person. The examination must detect any defect which could become a danger to persons and ensure the equipment is safe to continue in service. Reports must be produced in the format specified by Schedule 1. The duty holder must ensure that examination intervals are maintained and that defects identified are rectified before the equipment is used. Failure to comply with Regulation 9 is a criminal offence enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive.

How often must hoists be thoroughly examined under LOLER?

Hoists used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined at least every six months. Hoists used solely for lifting loads must be thoroughly examined at least every twelve months. A competent person may draw up an examination scheme with different intervals based on risk, but these cannot exceed the statutory maximums. In addition, hoists must be thoroughly examined after installation and before first use, after assembly at a new site, and after any event likely to have affected safety such as an overload or collision.

What is the difference between a LOLER thorough examination and a routine inspection?

A LOLER thorough examination is a statutory requirement carried out by a competent person (typically an independent engineer) at set intervals to detect defects and determine whether the equipment is safe to continue in service. A routine inspection is a less formal check carried out by a trained person within the organisation, typically on a weekly or monthly basis, to identify obvious defects, damage or deterioration between thorough examinations. Both are necessary, but only the thorough examination satisfies the Regulation 9 legal requirement and generates the formal report required by Schedule 1.

Who is a competent person for the purpose of LOLER thorough examinations?

LOLER does not define specific qualifications for a competent person, but the Approved Code of Practice (L113) states that the competent person must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be examined to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the equipment. In practice, this is typically a chartered engineer employed by an insurance inspection body or an independent inspection company. The competent person must be sufficiently independent from the organisation that manages the equipment to make impartial judgements.

Is this LOLER hoist inspection checklist free?

Yes. Download and use this LOLER hoist inspection checklist at no cost. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF for a paper copy. No MapTrack account is required. If you want digital hoist examinations on mobile with photo capture, automatic defect escalation, LOLER certificate tracking and compliance dashboards per hoist, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how it works.

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Free LOLER hoist inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers Reg 9 thorough examination of hoists, wire ropes, brakes, limit switches and load testing.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a loler hoist inspection checklist?

A LOLER hoist inspection checklist is a structured document used to verify that hoists, including electric chain hoists, wire rope hoists, manual chain blocks and air hoists, comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), specifically Regulation 9 which requires thorough examination of lifting equipment. It covers the structural integrity of the hoist body and suspension points, wire rope or chain condition, hook and hook latch operation, brake function, upper and lower limit switches, pendant or remote control operation, electrical connections, labelling of safe working load (SWL) and the general condition of all load-bearing components. Each item is marked as satisfactory, defective or not applicable, with space for defect descriptions and recommendations.

LOLER places a legal duty on employers, self-employed persons and those who control lifting equipment to ensure it is safe for use. Regulation 9 requires that lifting equipment used for lifting persons is thoroughly examined at least every six months, and all other lifting equipment is thoroughly examined at least every twelve months, or in accordance with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. A thorough examination is more than a visual inspection; it is a detailed assessment carried out by a competent person to detect defects and predict likely failures. This checklist provides a systematic framework to support the thorough examination process, ensuring that every critical component of the hoist is assessed against the relevant standards and that findings are properly documented for the duty holder.

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Benefits of using this loler hoist inspection checklist

Legal compliance: documented thorough examinations satisfy LOLER Regulation 9 requirements and provide the reports that HSE inspectors review during workplace visits.
Defect detection: systematic examination of wire ropes, chains, hooks, brakes and limit switches identifies wear, deformation and damage before a failure occurs under load.
Worker safety: properly maintained hoists prevent dropped loads, uncontrolled lowering and structural collapses that can cause fatal or life-changing injuries to workers below.
Insurance validity: most employers liability and plant insurance policies require LOLER-compliant thorough examinations as a condition of cover, and failure to maintain records can void claims.
Audit trail: completed checklists and examination reports create the documentary evidence required under Regulation 11 to keep reports available for inspection by HSE or local authority inspectors.
Downtime reduction: identifying developing defects during scheduled examinations allows planned repairs rather than unplanned breakdowns that halt production and delay projects.

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Generate region-specific compliance reports that match local regulator expectations.
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What to include in a loler hoist inspection checklist

This loler hoist inspection checklist covers 10 key areas:

Equipment identification: hoist type (electric chain, wire rope, manual, air), manufacturer, model, serial number, safe working load (SWL), year of manufacture, asset tag or plant number.
Examination details: date of examination, name and employer of competent person, examination scheme reference, reason for examination (periodic, post-installation, post-repair, post-incident).
Structural integrity: hoist body, trolley, suspension hook or lug, mounting bracket, cross-travel and long-travel mechanisms checked for cracks, deformation, corrosion and weld integrity.
Wire rope or chain condition: wire rope checked for broken wires, corrosion, kinking, bird-caging, reduced diameter and proper spooling; chains checked for stretch, wear, link deformation and corrosion.
Hook and hook latch: hook checked for deformation, throat opening, twist, wear in the saddle and tip; safety latch or gate present and functioning to prevent sling disengagement.
Brakes and clutch: holding brake tested under load to confirm it holds the rated SWL, lowering brake checked for smooth control, no slipping, drift or unusual noise.
Limit switches: upper and lower limit switches tested to confirm they stop the hoist motion before the hook block contacts the drum or the load reaches the floor, emergency stop tested.
Electrical and controls: pendant control or radio remote tested for correct operation of all functions, cable condition, strain relief, emergency stop, isolation switch.
Labelling and documentation: SWL plate legible and securely attached, previous examination report available, maintenance log current, test certificates for wire rope or chain available.
Overall result: determination of whether the hoist is safe to continue in service, any defects that require immediate action, defects requiring action within a specified timeframe, next examination due date.

