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Free LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist
Free LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers chain slings wire rope slings shackles hooks eyebolts and SWL markings. Download now.
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39 checks · 6 sections · Sign-off
39 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Asset/item ID
- Type
- Manufacturer
- Serial number
- SWL
- Examination date
- Competent person
Identification and Markings
Chain Slings
Wire Rope Slings
Shackles Hooks and Eyebolts
Spreader Beams and Lifting Frames
Examination Outcome
Declaration & Sign-Off
I confirm that all items have been inspected/completed as indicated above. Any defects or concerns have been noted and reported.
Completed By
Printed name · Signature · Date
Reviewed / Approved By
Printed name · Signature · Date
The MapTrack LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist contains 39 checks across 6 sections.
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Short answer
A LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist records a competent person's thorough examination of lifting accessories and equipment such as slings, shackles, hooks, eyebolts and spreader beams. Where equipment is exposed to dangerous deterioration, LOLER 1998 regulation 9 requires examination at least every 6 months for accessories and equipment lifting people, and 12 months for other equipment, unless an examination scheme applies.
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 lifting equipment inspection checklist contains 39 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: Identification and Markings, Chain Slings, Wire Rope Slings, Shackles Hooks and Eyebolts, Spreader Beams and Lifting Frames, Examination Outcome.
- LOLER regulation 9 also requires examination after exceptional circumstances liable to affect safety, not only at set intervals.
- Regulation 10 requires the examiner to report defects; equipment must not be used until a dangerous defect is fixed.
- Schedule 1 of LOLER lists the information a report of thorough examination must contain.
- Operator pre-use checks supplement thorough examination; they never replace it.
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.
LOLER Regulation 9 requires lifting equipment exposed to conditions that could cause dangerous deterioration to be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months for accessories and equipment used to lift persons and every 12 months for all other lifting equipment, or in line with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. This is a legal requirement in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the local authority. 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. LOLER Regulation 10 requires the competent person to provide a written report of the examination as soon as is practicable, and HSE's Approved Code of Practice (L113) expects it within 28 days in normal circumstances. 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.
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Benefits of using this LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist
- Examination records: a structured record of each thorough examination; LOLER regulation 10 requires the examiner's findings to go into a signed written report
- 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 records give HSE inspectors and client auditors the examination history they ask to see
- Reduced risk: removing defective lifting accessories from service before they fail prevents dropped load incidents and serious injuries
What to include in a LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist
- 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 the equipment register and confirm all items due for examination are presented.
Obtain the register of all lifting equipment and accessories due for thorough examination. Cross-reference serial numbers and unique IDs to confirm every item listed is physically present for inspection. Note any items that are missing, in use or located at another site so they can be scheduled separately.
Identify each item and verify it matches the register entry and SWL markings.
Record the unique ID, serial number, type, manufacturer and safe working load (SWL) marking for each item. Confirm these details match the equipment register. Check that SWL markings, colour codes and identification tags are legible and securely attached. Items with illegible or missing markings must be withdrawn pending re-marking.
Examine chain slings for wear, elongation, distortion and corrosion.
Inspect every link of each chain sling for signs of wear, elongation beyond rejection limits, distortion, gouging and surface corrosion. Check master links, coupling links, hooks and terminal fittings against the manufacturer rejection criteria. Measure link diameter at wear points and compare against the original specification.
Examine wire rope slings for broken wires, kinking and diameter reduction.
Inspect the full length of each wire rope sling for broken wires, bird-caging, kinking, crushing and surface corrosion. Measure the rope diameter at several points and compare against the original diameter to check for stretch or wear. Examine ferrules, thimbles and spliced eyes for damage and correct formation.
Examine shackles, hooks and eyebolts for deformation, wear and thread damage.
Measure the pin diameter and throat opening of each shackle and hook using callipers, comparing against rejection criteria for wear. Check for visible deformation, bending, cracks and thread damage. Test safety catches and locking devices to confirm they operate correctly. Inspect eyebolt collar seating and thread engagement depth.
Examine spreader beams, checking welds, structural members and locking pins.
Inspect all welds for cracks, porosity and undercut. Check structural members and attachment points for distortion, corrosion or impact damage. Verify locking pins are present and correctly engaged. Confirm SWL markings on the beam are legible and match the certified capacity. Note any paint loss that may indicate impact or abrasion.
Record all findings, classify each defect by severity and state fitness for continued use.
Document all findings for each item on the checklist. Classify each defect by severity: minor (monitor at next examination), significant (repair required before next use) or dangerous (immediate withdrawal from service). State clearly whether each item is fit for continued use, requires repair before use, or must be permanently withdrawn and scrapped.
