Skip loaders are workhorses across construction, waste, and recycling industries—lifting and transporting skips full of heavy, uneven loads day in and day out. While their reliability is often taken for granted, the lifting arms, chains, and hooks involved are subject to intense stress, making them critical points of failure if not regularly inspected and tested.
That’s where LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) comes in.
At Locked Groove Ltd, we perform statutory LOLER inspections and load testing on skip loaders across the UK, helping businesses stay compliant, safe, and operational.
What Is a LOLER Examination?
LOLER requires that all lifting equipment used for work—along with any accessories such as chains and hooks—must be:
- Thoroughly examined by a competent person
- Inspected at suitable intervals
- Tested if there is reason to suspect a fault, or after a major repair or modification
For skip loaders, that includes:
- Lifting arms (hydraulics, pins, bushings)
- Chain assemblies and hooks
- Anchor points and fixings
- Safety mechanisms (stoppers, locking pins, etc.)
How Often Do Skip Loaders Need LOLER Exams?
The typical examination schedule under LOLER is:
- Every 6 months – if the skip loader is used for lifting people (rare, but applicable if dual-purpose)
- Every 12 months – for all other skip loader lifting operations
- After any significant repair, modification, or incident
You must also keep inspection records for at least two years or until the next report is made—whichever is longer.
What’s Involved in a LOLER Inspection for a Skip Loader?
At Locked Groove Ltd, we follow a thorough step-by-step process:
1. Visual Examination
We look for obvious signs of wear, damage, or distortion to the frame, arms, and stabilisers.
2. Functional Checks
The hydraulic arms and cylinders are tested through full movement cycles, checking for lag, drift, or erratic operation.
3. Chain and Hook Inspection
All lifting chains are checked for elongation, corrosion, cracks, or bent links. Hooks are examined for throat opening, wear, and correct safety catches.
4. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
MPI or dye penetrant testing may be used on welds or high-stress areas to detect cracks invisible to the eye.
5. Load Testing (if required)
If a new unit has been installed, or a fault was previously identified, a controlled test using certified weights or hydraulic load cells may be performed.
What Happens After the Inspection?
If everything is compliant, you’ll receive a LOLER certificate of thorough examination, detailing:
- Date of inspection
- Examiner’s name and qualifications
- Equipment details and location
- Outcome and any recommendations
If defects are found, we’ll provide clear guidance on what needs repair or replacement and whether the loader can still be safely used in the meantime.
Why Choose Locked Groove Ltd?
With years of experience in statutory lifting inspections under LOLER and PUWER, we understand the operational pressures faced by waste carriers and construction firms. That’s why we offer:
- On-site inspections with minimal disruption
- Fast turnaround on reports and certification
- Qualified, friendly engineers who understand your kit
- Competitive pricing and flexible scheduling
Final Thoughts
Skip loaders may seem robust, but regular inspection is the only way to guarantee safe lifting and stay on the right side of HSE regulations. Don’t risk equipment failure, fines, or worse—make LOLER compliance part of your maintenance routine.
Book your LOLER inspection today
📞 Call us on 0191 300 9223
✉️ Email: info@lockedgroove.co.uk
🌐 www.lockedgroove.co.uk
