As a building manager, business owner, or facilities operator, you’re likely familiar with the need for lift maintenance—but are you fully compliant with the LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) requirements? If you’re unsure how LOLER applies to different types of lifts, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down LOLER obligations by lift type, explain how often inspections are required, and help you stay legally compliant, safe, and audit-ready in 2025.
What Is LOLER and Why Does It Matter?
LOLER is a UK regulation designed to ensure that all lifting equipment used at work is:
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Strong and stable enough for use
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Positioned and installed correctly
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Marked with appropriate information (e.g. SWL)
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Subject to regular thorough examination by a competent person
It applies to all lift types if they are used in a workplace, accessed by the public, or handled by individuals at work—this includes retail staff, cleaners, carers, security, or maintenance teams.
Does LOLER Apply to All Lift Types?
Not every lift needs LOLER inspections—but most do when used in commercial, industrial, or public environments. Whether your lift moves people, goods, or both, it is considered “work equipment” and is subject to the law.
Below is a breakdown of LOLER relevance across different lift types:
LOLER for Passenger Lifts
✅ Required: Every 6 Months
Passenger lifts carry people between floors and are commonly found in:
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Offices
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Apartment blocks
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Hospitals
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Shopping centres
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Hotels
These lifts are almost always used by the public or staff, so LOLER inspections every six months are mandatory.
Example: A hospital lift must be LOLER certified every 6 months to ensure patient and staff safety.
LOLER for Platform Lifts
✅ Required: Every 6 Months (if carrying persons)
🟡 Possibly Required: Every 12 Months (if goods-only)
Platform lifts include:
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Vertical wheelchair lifts
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Inclined stair platform lifts
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Low-rise platform lifts in shops, schools, or care homes
If the lift carries people or is operated by someone at work, it requires LOLER inspections every 6 months.
Goods-only versions with no internal controls typically need inspecting every 12 months.
Tip: If your platform lift is used by carers or staff in a private residence, LOLER applies!
LOLER for Goods Lifts
✅ Required: Every 12 Months (unless personnel can ride or operate internally)
Goods lifts are designed to carry items only. Common in:
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Warehouses
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Stockrooms
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Factories
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Restaurants
If the lift has no internal controls and is not designed for passengers, it falls under LOLER and must be inspected every 12 months.
However, if staff can ride inside or operate from within, it becomes a passenger-goods lift—subject to 6-monthly inspections.
LOLER for Service Lifts (Dumbwaiters)
✅ Required: Every 12 Months
Service lifts or dumbwaiters carry small items like food or documents between floors. Even though they don’t transport people, they are subject to LOLER if used at work.
They’re especially common in:
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Restaurants
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Hotels
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Libraries
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Medical facilities
Important: Check manufacturer limitations and signage to ensure they are not misused by staff.
LOLER for Evacuation Lifts
✅ Required: Every 6 Months
Evacuation lifts are designed to transport people (including wheelchair users) during emergencies. Due to their critical nature, LOLER inspections must be done every 6 months, with rigorous testing of emergency functions.
They’re commonly found in:
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Hospitals
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Schools
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High-rise residential buildings
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Government buildings
LOLER for Stairlifts and Mobility Lifts
🟡 Required in work or public settings
Stairlifts or mobility aids are generally used in private homes and may not need LOLER inspections. However, if used:
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In care homes
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Public access areas
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By staff or patients at work
Then LOLER applies and a 6-month inspection schedule is recommended.
LOLER Inspection Schedule by Lift Type
| Lift Type | Used For | LOLER Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Lift | People transport | Every 6 months |
| Platform Lift (people) | Accessibility | Every 6 months |
| Platform Lift (goods only) | Stock/items only | Every 12 months |
| Goods Lift (no passengers) | Freight | Every 12 months |
| Passenger-Goods Lift | Goods & riders | Every 6 months |
| Service Lift/Dumbwaiter | Documents, food, etc. | Every 12 months |
| Evacuation Lift | Emergency evacuation | Every 6 months |
| Stairlift (public/commercial) | Mobility aid | Every 6 months |
| Stairlift (private use) | Home only | Not required (unless used by staff) |
What Happens During a LOLER Inspection?
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Visual and mechanical inspection
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Testing of braking and suspension
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Checks on alarms, interlocks, sensors
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Load bearing and structural assessments
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Electrical and emergency system testing
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Issue of a thorough examination report
Any serious defects must be reported immediately. Minor faults require action before the next inspection.
Who Can Perform a LOLER Inspection?
Only a competent person can perform a legal LOLER exam. This person must be:
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Independent from the maintenance team
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Qualified with experience in lift systems
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Impartial and able to issue statutory reports
Always ask for credentials and confirm the inspector is not responsible for day-to-day servicing.
Consequences of Skipping LOLER Inspections
Skipping inspections can result in:
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Fines or prosecution under health and safety law
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Invalidated insurance claims
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Reputational damage after an incident
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Enforced shutdowns by HSE
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Increased risk of injury or fatality
Tips for Staying LOLER Compliant
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Schedule inspections in advance
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Keep thorough examination reports accessible
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Don’t confuse servicing with LOLER exams
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Act immediately on any Category A defect
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Partner with certified, independent inspection providers
Final Thoughts: Know Your Lift, Know the Law
Different lifts serve different functions—but when used at work or in public, they all require regular safety inspections under LOLER. From platform lifts to dumbwaiters, there’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but the principle remains the same: if it’s lifting at work, it’s subject to LOLER.
✅ Need Help Scheduling a LOLER Inspection?
Our trusted partners provide certified LOLER inspections for all types of lifts, tailored to your sector. Get in touch today for expert advice, peace of mind, and full legal compliance.
