Inspection Is Not One Single Service
A pre-use check is an operator check before work. A maintenance inspection looks for deterioration within an ongoing maintenance programme. A thorough examination under LOLER is a systematic assessment by a competent person, followed by the required written report.
Booking a service visit does not automatically arrange a statutory thorough examination. Equally, a current examination report does not prove that equipment remains fault-free today. The dutyholder needs the appropriate checks, maintenance and examination arrangements working together throughout the equipment life.
When Thorough Examination Is Due
For equipment lifting people, HSE describes a six-month examination interval unless a competent person has drawn up an examination scheme specifying otherwise. Extra examination may be necessary after exceptional circumstances that could affect safety, such as damage, prolonged disuse or major changes. Read HSE guidance on examination intervals.
Check the current report and the next due date before planning work. If a report is missing or the scope is unclear, ask the competent person what evidence is required. A sticker on a machine is not a substitute for the written report and the identification details it contains.
Information To Prepare For A Visit
Provide the make, model, serial number, location and available maintenance history. Send previous examination reports, details of repairs and any known faults. Explain whether the equipment is currently operating, isolated or awaiting a decision about return to service.
The examination needs safe access to the machine and a suitable area for any checks identified by the examiner. Confirm access to keys, power and relevant documentation. If specialist testing or dismantling is needed, the competent person should establish that scope rather than assuming a generic checklist covers every model.
Competence Impartiality And Findings
The person completing a thorough examination needs appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge of the equipment. They must be able to recognise defects and judge their significance. HSE also explains the need for independence and impartiality, including avoiding assessment of their own routine maintenance work.
The written report identifies the equipment, examination date, next due date and relevant defects. Dangerous findings require action, and serious defects have reporting obligations. The dutyholder should understand any restriction, repair deadline or isolation instruction before the equipment is used again.
What Affects MEWP Inspection Cost
The equipment type, number of machines, site access and scope of the inspection affect the quotation. Additional testing, examination after damage or incomplete history can need more investigation. A combined visit may differ from arranging separate attendance at several locations.
Ask whether the quote covers a routine inspection, a LOLER thorough examination or both. Confirm what reporting is included and whether repairs are quoted separately. Never assume that a paid examination guarantees a pass, and keep equipment out of use where the findings require it.
UK Duties And Safe Use
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require suitable planning, supervision and competence where work at height is involved. PUWER 1998 covers suitability, maintenance and training for work equipment.
LOLER 1998 adds duties for lifting operations and examination. Agree who plans, supervises and carries out each part of the work. Equipment hire does not transfer all site responsibilities to a supplier.
For equipment-specific advice, read the HSE MEWP safety guidance. The final selection and safe system of work must reflect your site and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Arranging The Examination
Identify The Requirement
Send machine details, the latest report, known faults and the reason for the inspection. Confirm whether a statutory thorough examination is required.
Prepare Safe Access
Agree the location, machine availability, records, keys and any testing arrangements with the competent person.
Act On The Report
Review findings and deadlines, arrange repairs where required, retain the report and update the next examination date. Follow any instruction to remove equipment from use.
MEWP Inspection Questions
Is A MEWP Service The Same As A LOLER Examination?
A MEWP service is not the same as a LOLER thorough examination. Servicing maintains equipment, while thorough examination assesses safety-critical condition and produces a statutory report. Your maintenance programme and examination arrangements must both be appropriate, and routine operator checks remain necessary even when the report is current.
How Often Does A MEWP Need Thorough Examination?
MEWP thorough examination is normally required at least every six months, or according to a competent person’s examination scheme. Exceptional events can trigger an earlier examination. Check the current written report and speak to the competent person about damage, major repair or prolonged disuse before returning equipment to use. Source: HSE MEWP guidance.
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