Arborist Equipment Inspections

Working at Height and Lifting Equipment Inspection Services

Thorough examinations for arborist lifting equipment and remote access equipment

Arborist Equipment Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

Does climbing or rigging equipment require a LOLER thorough examination?

Yes, climbing and rigging equipment used to lift or lower poeple or loads reqiures a LOLER thorough examination.

How often should arborist equipment be inspected?

Climbing equipment, equipment used for lifting people & lifting accessories must be thoroughly examined every 6 months.

Rigging equipment and genreal equipment must be thoroughly examined every 12 months.

Equipment must be examined:

Before first use unless there is a current EC declaration of conformity
After assembly on site
Following exceptional circumstances (such as a major incident or log periods of disuse)

What is the difference between a pre-use check and a thorough examination?

Pre-use checks are quick daily, or shift -level operational inspection done by the equipment user to detect obvious damage and defects.

A thorough examination is a formal, statutory assessment performed by an independent competent person and provides a written legal report of thorough examination. Thorough examinations are a statutory requirement as part of the duty holder's legal responsibilities for the provision of work equipment.

What happens if equipment fails an inspection?

Which areas of Kent and East Sussex do you cover?

Category A defect: Immediate or Imminent Risk

The examiner will inform you before leaving site
Immediately remove from service & quarantine
The item cannot be used unitl it has been repaired (if possible), and potentially re-examined by a competent person.

Category B defect: Time-bound defect

Examiner will inform you before leaving site that they have issued a timed defect
You can use the item on the condition that it is repaired within the strict legal deadline set
If the item is used beyond that date without repairing it, it legally moves to a Category A defect, rendering your operation illegal and voiding your site insurance.

We cover East Sussex and Kent, including:

Hastings

Bexhill

Eastbourne

Hailsham

Heathfield

Crowborough

Robertsbridge

Tunbridge Wells

Hawkhurst

Staplehurst
Cranbrook

Tenterden