As the year draws to a close, now is the perfect time to review your lifting equipment, testing schedules, and compliance documentation. Regular inspections and proof load testing not only ensure safety but also help businesses avoid downtime and costly repairs in the new year.
At LMT Hire Ltd, we work with companies across the UK to keep their lifting operations safe, compliant, and efficient — all year round. This end-of-year checklist will help you identify key tasks to complete before heading into 2026.
Review LOLER Inspection Dates
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), all lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals:
- Every 6 months Lifting Accessories and equipment used to lift people.
- Every 12 months for other lifting equipment.
- After any major repair or modification.
Check your inspection records now to ensure your next examination is booked. If your certificates are expiring soon, our team can help schedule your LOLER inspection or proof load test before the deadline.
For additional regulatory guidance, the HSE’s L113 Approved Code of Practice for Safe Use of Lifting Equipment provides comprehensive information on compliance.
Check Test Weight Certification
If your company hires or owns test weights for crane or hoist testing, make sure the documentation is up to date. All test weights should be traceable, clearly marked, and maintained within ±1% accuracy.
At LMT Hire, we offer over 500 tonnes of test weights, complete with cradles and lifting points — available for short- or long-term hire.
Explore our Test Weight Hire options to support your testing and compliance requirements
Inspect Lifting Equipment Condition
Now is also the ideal time to review your lifting gear inventory. Check slings, shackles, eyebolts, and wire ropes for wear, corrosion, or deformation. Replace any equipment showing signs of fatigue or damage.
If you need replacements, our Lifting Equipment range includes fully certified and LOLER-compliant products ready for immediate delivery.
All equipment should meet both LOLER and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) standards to ensure complete compliance.
Plan for the New Year
Once your checks are complete, create a maintenance and testing calendar for the coming year. Booking in advance helps ensure engineer availability and avoids last-minute rushes — especially during busy industry periods.
Our engineers can assist with planning your next proof load testing, LOLER inspections, or lifting equipment re-certifications to make sure your operations start 2026 safely and efficiently.
Stay Compliant, Stay Safe
Taking time now to review your lifting operations helps prevent unplanned downtime and keeps your workforce safe. Our testing processes comply with ISO 7500-1:2018 standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability in every test.
If you’re unsure about your current compliance status, our experienced team can help with friendly, expert advice.
📞 Call us on 01709 223 113 or visit our contact page to book your inspection or test before the new year..