LOLER & PUWER inspections for garage equipment
Garage equipment inspections for MOT stations and fleet workshops. Vehicle lift and jack LOLER examinations, plus PUWER inspections for stands, tools and workshop equipment. Clear written findings and help planning your next visit.
The right inspection for each item
LOLER covers work equipment used to lift or lower loads and lifting accessories. PUWER deals with the suitability, safe condition, maintenance and use of work equipment. A lifting item can be subject to both. Hydraulics alone do not make an item LOLER equipment; the function and use determine the requirements.
Vehicle lifts
Two-post, four-post, scissor and mobile column lifts. LOLER thorough examination of the lift and safety-critical components, with PUWER inspection and maintenance requirements considered separately.
Jacks and lifting equipment
Trolley jacks, bottle jacks, transmission jacks, jacking beams, engine cranes and hoists. Tell us the make, model, rated capacity and how each item is used so we can confirm the examination scope.
Lifting accessories
Chains, slings, shackles and other accessories used to attach a load to lifting equipment. Identification, condition and the appropriate examination interval matter.
Stands, small tools and hydraulics
Axle stands, props, hydraulic presses, portable workshop tools and other equipment can need PUWER or risk-based safety inspection. A non-lifting stand or tool is not automatically covered by LOLER. Pressure-system examination and electrical testing are separate services and are not implied by this offer.
When is an inspection due?
These are starting points from HSE garage guidance. The competent person confirms the applicable interval or examination scheme for the actual equipment and use. Heavy use, damage or other circumstances can justify an earlier inspection.
Vehicle lifts
HSE recommends thorough examination every 6 months.
Trolley/bottle jacks, engine hoists and similar lifting equipment
HSE garage guidance specifies thorough examination every 12 months.
Lifting accessories
Thorough examination every 6 months.
Axle stands and load-supporting props
HSE garage guidance specifies competent-person inspection every 12 months.
Other PUWER equipment
Inspection frequency determined by risk assessment, use, environment and manufacturer's instructions; there is no single interval for every tool.
New installation, reassembly or relocation can require examination before use where safety depends on installation. Exceptional events such as serious damage, major modification or safety-critical repair can also trigger examination. A thorough examination does not replace servicing, operator checks or safe working practices.
See examples from our inspection checklists
These blank extracts come from TPGE's active inspection forms. They show the questions and records used by our engineers. They are examples of our checklists, not a completed report or a self-certification tool. The applicable items and methods depend on the equipment and the competent person's examination.
Sample A — TPGE LOLER Thorough Examination
- â–¡ Identification, rated capacity and SWL markings
- â–¡ Main structure, welds, anchors and fasteners
- â–¡ Platforms, arms, runways, supports, pads and chocks
- â–¡ Ropes, chains, cables, sheaves, drums and sprockets
- â–¡ Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- â–¡ Lifting screws, nuts, gears and bearings
- â–¡ Locks, latches, brakes and load-holding devices
- â–¡ Synchronisation, limits, controls and emergency stops
- â–¡ Guards and protection from dangerous or falling parts
- â–¡ Electrical equipment, wiring and isolation
- â–¡ Condition, corrosion, damage, wear, lubrication and leaks
- â–¡ Functional operation through the full working range
Outcome choices: Satisfactory · Defect · Not applicable
Report records: examination basis; scope and limitations; tests and results; defects and required rectification; equipment status; evidence photographs; engineer signature; date next thorough examination is due.
Sample B — TPGE Vehicle Lift PUWER
- â–¡ Manufacturer Instructions Reviewed
- â–¡ Previous Inspection and Maintenance Records Reviewed
- â–¡ Suitable for Intended Use and Working Conditions
- â–¡ Installation Position Stability and Anchors
- â–¡ Arm Restraints Pads Runways and Vehicle Supports
- â–¡ Mechanical Locks and Load Holding Devices
- â–¡ Operating Controls Clearly Identified and Functional
- â–¡ Stop and Emergency Stop Functions
- â–¡ Isolation from All Energy Sources
- â–¡ Safe Access Clearance Lighting and Work Area
- â–¡ Maintenance Log Up to Date
- â–¡ Operator Instructions Available
Report records: inspection reason; scope and limitations; defects and required rectification; immediate action and isolation details; overall result; inspection date; next inspection due; evidence photograph; engineer signature.
This PUWER example is a vehicle-lift checklist. Jacks, stands, tools and other hydraulic equipment require a checklist matched to that item, rather than every lift question being applied unchanged.
Clear reports. Clear next steps.
Your report records the equipment examined, scope, findings, defects, required action and next due date. Unsafe equipment must not remain in use. Serious dangerous defects require prompt notification and statutory reporting where applicable. A thorough examination is separate from servicing and calibration. The competent examiner decides the necessary tests and dismantling and must be sufficiently independent and impartial; they should not assess their own routine maintenance work. TPGE confirms the examination arrangements when scoping your visit.
One planned visit starts with your equipment list
Send your site postcode, contact details, equipment types and quantities, make/model, serial numbers, rated capacities and previous reports or due dates. TPGE confirms access, scope and a quotation before booking. Applicable inspections are completed and findings recorded; repairs or re-examination are agreed separately. Ask us to coordinate future inspection dates with your MOT calibration and servicing schedule, with separate records for each service.
Council, police and ambulance fleet workshops.
Transpennine welcomes garage equipment, calibration, repair and LOLER or PUWER inspection enquiries from local authorities, police forces and ambulance services. Send the workshop locations, equipment register, quantities, due dates, required service scope and tender reference. We can prepare an itemised quotation and confirm specifications, visit arrangements and reporting for your procurement review. Include your required supplier documents so we can confirm what can be provided. Coverage, competence requirements and contract terms are agreed for each enquiry.