In brief
Find the latest examination report, confirm the next due date and give every outstanding action an owner.
Keep examination arrangements separate from the routine maintenance schedule.
How often does a lift need a thorough examination?
Find the report for the correct lift, check its identification number and locate the next examination date. Put that date into your building diary with an earlier reminder to arrange access. A maintenance visit on the calendar does not establish that the examination has been booked.
Where LOLER applies, equipment used to lift people is normally thoroughly examined every six months; other lifting equipment every twelve months. A scheme drawn up by a competent person can specify different intervals. Additional examinations may be needed after exceptional events. Check the actual report and scheme with your examiner.
Source: HSE examination guidance .
Does LOLER apply to a residential lift?
The building’s name alone does not settle this. Establish how the lift is used and who controls it, then confirm the applicable duties with a competent adviser.
LOLER concerns lifting equipment used at work. A building owner, employer or managing organisation with control of a lift should establish who is responsible for arranging the examination. Record the named person and their deputy, even when a contractor or insurer makes the booking.
Some passenger lifts used by the public fall outside LOLER, but other health and safety duties can still apply. Do not assume a residential or public building is exempt from safety responsibilities. Ask your competent adviser which requirements apply to your building.
Sources: HSE LOLER overview ; HSE passenger lift guidance .
What if the examination is overdue or the report is missing?
Contact the responsible building manager and examination provider promptly. Confirm the last examination, the actual due date and any unresolved defects. Request the full report; use the missing paperwork guide if you do not know who holds it.
A service visit, an insurance renewal or a future booking does not replace a required examination. Ask the competent provider what immediate action and restrictions on use are needed. Follow any instruction to stop use and keep the owner informed of unresolved arrangements.
If the lift has been out of use for a long period, damaged or substantially altered, ask the competent examiner what examination is needed before it returns to use; do not simply restart it because an old due date has not passed.
Source: HSE examination guidance .
Before the examination
- Confirm the lift identification, address and access arrangements in the booking.
- Ask who will attend and how the written report will be delivered.
- Share relevant maintenance records and information about changes or recent faults.
- Arrange an access contact and tell building users about the planned interruption.
- Ask whether specialist attendance or testing has been requested, who will arrange it and whether it is included in the price.
Provider example: EIS’s passenger and goods lift inspection service describes the lift types it examines and its service coverage. When arranging a visit, confirm that the provider can examine your particular equipment, what access or supporting attendance is needed and how you will receive the report. Use the HSE sources in this guide for the regulatory requirements.
Turn the report into actions
Check that the report relates to your lift. Put each defect, deadline, action owner and completion evidence into an action list. Clarify unclear wording with the examiner promptly.
HSE advises immediately taking a lift out of service when notified of a serious and significant defect. For defects given a repair deadline, arrange the work within that period and do not continue use beyond it without satisfactory remedy. Follow the examiner’s directions and obtain competent advice on return to service.
Keep the report and the resulting repair records together. A paid invoice alone may not explain what was put right; request a clear completion record.
Source: HSE lift owner leaflet .
Sources & scope
HSE · Thorough examinations and inspections HSE · Simple guidance for lift owners (PDF) HSE · LOLER overview HSE · Passenger lifts and escalatorsProvider examples checked on 16 October 2026; they illustrate services or reporting formats, not regulatory requirements or recommendations to appoint those companies.