The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 require that equipment used for lifting persons is thoroughly examined every 6 months. In care homes this means hoists, ceiling tracks, stairlifts and bath hoists and it is one of the most consistently missed compliance obligations.
Why this matters
A hoist past its 6-month examination date must be taken out of use. CQC inspectors ask to see examination certificates and treat overdue examinations as a safeguarding failure. HSE has prosecuted care providers following hoist incidents where examinations were not current.
What to do
- 1Audit every item of lifting equipment on site hoists, ceiling tracks, bath hoists, stairlifts, platform lifts, passenger lifts.
- 2Check the examination certificate for each item. The certificate states the next examination due date. Any item past that date must be taken out of service immediately.
- 3Appoint a LOAM (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment) competent person or contract with an engineering inspection body to carry out 6-monthly examinations.
- 4Include slings in your examination programme they are lifting accessories and subject to the same 6-monthly interval.
- 5Maintain a LOLER register listing each item, its SWL, last examination date, next due date and certificate reference.
Primary source
HSE LOLER 1998 Approved Code of Practice
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