If you work in a care home, it’s essential to understand and follow LOLER regulations. These legal requirements exist to protect both residents and staff by ensuring the safe use of lifting equipment such as hoists, slings, and stand aids. In this post, we’ll clearly explain what LOLER is, who it affects, and—most importantly—how your care home can stay fully compliant.

What are Care Home LOLER Regulations?

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998—a key piece of UK legislation designed to ensure that lifting equipment is both safe to use and properly maintained. In care homes, these regulations apply specifically to patient lifting equipment, including:

Why are Care Home LOLER Regulations important?

In care environments, staff rely on lifting equipment daily to move residents safely and with dignity. However, when this equipment isn’t properly maintained, inspected, or shows signs of wear and tear, the consequences can be serious. These risks include injuries to both residents and staff, potential legal action, and negative outcomes during CQC inspections.

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To help prevent such incidents, LOLER regulations require care homes to carry out regular inspections and servicing as a legal obligation—not just best practice.

What does LOLER require?

If you’re responsible for managing equipment in a care home, staying on top of LOLER requirements is a key part of your role. To remain compliant, you need to make sure that:

  • All lifting equipment used for moving people is thoroughly examined at least every six months by a competent person

  • Accessories such as slings are also inspected every six months

  • Inspection and servicing records are kept up to date and easily accessible for review

  • Any equipment found to be unsafe is removed from use immediately

These essential checks must be completed in addition to any routine maintenance carried out by your internal team. Typically, a “competent person” refers to an external specialist who is qualified and trained specifically in LOLER inspections.

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How often should hoists and slings be inspected?

To comply with LOLER regulations, it’s essential to follow a regular inspection schedule for all lifting equipment used in your care home. Here’s what’s required:

  • Patient hoists: Every 6 months

  • Slings and lifting accessories: Every 6 months

  • Lifting equipment not used to move people (e.g. certain trolleys): Every 12 months, depending on usage

Skipping these inspections doesn’t just increase the risk of injury—it can also result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a negative assessment from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

What happens during a LOLER inspection?

A LOLER inspection—also known as a thorough examination—is designed to assess whether your lifting equipment is safe, functional, and legally compliant. During the inspection, a qualified engineer will typically carry out:

  • Visual checks for wear, damage, or corrosion

  • Functional tests to confirm proper movement and braking

  • Inspection of safety features such as emergency stops and controls

  • Review of maintenance logs and previous inspection records

  • Issuance of a LOLER inspection certificate confirming compliance

These steps help identify issues early and ensure that all equipment meets safety standards before further use.

How can your care home stay compliant with LOLER?

To maintain compliance and keep both residents and staff safe, your care home should:

  • Maintain a LOLER inspection schedule to ensure timely checks

  • Use trained, qualified engineers who are experienced in LOLER assessments

  • Keep clear and accurate records of all inspections, servicing, and repairs

  • Take immediate action on any equipment found to be unsafe or non-compliant

Proactive planning, proper documentation, and working with a trusted inspection provider can make LOLER compliance a straightforward part of your safety routine.

Want some specific information about care home LOLER regulations??

At Able Healthcare Solutions, we specialise in LOLER testing and care home equipment servicing. Our experienced engineers carry out thorough inspections in line with the latest legislation, providing full certification and peace of mind.

Learn more about our LOLER testing and equipment servicing here.