Site Management · Mandatory · Construction

Lifting Equipment Register

The Lifting Equipment Register records all lifting equipment and lifting accessories on site, including cranes, hoists, slings, shackles, and eyebolts, along with their safe working loads, thorough examination certificates, and next examination dates. Under LOLER 1998, lifting equipment must undergo thorough examination at statutory intervals by a competent person before being put into service.

Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. LOLER 1998 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.

1. LOLER Register — Tracking All Lifting Equipment on Site

The LOLER register is the master record of all equipment subject to LOLER thorough examination — from the tower crane to the last shackle. It tracks examination dates, safe working loads, certificate references, and next due dates. It is the first document HSE requests during a crane or lifting incident investigation.

The register must be maintained in real time — updated when equipment arrives, when examinations are completed, and when equipment leaves site. A weekly review identifies equipment approaching its due date.

Lifting equipment with an expired LOLER certificate must not be used — use is a criminal offence

LOLER Regulation 9 requires examination at defined intervals. Operating with an expired certificate is a criminal offence, not just a civil liability. The register must include 'next due' for every item, actively managed. Equipment that cannot be examined in time must be taken out of service.

2. LOLER Register — What to Record for Each Item

Field	Content
Equipment ID	Description, make/model, serial number, unique site ref.
SWL	Safe Working Load (as marked on equipment).
Category	Accessory / people-lifting / other — determines exam interval.
Last examination	Date, examiner, certificate reference.
Next due	Date by which next thorough examination must be completed.
Examination report	Location of written report (on file).
PUWER inspection	Last PUWER periodic inspection date. Next due.
Defects found	Any defects at examination or inspection. Status: rectified/in progress/deferred.
In service / off site	Current status.

3. Common Mistakes

Not tracking lifting accessories — only recording the crane

The most commonly missed items are chains, slings (polyester, wire rope, chain), shackles, eyebolts, and hooks. These require examination every 6 months. Each must have a unique identifier for traceability.

No unique identifier on accessories

A shackle cannot be traced to its examination certificate without a unique ID. Accessories must be marked with colour-coded paint (annual coding), stamp, or engraved reference. The LOLER ACoP recommends 6-monthly colour coding.

Showing equipment as on site when it has left creates confusion during audits. Every movement — arrival and departure — must be reflected in the register.

Not reviewing register before accepting new plant on hire

The LOLER certificate must be reviewed on arrival before equipment is used. A certificate expiring in 2 weeks when the site needs the equipment for 6 weeks means an examination must be arranged or a replacement sourced.

Examination by non-independent person

HSE guidance and the LOLER ACoP support examination by a person independent from maintenance and the user. Major construction equipment should be examined by UKAS-accredited bodies. In-house examination by the operator or site engineer does not meet the independence standard.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a LOLER examination and a PUWER inspection?▾

LOLER (Regulation 9): statutory at defined intervals (6 or 12 months), by a competent person, with a written report. Focuses on safety-critical components. PUWER (Regulation 6): applies to all work equipment, frequency based on risk, can be done by an appropriately competent person. Less formal. Lifting equipment needs BOTH.

Can the examination be done on site?▾

Typically yes — the examiner comes to the equipment. For large cranes and hoists, examination is always on site. For accessories, it may be on site or at the examiner's workshop. A written report is issued after the examination and retained.

What is colour coding for lifting accessories?▾

Colour coding provides quick visual identification of current examination status. A colour (e.g. green for one 6-month period, red for the next) is applied by the examiner. All accessories with the current colour are 'in date'. Colours are defined by the examination scheme and consistently applied.

Who is responsible for LOLER on hired plant?▾

The hire company (owner) ensures a valid certificate when the equipment is hired out. The hirer (PC or subcontractor) confirms the certificate is current before use and does not use equipment with an expired certificate. If operated hire (crane), responsibility for operation sits with the hire company under their Appointed Person.

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