What is Thorough Examination

What is a Thorough Examination?

A Thorough Examination is like a car’s MOT for lifting equipment and machinery, it covers both the lifting and driving mechanisms of the equipment.

The examination is of the lifting parts of a machine, any attachments used for lifting and of other safety-critical parts of the machine that are not part of the lifting mechanism. It is a formal inspection and certification that equipment is in a safe condition. The examination is separate to a trucks or machines regular maintenance programme.How often should a LOLER Thorough Examination be done?

The examination should be carried out every six months for lifting equipment used to lift people. For all other lifting equipment, the interval is 12 months. There are however exceptions…

Exceptions to Thorough Examination intervals

First Time Use: Lifting equipment must be examined if it is used for the first time unless it has an EC Declaration of Conformity less than one-year-old and the equipment was not assembled on site. If the lifting equipment was assembled on site, it must be examined to ensure that the assembly was completed correctly and safely. This is before use at each location and is for equipment that requires assembly or installation before use such as platform lifts or tower cranes.Extreme Conditions: If equipment is exposed to conditions that cause accelerated deterioration an examination scheme of more greater regularity may be required.Exceptional Circumstances: Situations that would cause equipment to require examination include damage or failure, modifications, repair or replacement of critical parts. If you are unsure how often your equipment should be tested, please give us a call.