If you have lifts in operation at your place of business, then you have a legal requirement, under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), to have them examined thoroughly on a regular basis.

All businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment must ensure they fulfil their duties, whether they own the equipment or otherwise. The regulations require that all equipment is fit for purpose, appropriate for the task, suitably marked and subject to a statutory periodic thorough examination.

Records must be kept of all these examinations and, if any defects are found, they must be reported to the person responsible for the equipment, as well as the relevant enforcing authority, (which is either the Health and Safety Executive or your local authority).

The responsible competent person will need to carry out a risk assessment, considering factors like frequency of use, where the lift is used, age and condition, the weight of loads and so on. They will also need to determine what tests will be required, taking into account relevant guidance and standards.

Checks should be carried out on the main drive system components, landing and car doors suspension ropes and chains, governors, safety gear, overload detection devices, braking systems and electrical devices - although this is by no means an exhaustive list.

In line with the HSE and LOLER guidelines, we here at KEP Lifts use an independent testing company to carry out examinations on your behalf and provide reports to the duty holder. Our independent testing partner is fully accredited for testing, inspection and certification.

If you’d like to find out more about our lift inspections or Service and Maintenance Agreements, get in touch with us today.