It’s one of the most common questions asked by commercial property owners, facilities managers and landlords. If a lift is serviced regularly, does it still need a LOLER inspection?
The answer is yes.
Many people assume lift servicing and LOLER inspections are the same thing because both involve engineers inspecting the lift. In reality, they serve two completely different purposes. One keeps your lift operating reliably. The other confirms it is legally safe to use.
Understanding the difference is essential for anyone responsible for managing a commercial building. Failing to arrange either one can increase the risk of breakdowns, legal issues and unnecessary repair costs.
What Is Lift Servicing?
Lift servicing is the routine maintenance carried out throughout the year to keep the lift operating safely, smoothly and efficiently.
The purpose of servicing is preventative.
Rather than waiting for something to fail, engineers inspect the lift, identify signs of wear and carry out adjustments before faults develop into breakdowns.
A typical lift service may include:
- Door inspections
- Brake testing
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Electrical system checks
- Safety device testing
- Ride quality assessment
- Minor adjustments
- Replacement of worn components where required
Regular servicing helps extend lift lifespan while reducing the likelihood of emergency repairs.
What Is a LOLER Inspection?
LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
Unlike routine servicing, a LOLER inspection is a statutory thorough examination carried out by a competent person to determine whether the lift remains safe to use.
The purpose is not to repair the lift.
Instead, the inspection assesses whether the lift complies with legal safety requirements.
If defects affecting safety are identified, they must be addressed before the lift can continue operating safely.
Why Lift Servicing and LOLER Are Different
Although both involve inspecting the lift, their objectives are completely different.
Lift servicing focuses on maintaining performance and preventing breakdowns.
LOLER focuses on confirming legal safety and compliance.
Think of it this way.
Routine servicing helps keep the lift running.
LOLER confirms the lift is safe to carry passengers.
Commercial buildings require both to ensure reliable operation and legal compliance.
How Often Should Lift Servicing Be Carried Out?
There is no single servicing schedule suitable for every lift.
Maintenance frequency depends on factors including:
- Lift type
- Passenger numbers
- Building usage
- Lift age
- Manufacturer recommendations
- Operating environment
Busy hotels, hospitals, shopping centres and office buildings often require monthly or quarterly servicing because of their high passenger volumes.
Lower-use buildings may require less frequent maintenance.
An experienced lift company will recommend a servicing programme based on how the lift is actually used.
How Often Is a LOLER Inspection Required?
LOLER examinations follow a legal timetable.
Generally:
- Passenger lifts require a thorough examination every six months.
- Goods-only lifts are typically examined every twelve months, depending on how they are used.
Additional examinations may also be required following major repairs or significant modifications.
Unlike routine servicing, these inspection intervals are determined by legislation rather than maintenance requirements.
Who Carries Out Lift Servicing?
Lift servicing is carried out by qualified lift engineers employed by your lift maintenance provider.
Their role is to:
- Inspect components
- Carry out preventative maintenance
- Replace worn parts
- Resolve developing faults
- Keep the lift operating efficiently
Regular servicing helps reduce emergency call-outs while extending the operational life of the lift.
Who Carries Out LOLER Inspections?
A LOLER examination must be completed by a competent person who is sufficiently independent to provide an objective assessment of the lift’s condition.
The competent person will examine the lift, assess its safety and produce a formal inspection report detailing any defects that require attention.
This independent assessment provides reassurance that the lift continues to meet legal safety standards.
What Happens If You Only Arrange Lift Servicing?
A lift that receives regular servicing but no LOLER inspections may still be operating illegally.
Although engineers may keep the lift in excellent mechanical condition, statutory examinations remain a legal requirement for many commercial buildings.
Failing to arrange LOLER inspections can result in:
- Non-compliance with legislation
- Increased liability
- Insurance complications
- Safety concerns
- Enforcement action
Routine servicing alone is not enough.
What Happens If You Only Arrange LOLER Inspections?
The opposite situation is equally problematic.
A lift that only receives LOLER examinations but no routine maintenance is likely to experience:
- More frequent breakdowns
- Increased repair costs
- Greater component wear
- Reduced reliability
- Shorter operational lifespan
LOLER confirms safety at the time of inspection, but it does not replace regular servicing.
Why Commercial Buildings Need Both Lift Servicing and LOLER
Lift servicing and LOLER inspections work together to provide a complete maintenance strategy.
Routine servicing keeps the lift operating efficiently throughout the year.
LOLER examinations provide independent confirmation that the lift remains legally safe to use.
When combined, they reduce breakdowns, improve passenger safety, support legal compliance and help maximise the lifespan of the lift.
For commercial property owners, understanding the difference between these two essential services ensures your building remains safe, reliable and fully compliant while protecting one of its most valuable assets.
