Running a care home in Cambridgeshire brings a host of daily challenges. However, making sure your lifting equipment stays safe and compliant doesn’t need to be one of them. That’s exactly where we come in. With relaxed yet reliable LOLER testing in Cambridgeshire, you’ll meet your legal obligations without the usual stress or confusion.
LOLER Testing: What’s It All About?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations make sure all lifting equipment—like hoists, slings, and electric profiling beds—is safe to use. If it lifts or moves a person, it almost certainly falls under LOLER. In Cambridgeshire care homes, staying on top of this isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a big part of keeping residents safe.
How Often Should LOLER Testing Be Done?
Typically, any lifting equipment used with people must undergo inspection every six months. On the other hand, gear that doesn’t lift people might only need testing once a year. Ultimately, it depends on how the equipment is used and how often.
An Able Engineer inspecting a mobile hoist during LOLER testing.
Is LOLER 6 Months or 12 Months?
Quick rule of thumb:
- 6 months – for anything that lifts people
- 12 months – for general lifting gear not used on people
Still not sure where your equipment fits? That’s exactly what we help with.
Who Can Carry Out a LOLER Test?
Giving a hoist a quick glance won’t cut it. LOLER tests must be done by someone who’s competent—meaning they have the training, experience, and independence to carry out a proper assessment. That’s where our team comes in.
At Able Healthcare, our engineers are fully qualified and know care home equipment inside-out. More importantly, they communicate clearly, work efficiently, and won’t overwhelm you with technical jargon.
What Happens During a LOLER Inspection?
Here’s what to expect when we visit:
- Check all lifting equipment for wear, faults, or dodgy parts
- Look at hoists, slings, beds, and frames
- Spot issues before they become big problems
- Provide a LOLER certificate that keeps you compliant
What Makes Able Healthcare Different?
Here’s where we go beyond the basics:
- Our tests are more thorough: Each test, for example, includes a full working load test. (up to 180kg)
- We provide repairs: If something’s not right, we’ll fix it—quickly and properly.
- We keep records for you: Your inspection reports, due dates, and compliance history? We keep all that safe.
- We understand care homes: Our engineers are used to sensitive environments and work with minimal disruption.
- Put simply, we’re not just ticking boxes—we’re making you safer while making your life easier.
An Able engineer completes a full safe working load test on a patient hoist.
What Equipment Do We Check?
In Cambridgeshire care homes, we typically test:
- Mobile and ceiling track hoists
- Patient slings and transfer aids
- Electric profiling beds
- Bath lifts and stand aids
- Shower chairs and more
If you’re not sure whether something needs testing—just ask!
Ready to Get Started?
Let’s make LOLER testing one less thing to worry about. Book your LOLER testing in Cambridgeshire with Able Healthcare today and keep your care home safe, compliant, and stress-free. We’ll handle the paperwork—you keep doing what you do best.
