By Lolerflow Team | LOLER Compliance Specialists
Does LOLER Apply to Cranes?
Yes, without exception. Regulation 2 of LOLER 1998 defines lifting equipment as "work equipment for lifting or lowering loads, including its attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it." Every crane used at work — regardless of size, type, or SWL — falls within scope.
The duties under LOLER apply to the employer (or self-employed person) who has control of the crane, regardless of whether they own it. Hire companies, contractors, and site operators all have overlapping duties depending on who has operational control.
Examination Intervals by Crane Type
| Crane type | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead / gantry crane | 12 months | Fixed installation — includes runway rails and end stops in examination scope |
| Mobile crane | 12 months | Also requires examination after each new assembly on site |
| Tower crane | 12 months | Re-examination required after each erection; foundation and mast anchors included |
| Lorry-mounted crane (HIAB) | 12 months | Often used with lifting accessories — accessories examined at 6 months |
| Man-riding crane | 6 months | Any crane that lifts persons, regardless of primary use |
| Jib crane (wall/floor-mounted) | 12 months | Small jib cranes fully in scope — no minimum SWL threshold |
What a Crane Thorough Examination Covers
A thorough examination of a crane is more extensive than for simpler lifting equipment. The competent person must examine:
After Assembly on Site
Regulation 9(1)(b) requires a thorough examination each time a crane is assembled or installed in a new location, where its safety depends on the installation conditions. This applies to tower cranes, mobile cranes erected for a specific project, and rail-mounted gantry cranes installed in a new facility. The 12-month periodic examination clock restarts from the date of the post-assembly examination.
Lifting Accessories Used with Cranes
Cranes are almost always used with lifting accessories — chains, slings, shackles, hooks, spreader beams. These accessories are examined separately from the crane itself and at a shorter interval: every 6 months. A crane with a current 12-month certificate but with overdue accessory examinations is still non-compliant.
Track every crane exam — and its accessories — in one place
Lolerflow tracks crane and accessory examinations separately, alerts you before each interval, and generates Schedule 1-compliant reports automatically. 30-day free trial.
Start free trial →