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The sign showing when a lift is safe to use displays a LOLER examination certificate with the last inspection date and next due date. In the UK, passenger lifts require inspection every six months by a competent person, and this certificate must be displayed inside the lift car.
Walk into any passenger lift in the UK and you’ll find a certificate displayed on the wall. This isn’t decoration. It’s your proof that the lift has passed its most recent safety examination.
The certificate contains specific information. You’ll see the date of the last thorough examination, typically within the past six months. There’s a signature from the competent person who conducted the inspection. Most important is the “next examination due” date, which tells you when the next check must happen.
The certificate also includes the examining company’s details and a unique reference number. Some certificates note any defects found during inspection and whether they were fixed. Building managers must display this document where passengers can see it, usually near the control panel or on a side wall.
If you can’t find this certificate, that’s a red flag. Either it’s been removed, which violates regulations, or the lift hasn’t been inspected. Both situations mean you should reconsider using that lift.
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. This law requires regular inspections of all lifting equipment in workplaces and public buildings.
Passenger lifts face demanding conditions. They operate thousands of times per month, carrying different loads and experiencing constant mechanical stress. Six months gives enough time for normal wear while catching problems before they become dangerous.
The inspection must be performed by a competent person. This isn’t just anyone with a toolbox. A competent person has technical knowledge, practical experience with lifts, and the ability to spot defects that could compromise safety. They’re often employed by specialist inspection companies.
Goods-only lifts follow different rules. Because they don’t carry people, they require inspection every 12 months instead of six. The risk calculation changes when human lives aren’t directly involved.
Building owners bear legal responsibility for these inspections. They’re called duty holders under the law. If they fail to arrange timely examinations, they face potential prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive. More critically, they put users at risk.
The examination goes beyond a quick visual check. Inspectors test safety systems, measure component wear, check load-bearing parts, and verify that all protective devices work correctly. They produce a detailed report that must be kept for at least two years.
Start by locating the certificate. Most buildings display it in a clear plastic holder inside the lift car. Look near the button panel or on the side walls at eye level.
Check the examination date first. This shows when the inspector last checked the lift. Count forward six months from this date. If you’re past that point and there’s no new certificate, the lift is overdue for inspection.
The “next examination due” date removes guesswork. This tells you exactly when the next inspection must happen. A lift that’s past this date hasn’t been examined as required by law.
Look for the competent person’s signature and company details. Legitimate certificates come from recognised inspection firms. If the certificate looks handmade or lacks proper details, question its validity.
Some certificates include notes about defects found during inspection. Minor issues might be noted as advisories. Serious defects should be marked as requiring immediate attention. A certificate showing unresolved serious defects is a major warning sign.
The safe working load (SWL) appears on a separate plate, usually near the door. This number, given in kilograms, shows the maximum weight the lift can safely carry. Never exceed this limit.
Load capacity information appears on metal plates fixed permanently to the lift car. These plates show both maximum weight and maximum number of persons. The number of persons assumes an average weight per person, typically 75kg.
Emergency communication systems are mandatory in all modern lifts. A clearly marked alarm button connects to a monitoring service. The lift must display the emergency contact number prominently. This system must be tested regularly and work 24/7.
Out-of-service notices indicate temporary problems. These might be handwritten or printed signs saying the lift is under repair. Some buildings use physical barriers or locked lift doors when equipment is unsafe. Always respect these warnings.
Fire safety information matters in buildings with multiple lifts. Some lifts are designated as firefighting lifts or evacuation lifts. These have special markings and may have restricted access during normal use. Other lifts display warnings not to use them during fire emergencies.
Warning signs about door operation, clearances, and proper use should be visible. Common warnings include instructions to keep hands clear of closing doors, not to obstruct door sensors, and to stand clear of the door edges.
Don’t use a lift with an expired examination certificate. The law requires current certification, and using equipment past its inspection date carries real risk.
Report the issue to building management immediately. Building managers might not realise the certificate has expired, especially in properties with multiple lifts. Give them the specific lift location and the expiry date you found.
Most building managers will respond quickly. They face legal liability for operating lifts without current certification. A phone call to their usual inspection company can often schedule an emergency examination within days.
For serious concerns, particularly if management doesn’t respond or if you notice obvious safety problems, contact the Health and Safety Executive. The HSE investigates workplace safety violations. Their website provides reporting options for concerned members of the public.
