LOLER requirements
Inspection frequency, duty holder responsibilities, and reporting clarity.
Compliance resource hub
LOLER guidance, trappings response, and lift safety best practice in one place.
Built for duty holders, managing agents, and facilities teams across London, Kent and the South East.
- LOLER inspection essentials
- Passenger trappings guidance
- Lift safety best practice
At a glance
Practical guidance to keep lifts safe, compliant, and reliable.
Passenger trappings
What to do, what not to do, and how to speed up safe release.
Lift safety best practice
Daily checks, record keeping, and communication standards.
LOLER essentials
Keep lifts compliant with consistent inspections and clear reporting.
We guide duty holders through inspection cycles, defect classifications, and remedial planning.
What duty holders need
- Scheduled LOLER inspections (typically 6 months for passenger lifts)
- Clear defect classification with priorities and timelines
- Documented findings for audits and compliance records
- Practical recommendations for remedial planning
Passenger trappings guidance
Minutes matter. Calm communication and safe procedures are essential.
We respond 24/7 and provide incident reporting after every attendance.
Do
- Use the intercom to reassure passengers.
- Confirm lift location and any fault codes.
- Secure access to the plant room and keys.
- Keep the area clear for the engineer.
Do not
- Force doors or attempt manual release.
- Reset the lift repeatedly if the fault persists.
- Leave passengers without updates.
Lift safety best practice
Small habits that reduce risk and improve compliance.
We support facilities teams with clear guidance and follow-up reporting.
- Keep logbooks updated with visit history and defects.
- Report unusual noises, levelling issues, or door problems early.
- Ensure alarm and autodialler systems are tested regularly.
- Maintain safe access to machine rooms and control panels.
- Plan repairs promptly after defects are identified.
Compliance documentation checklist
Keep records clear and accessible for audits and duty holder reviews.
- Latest LOLER inspection report and defect classifications
- Maintenance logbook with completed visits
- Emergency call-out and incident reports
- Records of completed remedial works
- Contact list for emergency response
Support from Durant Lifts
A family run business focused on safe, compliant outcomes.
Maintenance contracts
PPM servicing, compliance checks, and 24/7 call-out cover.
View maintenance
Repairs and diagnostics
Fault finding, safe reinstatement, and clear reporting.
View repairsLOLER inspections
Independent inspections with defect classification and reports.
View LOLERCompliance hub FAQ
Short answers for duty holders and facilities teams.
What is LOLER and who is responsible?
LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. Duty holders are responsible for ensuring lifts are inspected and maintained to compliance requirements.
How often do lifts need LOLER inspections?
Passenger lifts are typically inspected every 6 months and goods-only lifts every 12 months, depending on risk and usage.
What should we do if passengers are trapped?
Keep passengers calm, use the intercom, avoid forcing doors, and call a 24/7 trappings response engineer immediately.
Do you provide incident reports after call-outs?
Yes. We provide clear incident reporting with actions taken and recommendations for follow-up repairs or servicing.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover London, Kent and the South East for lift maintenance, repairs, and compliance support.
How much does a LOLER inspection cost?
A LOLER thorough examination typically costs £75 to £250 per lift per examination in the UK as of June 2026. Passenger lifts need one at least every 6 months, so budget for two per lift per year. See our lift maintenance cost guide for the full picture.
How quickly is the LOLER report issued after an examination?
The written report must be issued within 28 days of the examination, and immediately if a defect poses an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury. Serious defects are also notified to the enforcing authority.
What happens if a lift misses its LOLER examination?
Operating a passenger lift without a current thorough examination breaches LOLER. Enforcement ranges from improvement notices to prohibition notices taking the lift out of service, and prosecution after incidents. Many building insurance policies also require LOLER compliance as a condition of cover.
Is lift maintenance a legal requirement?
In practice, yes. PUWER 1998 requires lifts to be maintained in efficient working order, and a planned maintenance contract is how most duty holders meet that duty. Typical contract costs are covered in our cost guide, and repair budgeting in our repair cost guide.