Vehicle lifts used in garages, workshops, and fleet maintenance facilities must undergo regular vehicle lift inspection and thorough examinations to remain safe and compliant with UK legislation. Understanding how often vehicle lift inspections are required helps businesses meet their legal obligations and protect technicians working beneath raised vehicles.
Vehicle lift regulations covered by two key pieces of legislation, The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), but they are also supported by British Standards: Vehicle lifts. Installation, maintenance, thorough examination and safe use. Code of practice.
But Are Vehicle Lifts Covered by LOLER or PUWER? Find out here →
In accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER 1998) and BS 7980:2024; Vehicle lifts. Installation, maintenance, thorough examination and safe use. Code of practice, vehicle lifts must undergo a thorough examination at least every 6 months.
Although LOLER generally requires a 12 month examination interval for lifting equipment that only raises loads, vehicle lifts are inspected and thoroughly examined more frequently because they are used in situations where people work directly beneath the lifted vehicle.
This increased inspection frequency reflects the higher level of risk associated with vehicle lift operation in workshop environments.
MORE ABOUT SAFETY REGULATIONS
Vehicle lifts support heavy loads directly above technicians and engineers. If a mechanical or structural failure were to occur, the consequences could be severe.
For this reason, vehicle lift inspection and thorough examinations are typically required every 6 months in most garage and workshop settings. This applies to common types of lifting equipment such as:
› Two-post vehicle lifts
› Four-post vehicle lifts
› Scissor lifts
› Mobile column lifts
› In-ground vehicle lifts
Regular vehicle lift examinations help identify wear, deterioration, and defects before they become dangerous.
Why Regular Vehicle Lift Inspections Matter
Carrying out regular vehicle lift inspections and vehicle lift LOLER inspections helps to:
› Protect technicians working beneath vehicles
› Demonstrate compliance with legal requirements
› Reduce risk of equipment failure
› Support insurance and safety management systems
Failing to carry out vehicle lift thorough examinations at the required intervals may result in enforcement action and increased safety risks.
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.
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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
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