When managing a fleet with lifting equipment; such as tail lifts, cranes, hoists, or other machinery used to raise or lower loads, it’s vital to ensure safety, compliance, and reliability. One of the key means of doing so in the UK is through LOLER testing. In this blog we’ll explain:
By the end, you’ll be able to see why LOLER testing is critical, and how we can support you in meeting your legal and operational obligations.
What Is LOLER Testing?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These are regulations under UK law that place responsibility on businesses and organisations to ensure lifting equipment used at work is safe and fit for purpose.
A LOLER examination (often called “LOLER testing”) is a Thorough Examination of lifting equipment carried out by a competent person. It goes beyond routine maintenance checks: the examiner inspects the structure, safety systems, load-bearing parts, and operation of the equipment to identify defects, wear, or potential failure points.
The kinds of equipment subject to LOLER include (but are not limited to):
Tail lifts (on commercial vehicles)
Cranes
Passenger lifts
Hoists, winches, chains, slings, ropes
Forklift attachments used for lifting
In the context of your fleet, LOLER testing is critical especially for tail lifts fitted to vans and trucks.
Why LOLER Testing Is Needed
LOLER is a legal requirement. As a “duty holder” (i.e. the person or company responsible for the equipment), you have an obligation to ensure that lifting equipment is maintained and thoroughly examined at specified intervals.
Here are some of the key reasons why LOLER testing is necessary:
Legal compliance
Failure to comply with LOLER regulations can lead to penalties, enforcement action, or shutdowns
Risk mitigation & safety
Lifting equipment failure can cause serious accidents, injuries, and damage to property or goods. Thorough examinations help detect problems before catastrophic failure.
Insurance and liability
Insurers may require evidence of periodic testing and maintenance to validate your coverage in the event of a claim.
Operational reliability
Finding defects early allows you to repair or replace parts before equipment fails and causes costly downtime.
Prolonging equipment life
Proper inspections and upkeep help prevent deterioration and extend the useful life of your lifting equipment.
Because a LOLER test is more than a casual look-over, it must be done by a competent person, with load testing, safety checks, functional tests, and a written report. You want a provider who fully understands the regulations and has experience dealing with lifting equipment in a transport or fleet context.
Benefits of Having LOLER Testing Done
Investing in LOLER examinations delivers both legal and practical benefits. Some of the most significant advantages include:
Peace of mind and safety assurance
You know your lifting equipment is safe, legal, and in good working order.
Reduced risk of breakdowns and failures
Because defects are caught early, you avoid unexpected failures, which can be costly in both repairs and downtime.
Better planning and budgeting
Recommended repairs or part replacements from the report allow you to budget and plan maintenance rather than reactive fixes.
Enhanced reputation & trust
Demonstrating compliance and safety diligence can win clients’ confidence, especially in sectors where safety is critical.
Legal protection
If an incident occurs, having up-to-date LOLER reports helps demonstrate you took your statutory duties seriously.
Optimised fleet performance
Reliable lifting systems mean smoother deliveries, loading/unloading, and fewer disruptions to operations.
How to Get LOLER Testing Done
If you’re considering LOLER testing for your tail lifts or other lifting equipment, here’s how to proceed:
Identify the lifting equipment in your fleet
Make a list of tail lifts, cranes, hoists, or attachments that require examination. Note their working loads, age, and past history.
Choose a competent provider
The law requires the test to be carried out by a “competent person” someone with the technical knowledge and practical experience to spot defects and assess risk.
Schedule the examination
For lifting equipment used to lift people, the thorough examination is required every six months. For other lifting equipment, it is typically every 12 months unless specified otherwise.
Allow access & provide documentation
The operator should give the examiner access to the equipment and any maintenance records, prior LOLER reports, or repair history.
Inspection & testing procedures
The examiner will undertake:
Visual inspection of structural and safety-critical parts
Functional tests (operating the lifting mechanisms and safety devices)
Load testing (applying test loads up to the maximum safe working load)
Checking controls, brakes, safety locks, cables, chains, limit switches, etc.
Reviewing documentation, repairs, modifications
Receive a Report of Thorough Examination
After the testing, you’ll receive a written report. This must include any defects found, their severity, recommendations, and deadlines for remedial work.
Carry out any remedial work
If defects are discovered, you must fix them within the timeframe specified in the report (or withdraw the equipment from service until safe).
Retain the report & plan the next test
Keep the LOLER report as part of your health & safety documentation and schedule the next test in line with regulatory requirements.
Working with a provider who offers mobile or on-site service helps minimise vehicle downtime by bringing the examination to your yard or depot.
MAX Fleet Car and Van: How We Can Help
At MAX Fleet Car and Van, we specialise in supporting fleets, commercial vehicles, and lifting equipment such as tail lifts. Here’s how we can help you with LOLER testing and related services:
Expert and certified examinations
We have highly trained engineers who understand LOLER regulations in depth and are experienced in handling tail lifts and other lifting devices.
Full service, from inspection to repair
We don’t just test, we also carry out remedial repairs or replacements to bring your equipment up to compliance.
Mobile service available
To reduce your fleet’s downtime, we offer mobile or on-site examinations, so you don’t have to bring every vehicle into a workshop.
Guaranteed compliance support
We ensure your lifting equipment meets the statutory intervals (every 6 or 12 months depending on use) and issue the formal written LOLER reports.
Preventative maintenance & inspections
While performing LOLER examinations, we also keep an eye out for wear and weaknesses, offering suggestions for preventative maintenance to prolong your equipment’s life.
Tail-lift specialism
Because many commercial vehicles rely heavily on tail lifts, we are particularly well-equipped to understand the challenges and specifications of these systems.
By using our services, your fleet’s lifting equipment remains safe, compliant, and reliable.
Contact MAX Fleet Care and Van about LOLER Testing
If you’d like to discuss LOLER testing for your tail lifts or other lifting equipment, or to learn about the range of related products and services we offer, please contact us at MAX Fleet Car and Van. We’ll be happy to assess your needs, quote for examinations and maintenance, and help keep your fleet operating safely and legally.
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