Course 3 of 7
Safety and the law.
The UK rules that apply to lifts, explained in plain English and linked to the official sources.
The lessons.
Work through them in order, or start with the one you need.
- Passenger lift regulationsThe laws that apply to a lift at each stage of its life, and how they fit together.13 min
- Who is responsible for a liftOwners, managing agents, employers and accountable persons: who does what.15 min
- How to read a LOLER reportEach section of a report of thorough examination, and what to do next.8 min
- Supplementary tests and load testingWhen an examiner asks for extra tests, and what they involve.12 min
- Accessible lifts and the lawThe Equality Act, Part M and the standards for accessible lifts.14 min
- Fire safety duties for liftsWhat fire safety law asks of building owners with lifts.19 min
- EN 81 standards explainedA map of the EN 81 family of lift standards and what each part covers.19 min
Core reading.
Our main guides on these topics. The lessons link to them wherever they go into more depth.
Questions about your lifts?
Talk to an engineer about maintenance, repairs, examinations or a lift that is giving you trouble.
Common questions.
Practical answers about this course and its topics.
Is this legal advice?
No. The lessons explain UK lift law in plain English and link to the official sources. For decisions about your building, rely on your competent person, your insurer and qualified legal advice.
Does LOLER apply to lifts in residential blocks?
It depends on how the lift is provided and used. LOLER applies to lifts provided for use at work. Where it does not apply directly, anyone in control of a lift as part of a business still has general health and safety duties, and HSE says a similar regime of maintenance, inspection and thorough examination may be reasonably practicable.
How often does a lift need a thorough examination?
Lifts carrying people are normally examined every 6 months and goods-only lifts every 12 months, unless a competent person’s examination scheme specifies other intervals. An extra examination is needed after exceptional circumstances, such as damage, a long period out of use or a major change in how the lift is used.