Your safety rights are clear. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires that equipment provided for use is safe. This applies whether you’re an employee or a visitor. You have the right to refuse to use equipment you reasonably believe to be unsafe.
Look for alternative access while the issue gets resolved. Most buildings have stairs. If you have mobility needs that make stairs difficult, speak to building management about temporary arrangements or access via other lifts in the building.
Respect the posted weight limit every time. Overloading causes excessive strain on cables, motors, and braking systems. The safe working load includes a safety margin, but that margin isn’t there for you to exceed the stated limit.
Watch for unusual sounds, movements, or smells. Grinding noises, jerky motion, burning smells, or doors that struggle to close all indicate problems. Report these to building management the same day.
Never force lift doors open or closed. Doors have safety sensors that should prevent them from closing on people or objects. If you’re holding a door open, use the designated door hold button. Physically blocking door closure can damage sensors and create hazards.
Keep emergency exits clear inside the lift. Don’t pile luggage, equipment, or other items in ways that block the emergency panel or make it hard to reach the alarm button.
During an emergency, follow the instructions on the emergency panel. Press the alarm button and wait for help. Don’t try to force doors open or climb out through ceiling hatches unless directed by emergency services. Modern lifts have ventilation, and you’re safer inside than attempting an exit.
Children should be supervised in lifts. They can’t always read safety signs or understand weight limits. They might treat lifts as toys, pressing multiple buttons or playing with doors. Adult supervision prevents these risks.
Report maintenance needs promptly. If lights flicker, displays malfunction, or anything seems wrong, tell building management. Early reporting often prevents minor issues from becoming major failures.
Building owners or duty holders must arrange inspections according to LOLER timelines. This isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement with penalties for non-compliance.
They must keep examination records for at least two years. These records prove compliance if questioned by authorities or insurance companies. Most responsible building managers keep them much longer.
When inspections reveal defects, duty holders must act on the findings. Minor issues might have recommended timelines for repair. Critical safety defects require immediate action, potentially taking the lift out of service until repairs are complete.
Insurance requirements often exceed legal minimums. Many insurers require more frequent servicing or additional safety checks beyond the statutory six-month examinations. Buildings must meet both legal and insurance requirements.
Staff training who oversee lifts is recommended, though not always legally required. Understanding how to read examination reports, when to call for maintenance, and how to respond to user concerns helps buildings maintain safety standards.
Before entering any lift, take five seconds to check:
If any of these checks fail, don’t use the lift. Find alternative access or report the problem.
The certificate tells you the inspection history. The current date compared to the “next due” date tells you the compliance status. Everything else—sounds, smells, movement quality—tells you about the immediate condition.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong about a lift, take the stairs. Your safety matters more than convenience.
Modern lifts often include digital displays showing real-time status information. These screens might display the last service date, current operational status, or even load sensors showing how much weight is currently in the car.
These digital systems supplement but don’t replace the legal requirement for a physical examination certificate. The certificate remains the official proof of compliance.
Some buildings use QR codes on lift certificates. Scanning these codes with your phone can show detailed inspection history, upcoming maintenance schedules, or even manuals for the specific lift model. This technology makes information more accessible.
Remote monitoring systems alert building managers to problems before they cause breakdowns. Sensors track door operation, motor performance, and other critical systems. When readings fall outside normal ranges, the system sends alerts. This predictive maintenance catches issues early.
However, technology can’t replace a competent person’s physical examination. Sensors might miss certain wear patterns, structural issues, or problems that require hands-on testing. The six-month inspection by a qualified professional remains essential.
The examination certificate is your primary indicator of lift safety. It proves the lift has been inspected by someone qualified to judge its safety.
Six-month inspection intervals for passenger lifts reflect the balance between safety and practicality. More frequent inspections would be costly and disruptive. Less frequent checks would miss deterioration patterns that develop over time.
Your role as a user is straightforward. Check for current certification, respect load limits, report problems promptly, and trust your judgment about whether a lift seems safe.
Building owners must maintain compliance with LOLER requirements. This protects users and shields building owners from legal liability. The cost of regular inspections is minimal compared to the cost of accidents or regulatory penalties.
The system works when everyone plays their part. Inspectors conduct thorough examinations. Building owners schedule inspections on time and address findings promptly. Users pay attention to safety indicators and report concerns.
Next time you step into a lift, glance at that certificate on the wall. Those dates and signatures represent a whole system designed to get you safely to your floor. Understanding what you’re looking at makes you a more informed and safer user.
