Vehicle lifts used in garages, workshops, and fleet maintenance facilities are subject to UK health and safety legislation. Both LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 apply to vehicle lifts, and duty holders must ensure equipment is regularly inspected as part of their vehicle lift inspections and vehicle lift thorough examinations.
Understanding how these vehicle lift regulations apply helps businesses remain compliant and protects engineers and technicians working around lifting equipment.
A vehicle lift is lifting equipment designed to raise cars, vans, buses, or other vehicles off the ground to allow maintenance, vehicle lift inspections, or repair work underneath.
Because vehicle lifts raise heavy loads and create a risk to people, they fall under both LOLER (lifting equipment) and PUWER (workplace equipment safety) regulations. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is a core part of professional inspection services for vehicle lifts.
MORE ABOUT SAFETY REGULATIONS
Yes, vehicle lifts are covered by Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER 1998) because they lift loads and present a risk to people, especially technicians who work beneath the raised vehicles.
Under LOLER, duty holders must ensure that:
› Lifting equipment is strong, stable, and suitable for its intended use
› Equipment is positioned and installed safely
› It is thoroughly examined by a competent person at regular intervals
› Defects are identified and addressed promptly
In most workshop environments, vehicle lift thorough examinations are required every 6 months, as determined by a competent person, due to the risks associated with lifting vehicles.
Are Vehicle Lifts Covered by PUWER 1998?
Yes, vehicle lifts are covered by Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1998), which applies to all equipment used in a workplace.
Under PUWER, employers must ensure that vehicle lifts are:
› Suitable for the task and working environment
› Maintained in safe working condition
› Inspected regularly to identify deterioration or faults
› Used only by trained and competent personnel
PUWER works alongside LOLER to ensure vehicle lift inspections and thorough examinations keep equipment safe between formal examinations.
But how often do vehicle lifts needs thorough exanimations →
What is the difference between LOLER and PUWER for Vehicle Lifts?
Both of these regulations apply, but they focus on different aspects of safety.
LOLER requires:
› Vehicle lift thorough examinations by a competent person
› Formal inspection at defined intervals
› Identification of defects which could become dangerous
PUWER requires:
› Equipment is safe to use
› Regular maintenance and inspections
› Safe operation and training
Together, these Vehicle Lift Regulations ensure lifting equipment is properly maintained and receive regular vehicle lift inspections and thorough examinations.
Vehicle lift inspections and thorough examinations help ensure:
› Safe working conditions for technicians
› Compliance with LOLER and PUWER
› Identification of faults before failure
› Reduced risk of injury or enforcement action
Failing to carry out vehicle lift inspections and thorough examinations can lead to serious safety risks and potential legal consequences.
Information provided on this page is based on the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and associated guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive relating to the inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment. The scope and frequency of vehicle lift inspections and thorough examinations should be determined by a competent person, taking into account the type of equipment, its usage, operating environment, and the risk of deterioration or failure.
Related Compliance Topics
for Industrial Doors
LOLER Inspection Testing and
Thorough Examination Services →
MORE INFORMATION ON VEHICLE LIFT INSPECTIONS
Ensure your vehicle lifts remain safe, compliant, and fully operational. Our competent engineers provide professional vehicle lift inspections, LOLER inspections, and thorough examinations tailored to your workshop or fleet environment.
Call us today on 0330 113 7920 or contact us online to arrange your vehicle lift inspection and thorough examination.
How can we help?
To learn more or if you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us. You can also request a call back using our online form.
T: 0330 113 7920
E: sales@plantandsafety.co.uk
Useful Links