Issue the written report of thorough examination as soon as practicable, normally within 28 days.
Compile the written report of thorough examination as required by LOLER Regulation 10, which asks for it as soon as is practicable; HSE's Approved Code of Practice (L113) expects it within 28 days in normal circumstances. Include details of every item examined, findings and the competent person's recommendation. Notify the employer immediately of any defect that is or could become a danger and, where a defect involves an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury, send a copy of the report to the relevant enforcing authority.
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How often should you complete this checklist?
For lifting equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations, 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.
These are maximum intervals unless an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person sets different ones. 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, HSE's guidance on LOLER Regulation 8 (L113) says pre-use checks should be carried out before lifting equipment is used each working day or at the beginning of each shift. These are operator-level visual checks, not a substitute for the thorough examination by a competent person.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
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. Regulation 10 requires the competent person to issue a written report as soon as is practicable, and HSE's Approved Code of Practice (L113) expects it within 28 days in normal circumstances.
Link to this answerWhere lifting equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in dangerous situations, 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. An examination scheme drawn up by a competent person can set the intervals instead, and the competent person may recommend shorter intervals if conditions warrant.
Link to this answerA 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.
Link to this answerA 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.
Link to this answerYes. Download and use this LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist for free. It downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you later want digital thorough examination records linked to each lifting accessory with automated scheduling, SWL tracking and compliance dashboards across all your sites, MapTrack can help. Book a demo to see how it works.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998Thorough examination (6 or 12 monthly, by scheme, or after exceptional circumstances), inspections between, defect reporting, keeping reports and report contents. | 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 guidanceApproved Code of Practice and guidance on LOLER, including thorough examination and reports. | L113, 2nd edition (December 2014, with amendments 2018) | Whole instrument | Health and Safety Executive (HSE) |
| Code of practice for safe use of cranes - GeneralCode of practice on safe use of cranes; BSI describes the series as guidance on meeting LOLER and PUWER. | 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 (6 or 12 monthly, by scheme, or after exceptional circumstances), inspections between, defect reporting, keeping reports and report contents.
- 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.
- reg 9(3)(a)(ii): Other lifting equipment exposed to deteriorating conditions must be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months, unless an examination scheme applies.
- reg 9(3)(a)(iv): Lifting equipment exposed to deteriorating conditions must also be thoroughly examined each time exceptional circumstances liable to jeopardise its safety have occurred.
- reg 9(3)(b): Where appropriate, a competent person inspects lifting equipment exposed to deteriorating conditions at suitable intervals between thorough examinations.
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)
Approved Code of Practice and guidance on LOLER, including thorough examination and reports.
Code of practice for safe use of cranes - General
Edition: BS 7121-1:2016 (BSI status: Current, Under Review)
Code of practice on safe use of cranes; BSI describes the series as guidance on meeting LOLER and PUWER.
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.
- Model Codes of Practice (Safe Work Australia)
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
The numbers behind this LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist
The pages below gather the figures behind this kind of check. Each figure on them carries its source and date, so you can quote it in a toolbox talk, a budget case or a board paper without chasing the original report.
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The MapTrack LOLER lifting equipment inspection checklist contains 39 checks across 6 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack LOLER Lifting Equipment Inspection Checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-lifting-equipment-inspection-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). LOLER Lifting Equipment Inspection Checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/loler-lifting-equipment-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-lifting-equipment-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 Lifting Equipment 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;">Identification: record the unique ID serial number type SWL marking and manufacturer for each item examined</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Chain slings: inspect links for wear elongation distortion gouging and corrosion and check master links coupling links and terminal fittings</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Wire rope slings: inspect for broken wires bird-caging kinking corrosion and reduction in diameter and check ferrules and thimbles</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Shackles: check for wear at the pin and bow measure pin diameter and inspect thread condition and cotter pin or nut</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Hooks: inspect for throat opening increase twist deformation wear at the saddle and safety catch operation</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Eyebolts: check thread condition collar seating and body for bending cracks or corrosion</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-lifting-equipment-inspection-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">LOLER Lifting Equipment 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.
About the author
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Jarrod has spent over a decade in technology consulting and asset management, including roles at Accenture (mining and heavy industry) and CGI as an Asset Management Consultant. He co-founded MapTrack and built and scaled its original platform, then rebuilt it with Lachlan and Alex from thousands of customer conversations and 300+ user research sessions with field teams. His consulting background gives him deep insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing asset-intensive Australian businesses.
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