Hiring Lifting Equipment? Who Is Responsible for LOLER Compliance?

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11 minutes ago

4 min read

Hiring lifting equipment for a construction project, engineering job or industrial operation can be a convenient way to get the equipment you need without purchasing it outright.

But there is one important question businesses sometimes overlook:

Who is responsible for making sure hired lifting equipment has a valid LOLER Thorough Examination?

Whether you hire equipment regularly or only occasionally, understanding your responsibilities can help you avoid confusion, prevent delays and make sure the correct inspection arrangements are in place before work begins.

At Mechanical Inspection Services Ltd (Mech Inspect), we help businesses understand their lifting equipment examination requirements and arrange independent LOLER Thorough Examinations.

Does LOLER apply to hired lifting equipment?

Yes. LOLER can apply to lifting equipment used at work whether it is owned by the business using it or hired from another company.

The regulations cover equipment used for lifting or lowering loads, including equipment such as cranes, hoists, relevant forklift trucks, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and lifting accessories.

However, the exact requirements depend on the equipment, its design and how it is used. Not every item of equipment that raises a load is automatically subject to LOLER.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explains that businesses using lifting equipment must ensure the relevant requirements are met, including Thorough Examination where required.

Who is responsible for the LOLER Thorough Examination?

This is where things can become confusing.

In many cases, the equipment hire company arranges Thorough Examinations for its equipment. However, you should not assume that hiring equipment automatically transfers all responsibility to the hire company.

The business using the equipment has duties under LOLER and should satisfy itself that a current Thorough Examination report is available where one is required.

The hire company may also have responsibilities, depending on the equipment, the extent of its control and the hire arrangements.

For longer-term hire, the parties may agree that the user will arrange periodic examinations. Any such arrangement should be clearly documented so that responsibilities are understood.

The key point is simple: don't leave inspection arrangements to assumption.

5 checks to make before using hired lifting equipment

Before using hired lifting equipment, consider the following checks.

1. Ask for the latest Thorough Examination report

Where LOLER requires a Thorough Examination, make sure you have access to the current report before the equipment is used.

Don't rely solely on a verbal assurance that the equipment has been inspected. Obtain the relevant documentation and check that it relates to the equipment being supplied.

2. Check when the next examination is due

Review the report to establish the next examination date or the applicable examination arrangements.

The interval will depend on the equipment and the applicable requirements. LOLER generally specifies examination at least every six months for equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories, and every twelve months for other lifting equipment, unless a competent person's examination scheme specifies different intervals.

3. Confirm who will arrange future examinations

If equipment is hired for an extended period, establish who is responsible for arranging subsequent examinations.

Make sure this is agreed with the hire company and recorded in the hire arrangements. Don't assume that an examination will automatically be booked when it becomes due.

4. Check that the report matches the equipment

Confirm that the report identifies the correct equipment. Where possible, compare identifying details such as the asset number, serial number or other equipment reference.

This is particularly important when several similar items are hired or equipment is moved between sites.

5. Remember that a Thorough Examination isn't routine maintenance

A LOLER Thorough Examination is a separate, systematic examination by a competent person. It does not replace routine maintenance, servicing or the checks required before use.

Equipment must still be suitable for the task, properly maintained and used by appropriately trained people. Any defects or concerns should be dealt with before the equipment is used where safety may be affected.

What happens if hired equipment needs an examination?

If an examination is due, or you cannot establish whether the necessary report is current, clarify the position before using the equipment.

Contact the hire company to request the relevant documentation and agree who will arrange the examination.

If an independent Thorough Examination is needed, a specialist provider can help establish the requirements and arrange an appropriate inspection.

This can be particularly useful when equipment is already on site, a project is underway or several items need to be examined together.

Planning ahead helps everyone understand what needs to happen and reduces the risk of avoidable last-minute disruption.

How Mech Inspect can help

At Mechanical Inspection Services Ltd, we provide independent LOLER Thorough Examinations for businesses across a wide range of industries.

We work with businesses that own, operate and manage lifting equipment, helping them arrange examinations and maintain clear inspection records.

Our service includes:

Independent LOLER Thorough Examinations by competent Engineering Surveyors.
On-site examinations at suitable locations, including industrial premises, construction sites and plant hire customer sites.
Clear digital inspection reports.
Support with identifying equipment examination requirements.
A responsive, practical service tailored to your equipment and operational needs.

Whether you need an examination for a single item or are managing multiple assets across different locations, our team can discuss your requirements.