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.
Commercial Director
Updated 3 May 2026
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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 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 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 within 28 days as required by LOLER.: Compile the written report of thorough examination as required by LOLER Regulation 10. The report must be issued within 28 days and include details of every item examined, findings and the competent person's recommendation. If any defect involves existing or imminent danger, notify the employer immediately and report to the relevant enforcing authority.
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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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. 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
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- LOLER 1998 - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, Regulation 9 (thorough examination)
- LOLER 1998 - Regulation 10 (reports and defects)
- BS 7121 - Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes
- HSE L113 - Safe Use of Lifting Equipment (LOLER ACOP)
LOLER Lifting Equipment Inspection Checklist preview
Need to digitise safety inspections and compliance forms?
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