How to use this loler hoist inspection checklist

Verify the competent person credentials, review the examination scheme, gather previous examination reports and prepare the hoist for examination.: The thorough examination must be carried out by a competent person as defined by LOLER, typically an engineer employed by an insurance company or an independent inspection body. Review the examination scheme to confirm what is due for inspection. Isolate the hoist from use, ensure the area below is clear of personnel, and gather the previous examination report to check whether previously noted defects have been rectified.
Inspect the structural components including the hoist body, suspension points, trolley, mounting bracket and all load-bearing steelwork for cracks, deformation and corrosion.: Visually examine the hoist casing, gearbox housing and motor housing for cracks, damage and corrosion. Check the suspension hook or lug for deformation and wear. If the hoist runs on a beam or runway, inspect the trolley wheels, axles and side plates. Check cross-travel and long-travel mechanisms where fitted. Look for evidence of overloading such as bent steelwork, distorted mounting points or cracked welds. Use non-destructive testing methods where the examination scheme requires them.
Examine the wire rope or chain, hook and hook latch, and assess their condition against the discard criteria in the relevant standards.: For wire rope hoists, inspect the full length of the rope for broken wires (count per lay length), corrosion, kinking, crushing, bird-caging and diameter reduction against the discard criteria in BS ISO 4309. Check rope terminations and the drum for proper spooling. For chain hoists, measure chain for stretch (typically discard at 3% elongation), check for worn, twisted, gouged or corroded links. Inspect the load hook for throat opening increase (typically discard at 10% increase), twist, and wear. Confirm the safety latch operates freely.
Test brakes, limit switches and controls under load to verify they function correctly and safely arrest or control the load.: Apply a test load (at or near the SWL, as specified by the examination scheme) and test the holding brake by stopping the hoist during raising and lowering. The brake must hold the load without slipping or drifting. Test the upper and lower limit switches by running the hook block to each limit and confirming the hoist stops automatically. Test the emergency stop on the pendant or remote control. Verify that all directional controls (up, down, left, right, fast, slow) correspond to the correct hoist movement.
Complete the report of thorough examination in the format required by LOLER Schedule 1, recording all findings, defects, recommendations and the date of the next examination.: The report must contain the information specified in LOLER Schedule 1, including equipment identification, date and type of examination, a description of any defect found which is or could become a danger, the opinion of the competent person as to whether the equipment is safe to continue in service, and the date by which the next thorough examination must take place. Deliver the report to the duty holder within 28 days (or immediately if a defect involving an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury is found, in which case a copy must also be sent to the relevant enforcing authority).

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How often should you complete this checklist?

LOLER Regulation 9 sets maximum intervals for thorough examination. Hoists used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined at least every six months. Hoists used for lifting loads only must be thoroughly examined at least every twelve months. Alternatively, a competent person may draw up an examination scheme that sets different intervals based on a risk assessment of the specific equipment and its operating environment, but these intervals must not be less onerous than the statutory maximums.

In addition to statutory thorough examinations, hoists should be visually inspected before each use by the operator (pre-use check) and receive a more detailed weekly or monthly inspection by a trained person within the organisation. After any significant event such as an overload, collision, modification, change of use, or after the hoist has been out of service for an extended period, a thorough examination should be carried out before the hoist is returned to service.

Frequently asked questions

What does LOLER Regulation 9 require for hoist inspections?: LOLER Regulation 9 requires that lifting equipment, including hoists, is not used unless it has been thoroughly examined by a competent person. The examination must detect any defect which could become a danger to persons and ensure the equipment is safe to continue in service. Reports must be produced in the format specified by Schedule 1. The duty holder must ensure that examination intervals are maintained and that defects identified are rectified before the equipment is used. Failure to comply with Regulation 9 is a criminal offence enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive.
How often must hoists be thoroughly examined under LOLER?: Hoists used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined at least every six months. Hoists used solely for lifting loads must be thoroughly examined at least every twelve months. A competent person may draw up an examination scheme with different intervals based on risk, but these cannot exceed the statutory maximums. In addition, hoists must be thoroughly examined after installation and before first use, after assembly at a new site, and after any event likely to have affected safety such as an overload or collision.
What is the difference between a LOLER thorough examination and a routine inspection?: A LOLER thorough examination is a statutory requirement carried out by a competent person (typically an independent engineer) at set intervals to detect defects and determine whether the equipment is safe to continue in service. A routine inspection is a less formal check carried out by a trained person within the organisation, typically on a weekly or monthly basis, to identify obvious defects, damage or deterioration between thorough examinations. Both are necessary, but only the thorough examination satisfies the Regulation 9 legal requirement and generates the formal report required by Schedule 1.
Who is a competent person for the purpose of LOLER thorough examinations?: LOLER does not define specific qualifications for a competent person, but the Approved Code of Practice (L113) states that the competent person must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be examined to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the equipment. In practice, this is typically a chartered engineer employed by an insurance inspection body or an independent inspection company. The competent person must be sufficiently independent from the organisation that manages the equipment to make impartial judgements.
Is this LOLER hoist inspection checklist free?: Yes. Download and use this LOLER hoist inspection checklist at no cost. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF for a paper copy. No MapTrack account is required. If you want digital hoist examinations on mobile with photo capture, automatic defect escalation, LOLER certificate tracking and compliance dashboards per hoist, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how it works.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), Regulation 9
LOLER 1998, Schedule 1 (Information for reports of thorough examination)
BS ISO 4309 (Cranes, wire ropes, care and maintenance)
LOLER 1998 Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L113)

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