Free loler lifting equipment inspection checklist
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Free LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers chain slings wire rope slings shackles hooks eyebolts and SWL markings. Download now.
Last updated: 2026-04-20
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See the first part of the loler lifting equipment inspection checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a loler lifting equipment inspection checklist?
A LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist is a structured form used to record the thorough examination of lifting equipment and lifting accessories as required by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). MapTrack helps operations teams digitise these inspections so every thorough examination result is logged against the specific lifting accessory or equipment asset and stored with a permanent digital audit trail.\n\nLOLER Regulation 9 requires that all lifting equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 6 months for accessories and equipment used to lift persons and 12 months for all other lifting equipment. This is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A thorough examination is more than a visual check. It is a detailed and systematic inspection by a competent person to detect defects or weaknesses that could cause the equipment to fail. The competent person must provide a written report of the examination within 28 days under LOLER Regulation 10. This checklist supports that process by providing a consistent structure for recording findings across chain slings wire rope slings shackles hooks eyebolts and spreader beams.
Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this loler lifting equipment inspection checklist
- Legal compliance: documented thorough examination reports meet LOLER Regulation 9 and 10 requirements for periodic inspection by a competent person
- Defect detection: systematic inspection of each component identifies wear elongation distortion corrosion and cracking before failure
- Traceability: every examination is linked to the specific lifting accessory by unique ID serial number and SWL rating
- Consistency: every competent person follows the same structured examination sequence regardless of which site or depot the equipment is stored at
- Audit readiness: signed digital records satisfy HSE inspectors and client auditor requests for LOLER compliance evidence
- Reduced risk: removing defective lifting accessories from service before they fail prevents dropped load incidents and serious injuries
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise lifting equipment checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- 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.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
- Escalate critical hazards instantly to safety managers via push notification.
- Maintain an auditable safety register that satisfies WHS regulator requests.
- Correlate incident trends across sites with built-in safety analytics.
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What to include in a loler lifting equipment inspection checklist
This loler lifting equipment inspection checklist covers 8 key areas:
- Identification: record the unique ID serial number type SWL marking and manufacturer for each item examined
- Chain slings: inspect links for wear elongation distortion gouging and corrosion and check master links coupling links and terminal fittings
- Wire rope slings: inspect for broken wires bird-caging kinking corrosion and reduction in diameter and check ferrules and thimbles
- Shackles: check for wear at the pin and bow measure pin diameter and inspect thread condition and cotter pin or nut
- Hooks: inspect for throat opening increase twist deformation wear at the saddle and safety catch operation
- Eyebolts: check thread condition collar seating and body for bending cracks or corrosion
- Spreader beams: inspect welds structural members locking pins and attachment points and verify SWL markings are legible
- Defect reporting: record all defects classify severity and state whether the item is fit for continued use or must be withdrawn from service
How to use this loler lifting equipment inspection checklist
- Gather equipment register: obtain the register of all lifting equipment and accessories due for thorough examination and confirm each item is presented for inspection
- Identify each item: record the unique ID serial number type manufacturer and SWL marking for each item and confirm it matches the register
- Examine chain slings: inspect every link for wear elongation distortion and corrosion then check master links coupling links hooks and terminal fittings against rejection criteria
- Examine wire rope slings: inspect the full length for broken wires bird-caging kinking and corrosion then measure diameter and check ferrules thimbles and eyes
- Examine shackles hooks and eyebolts: measure pin diameter and throat opening check for deformation wear and thread damage and test safety catches and locking devices
- Examine spreader beams: inspect all welds structural members attachment points and locking pins for cracks corrosion or deformation and verify SWL markings
- Record findings and classify: document all findings for each item classify defects by severity and state clearly whether each item is fit for continued use or must be withdrawn
- Issue report: compile the written report of thorough examination within 28 days as required by LOLER Regulation 10 and notify the employer of any defect involving existing or imminent danger
In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
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Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
LOLER Regulation 9 sets the following maximum intervals for thorough examination by a competent person. Lifting accessories such as chain slings wire rope slings shackles hooks and eyebolts must be examined at least every 6 months. Lifting equipment not used for lifting persons must be examined at least every 12 months. Equipment used to lift persons must be examined at least every 6 months.\n\nThese are maximum intervals. The competent person may recommend shorter intervals based on the condition of the equipment or the severity of the operating environment. In addition to thorough examinations LOLER Regulation 8 requires pre-use checks to be carried out before lifting equipment is used each day or shift. These are operator-level visual checks not a substitute for the thorough examination by a competent person.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a LOLER thorough examination?
- A LOLER thorough examination is a detailed and systematic inspection of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person under Regulation 9 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It goes beyond a visual check and assesses the equipment for defects or weaknesses that could cause failure during use. The competent person must issue a written report of the examination within 28 days under Regulation 10.
- How often must lifting accessories be examined under LOLER?
- Lifting accessories such as chain slings, wire rope slings, shackles, hooks and eyebolts must receive a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 6 months. Lifting equipment not used to lift persons must be examined at least every 12 months. The competent person may recommend shorter intervals if conditions warrant.
- Who is a competent person under LOLER?
- A competent person is someone with sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to detect defects and assess their significance. This may be an in-house engineer, an insurance company inspection engineer, or a third-party inspection body. The employer must be satisfied the person is genuinely competent for the specific equipment type.
- What is the difference between a LOLER thorough examination and a pre-use check?
- A pre-use check is a visual inspection carried out by the operator before each use or shift. It checks for obvious damage, legible markings and correct assembly. A thorough examination is a detailed inspection by a competent person at 6 or 12 month intervals that assesses internal and external condition, measures wear and detects defects that a visual check would not reveal.
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