Who Can Carry Out a LOLER Test? A Guide for Care Home Managers

As a care home manager, you carry a vital responsibility: keeping both residents and staff safe. One key part of that responsibility is making sure your lifting equipment meets legal safety standards. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require you to schedule regular inspections. To stay compliant and avoid risk, you need to know exactly who can carry out a LOLER test and how to do it right.

Can You LOLER Test Your Own Equipment?

Yes, technically you can conduct LOLER inspections internally—but only if you meet strict requirements. The person doing the inspection must be a “competent person,” meaning they:

  • Understand how the equipment works, both practically and technically.

  • Have enough training and hands-on experience to spot issues.

  • Remain independent from daily use of the equipment to stay objective.

In most care homes, staff who use the equipment also maintain it. This overlap makes impartial inspections difficult, and often, not legally acceptable. Because of this, many care homes wisely choose to work with an external LOLER specialist. This ensures not only compliance but also an unbiased review that puts resident safety first.

Who Should Perform a LOLER Inspection?

A qualified and impartial expert must complete your LOLER inspection. Depending on your setup, this might include:

  • Certified independent LOLER engineers.

  • Specialist LOLER inspection providers with care home experience.

  • Insurance engineers included in your policy.

  • In-house technicians—only if they meet competency and independence standards.

A true professional doesn’t just look for obvious damage. They check structural integrity, compare conditions to manufacturer specs, review maintenance logs, and test how the equipment handles weight. After finishing, they issue a formal inspection report. You must keep this report on record in case the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) asks for proof of compliance.

Why Care Homes Choose Able for LOLER Testing

Once you know who qualifies to perform a LOLER test, the next decision is simple: choose a partner who understands the care sector. At Able, we’ve spent more than 25 years supporting care homes with reliable, legally compliant equipment testing and servicing.

We don’t take shortcuts. We specialise in working with residential care providers, and we tailor our service to suit your specific equipment and schedules. You won’t just meet legal requirements—you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your equipment is safe, certified, and ready for use.

Here’s what you get with Able’s LOLER testing:

  • A visit from a trained, friendly engineer who understands care home environments.

  • Immediate, expert advice on any repairs or faults.

  • A complete timed weight test to confirm the equipment holds its full rated load.

  • Fast access to certified spare parts if needed.

  • A clear, compliant LOLER certificate.

  • Free asset tagging and a secure online portal to track equipment and future inspections.

We test a full range of care home equipment, including hoists (mobile, overhead, bath), pressure care systems, pool lifts, specialist baths, rise-and-recline chairs, and much more. If it’s used in a care facility, we can test and certify it.

👉 Book a free consultation or learn more here

Final Thoughts: Keep Compliance Simple and Safety Strong

You don’t need to navigate LOLER compliance alone. Although in-house testing is legal under the right conditions, few care homes can maintain the level of independence and expertise the law requires. By partnering with Able, you remove uncertainty and meet your legal responsibilities with confidence.

Don’t leave safety to chance. Schedule your LOLER inspections with a team that understands what’s at stake—and delivers every time.