Staying on top of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) is essential in any care setting — but paperwork often gets lost in the day-to-day pressures of running a busy home. Missing certificates or inspection dates can lead to serious compliance risks, especially during CQC inspections. This guide offers simple, effective LOLER record keeping tips to help care homes stay organised and fully compliant.
Why LOLER Records Matter
Care homes must ensure all lifting equipment — including hoists, slings, stand aids, and bath lifts — is inspected at least every six months by a qualified professional. But the inspection alone isn’t enough.
You also need to:
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Keep written LOLER reports on file
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Ensure certificates are accessible and up to date
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Be able to present them during audits or inspections
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Act promptly on any faults or advisories
7 LOLER Record Keeping Tips for Care Homes
✅ 1. Use Clear Asset Tags
Label each piece of lifting equipment with a unique tag or serial number. Avoid vague names like “Hoist 1” — use room numbers, resident initials, or asset codes for clarity.
✅ 2. Create a Central Record File
Maintain a dedicated folder — physical, digital, or both — where all LOLER certificates are stored. Separate valid reports from expired ones and organise them by equipment.
✅ 3. Track Due Dates with a Simple Spreadsheet
Use a basic tracker with these columns:
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Equipment name or ID
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Last inspection date
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Next due date
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Notes or advisories
This makes it easy to spot what’s due — and what might have been missed.
✅ 4. Set Calendar Alerts
Digital calendars are your best friend. Set reminders 30–45 days before each item’s next inspection is due. That gives you time to schedule it without risking a compliance gap.
✅ 5. Back Up Everything Digitally
Even if you keep paper records, scan and store them in a secure digital folder. Cloud storage works best — easy to access, easy to share, and protected against loss.
✅ 6. Train More Than One Person
Make sure at least two staff members understand how to find and manage LOLER records. This avoids delays if a key person is off sick or on leave.
✅ 7. Or Let Able Handle It for You
If staying on top of LOLER paperwork feels like one job too many, we can take it off your plate. Able’s online portal gives care homes access to:
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A full history of every item we inspect
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LOLER certificates stored and downloadable at any time
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Records of past faults, repairs, and engineer notes
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A clear view of upcoming inspections and due dates
Everything is in one place — secure, accessible, and always up to date. No spreadsheets, no chasing, no stress.
Talk to us about simplifying your LOLER compliance process.
