The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, requires thorough examination of lifting equipment, typically every 6 or 12 months.
LOLER applies to any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including cranes, hoists, fork-truck attachments, mobile elevating work platforms and accessories such as chains and slings. The regulations sit alongside PUWER, which covers work equipment more generally.
Each thorough examination is carried out by a competent person and recorded on a Report of Thorough Examination, which identifies any defect that is, or could become, a danger, and the timescale for putting it right.