Free LOLER hoist inspection checklist
Free LOLER hoist inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers Reg 9 thorough examination of hoists, wire ropes, brakes, limit switches and load testing.
Updated 10 Aug 2026
LOLER Hoist Inspection Checklist
Thorough examination per LOLER 1998, Regulation 9.
Hoist Structure & Mounting
Chain / Wire Rope
Hook & Attachment Points
Braking System
Electrical & Controls
Operational Test
Documentation & Marking
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Short answer
A LOLER hoist inspection checklist records the examination of electric chain, wire rope, manual and air hoists: suspension, rope or chain, hook and latch, brake, limit switches, controls, electrics and SWL marking. Under LOLER 1998 regulation 9, hoists exposed to deterioration are thoroughly examined at least every 12 months, or 6 months for lifting persons, or under an examination scheme.
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 hoist inspection checklist contains 32 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Hoist Structure & Mounting, Chain / Wire Rope, Hook & Attachment Points, Braking System, Electrical & Controls, Operational Test, Documentation & Marking.
- Operators check a hoist before each use; weekly or monthly inspections by a trained person are common practice between thorough examinations.
- An examination scheme may set intervals longer or shorter than 6 or 12 months, but a longer interval must rest on a rigorous risk assessment (HSE INDG422).
- Regulation 9 also requires examination after installation and after assembly at a new site, where safety depends on installation conditions.
- Schedule 1 sets the information the report of thorough examination must contain.
- Regulation 10: a hoist with a reported dangerous defect is not used until the defect is fixed.
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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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When you digitise hoist checklists in MapTrack, you get:
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- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
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- Build a version of a form for each jurisdiction you work in, from the same template.
- Download completed forms as PDFs to show a local inspector.
- Set each asset's inspection interval to match the rule where it works.
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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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Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full LOLER hoist inspection checklist as a PDF.Back to download formHow 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, and these may be longer or shorter than the 6 or 12 month periods, provided a longer period is based on a rigorous assessment of the risks.
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.
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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 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) |
| Cranes. Wire ropes. Care and maintenance, inspection and discardCare, maintenance, inspection and discard of crane wire ropes, which applies to wire rope hoists. | BS ISO 4309:2017 (identical to ISO 4309:2017) | 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 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.
- 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.
Cranes. Wire ropes. Care and maintenance, inspection and discard
Edition: BS ISO 4309:2017 (identical to ISO 4309:2017)
Care, maintenance, inspection and discard of crane wire ropes, which applies to wire rope hoists.
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 hoist inspection checklist preview
The numbers behind this LOLER hoist inspection checklist
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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 hoist inspection 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;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Examination details: date of examination, name and employer of competent person, examination scheme reference, reason for examination (periodic, post-installation, post-repair, post-incident).</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</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-hoist-inspection-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">LOLER hoist inspection 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 hoist inspection checklist contains 32 checks across 7 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack LOLER hoist inspection checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-hoist-inspection-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). LOLER hoist inspection checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-hoist-inspection-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-hoist-inspection-checklist.
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