LOLER Report of Thorough Examination Template
Download a free, professionally designed LOLER inspection template in PDF and Word format. Used by thousands of inspection professionals across the UK for documenting thorough examinations of lifting equipment.
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What's Included in the Template
Our LOLER Report of Thorough Examination template is designed to meet the requirements of Schedule 1 of LOLER 1998, ensuring you capture all necessary information for compliant documentation.
- Report of Thorough Examination (ROTE) format
- Compliant with LOLER 1998 Schedule 1 requirements
- Equipment identification fields
- Defect and observation recording sections
- Safe Working Load (SWL) documentation
- Competent person declaration
- Next examination date tracking
- Editable fields for your company branding
Who Should Use This Template
This LOLER template is designed for anyone responsible for conducting or documenting thorough examinations of lifting equipment.
Inspection Engineers
Professional engineers conducting thorough examinations for clients across multiple industries.
Lifting Equipment Companies
Businesses that maintain registers of lifting equipment and need to document inspections.
In-House Safety Teams
Health and safety professionals responsible for equipment compliance within their organisation.
Competent Persons
Qualified individuals authorised to conduct thorough examinations under LOLER regulations.
LOLER Compliance Essentials
Understanding the key requirements for lifting equipment inspections in the UK.
What is LOLER?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) are UK health and safety regulations that place duties on employers and others who own, operate, or have control over lifting equipment.
LOLER requires that all lifting equipment is:
- Strong and stable enough for the intended use
- Positioned and installed to minimise risks
- Visibly marked with safe working load (SWL)
- Subject to periodic thorough examination by a competent person
Thorough Examination Frequency
The frequency of thorough examinations depends on the type of equipment and how it's used. The table below shows the statutory minimum requirements:
| Equipment Type | Minimum Frequency | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting equipment for lifting persons | 6 months | Passenger lifts, MEWPs, suspended access equipment |
| Lifting accessories | 6 months | Slings, shackles, eyebolts, lifting beams |
| All other lifting equipment | 12 months | Cranes, hoists, lift trucks (unless exposed to deteriorating conditions) |
| Equipment exposed to deteriorating conditions | As specified by competent person | May require more frequent examination based on risk assessment |
Who is a Competent Person?
LOLER requires that thorough examinations are carried out by a "competent person". While the regulations don't define specific qualifications, a competent person must have:
Knowledge & Experience
Sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge of the equipment being examined to detect defects and assess their significance.
Independence
Sufficiently independent and impartial to make objective decisions about the safety of equipment.
Many organisations use accredited inspection bodies or employ qualified engineers. The decision should be based on the complexity of the equipment and the competence available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LOLER compliance and thorough examinations.
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) applies to all employers and self-employed persons who use lifting equipment at work in Great Britain. This includes any equipment used to lift or lower loads, including the load itself if it's a person. The regulations cover a wide range of industries including construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and offshore operations.
Related Resources
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