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LOLER and PUWER software for plant and tool hire companies
Telehandlers, MEWPs, excavators and lifting accessories each have their own examination cycle. LolerFlow tracks every one across every depot, so nothing leaves the yard overdue.
Hire companies must make sure every piece of lifting equipment leaves the yard with evidence of its last thorough examination, under LOLER Regulation 9(4). LolerFlow keeps the examination record, the certificate and the next due date for every machine and accessory in your fleet, across every depot. Every machine on hire is also work equipment under PUWER, so its maintenance and inspection records travel with the LOLER certificate.
Last updated October 2026 · Written by the LolerFlow Editorial Team · Facts checked against HSE and legislation.gov.uk
How often does hired lifting equipment need a LOLER examination?
It depends on what the machine does, not what it is. A telehandler lifting goods needs a thorough examination at least every 12 months. The same telehandler fitted with a man basket lifts people, so it drops to every 6 months. MEWPs lift people, so they are always 6 months. Chains, slings and shackles are lifting accessories, so they are 6 months too. LOLER Regulation 9(4) also says no lifting equipment may leave your business, or be used on someone else's site, without physical evidence that its last thorough examination was done.
| Equipment | Rule | Thorough examination |
|---|---|---|
| Telehandler, lifting goods only | LOLER and PUWER | 12 months |
| Telehandler with a man basket | LOLER and PUWER | 6 months |
| MEWPs and access platforms | LOLER and PUWER | 6 months |
| Excavator used for lifting | LOLER and PUWER | 12 months |
| Lorry loader crane | LOLER and PUWER | 12 months |
| Lifting accessories (chains, slings, shackles) | LOLER | 6 months |
These are the standard legal intervals. A written scheme of examination can set different ones, and LolerFlow follows whichever applies.
MEWPs and PUWER in the same register. Run your 6 monthly MEWP examinations with a dedicated template, and record PUWER inspections for the rest of the fleet, without a second system. MEWP inspections · PUWER inspections
- LOLER 1998, Regulation 9(3) intervals and Regulation 9(4) evidence of examination, legislation.gov.uk
- HSE: Lifting equipment used for lifting people at work, hse.gov.uk
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Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for LOLER on hired equipment?
The hire company must supply lifting equipment with evidence of its last thorough examination. The customer using it must make sure it is examined while it is in their care if the hire runs past the due date, and must carry out lifting operations safely. Agree in writing who arranges examinations on long hires.
How often does a telehandler need a LOLER inspection?
At least every 12 months when it lifts goods only, and at least every 6 months when it is used to lift people, for example with a man basket. A written scheme of examination can set different intervals.
Do MEWPs need a LOLER thorough examination every 6 months?
Yes. MEWPs lift people, so LOLER requires a thorough examination at least every 6 months, unless a written scheme of examination sets a different interval.
Does an excavator need a LOLER inspection?
Only if it is used for lifting, for example lifting pipes with a chain from the bucket. Then it is lifting equipment and needs a thorough examination at least every 12 months, and its lifting accessories every 6 months.
Can my customers get certificates without calling us?
Yes. Customers can log in to the client portal and download the current certificate for any machine on hire to them, or you can send it from LolerFlow in a few seconds.
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