What's the difference between a LOLER Thorough Examination and a daily crane inspection?

A LOLER Thorough Examination and a daily crane inspection are both important parts of lifting equipment safety, but they serve different purposes. A daily inspection is a routine check carried out by an operator before using the crane, while a LOLER Thorough Examination is a detailed statutory examination completed by a competent person at legally required intervals. Together, these checks help ensure that overhead cranes remain safe, reliable, and suitable for use.

What Is a Daily Crane Inspection?
A daily crane inspection is a pre-use safety check carried out by the crane operator or another trained person before the equipment is operated. The purpose of this inspection is to identify any obvious faults, damage, or issues that could affect safe operation during the working day.

Daily checks typically include visually inspecting key components such as the hook, wire ropes, chains, controls, brakes, limit switches, emergency stop functions, and general condition of the crane. Operators should also test basic functions to confirm that lifting, lowering, travelling, and safety controls are operating correctly.

If a defect is identified during a daily inspection, the crane should not be used until the issue has been assessed and resolved. Any equipment that is unsafe should be removed from service and clearly marked “Do Not Use” to prevent accidental operation.

What Is a LOLER Thorough Examination?
A LOLER Thorough Examination is a formal and detailed inspection required under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). It must be completed by a competent person who has the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to assess the safety of lifting equipment.

Unlike a daily inspection, a LOLER Thorough Examination involves a much more detailed assessment of the crane’s condition and safety. The competent person examines critical components such as lifting mechanisms, hooks, ropes, chains, brakes, structural parts, and safety devices to determine whether the equipment remains safe for continued use.

A LOLER Thorough Examination must be carried out at suitable intervals depending on the type of lifting equipment and how it is used. For lifting equipment used to lift people, examinations are generally required every 6 months, while other lifting equipment is typically examined every 12 months unless a different frequency is specified by a competent person or examination scheme.

Key Differences Between Daily Inspections and LOLER Thorough Examinations
The main differences between the two checks are the purpose, person responsible, level of detail, and legal requirements.

A daily crane inspection is:
A routine pre-use check before operation
Usually completed by the crane operator
Designed to identify obvious faults and operational issues
Completed frequently, often at the start of each shift
Focused on immediate safety before use

A LOLER Thorough Examination is:
A formal legal examination under LOLER
Completed by a competent person
A detailed assessment of the crane’s safety and condition
Required at specific intervals
Supported by a written report identifying any defects or required actions

Why Are Both Checks Important?
Daily inspections and LOLER Thorough Examinations work together to maintain lifting equipment safety. A Thorough Examination provides a detailed assessment of the crane’s condition, but it does not replace daily operator checks. Problems can develop between examinations, meaning regular pre-use inspections remain essential for identifying issues early.

By completing daily inspections and ensuring LOLER Thorough Examinations are carried out when required, businesses can reduce the risk of equipment failure, protect operators and other workers, and maintain compliance with UK lifting equipment safety requirements.