Stage Equipment Inspection
Stage Lifting and LOLER
Theatres, venues and event companies lift heavy loads over the heads of performers, crew and audiences, so stage lifting equipment falls squarely under LOLER 1998. Chain hoists, flying systems, lifting towers and stage lifts need a thorough examination at least every 12 months, and anything lifting people, plus the rigging accessories, every 6 months.
Our Engineer Surveyors examine your stage equipment on site, working around your get-ins and show schedule, and report item by item.
Stage Equipment LOLER
Regulation
LOLER 1998
Lifting loads
Every 12 months
People and rigging accessories
Every 6 months
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a stage equipment inspection
Chain Hoists
We examine the load chain for stretch and wear, the hooks and safety catches, the brake and its holding, and the limit switches and controls. Stretched load chain and worn brakes are the chain hoist defects we find most.
Flying Systems
We inspect counterweight and powered flying systems, from the cradles, locks and arbors to the suspension wires, pulleys and head blocks. Worn suspension wires and rope locks that slip are serious findings.
Stage and Orchestra Pit Lifts
We check the drive, guides, safety edges, interlocks and emergency stops on lifts that carry performers or equipment, which fall on the 6-monthly cycle when they lift people.
Lifting Towers and Winches
We examine lifting towers, wind-up stands and stage winches for structural damage, worn cables and winch brakes that fail to hold. A winch brake that lets the load creep is a defect we report at once.
Rigging and Markings
We examine the steels, round slings, shackles and other rigging hardware item by item, and confirm the safe working loads and IDs are legible so every piece can be traced to the report.
How it works
Your stage equipment's LOLER examination, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Tell us what equipment you have and your show schedule, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
An Engineer Surveyor attends when the stage is clear and examines each item thoroughly against LOLER.
3
Compliant report
Within three days you get a report of thorough examination per item, with any defects and timescales.
4
Reminders
We hold the 6 and 12-monthly due dates and prompt you before each one comes round.
OUR STANDARDS
Examinations that work around the show
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Thorough examinations of hoists, flying systems and rigging from Engineer Surveyors who understand how venues work.
Responsibility
A traceable record for every item, so your venue or hire stock stays compliant with LOLER.
Care
These loads hang over performers, crew and audiences, so we examine every item with that firmly in mind.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Quotation
Tell us what stage equipment needs examining and when the stage is free, and we'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually the same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Stage Equipment Inspection FAQs
How often does stage lifting equipment need examining?
At least every 12 months for equipment lifting loads, such as chain hoists, flying bars and lifting towers. Anything lifting people, such as stage and orchestra pit lifts or performer flying systems, and all rigging accessories need examining at least every 6 months. A written scheme of examination can set different periods.
Do rigging accessories like steels and shackles need examining?
Yes. Wire rope slings, steels, round slings, shackles and other rigging hardware are lifting accessories, so they need a thorough examination at least every 6 months, and each item should be identifiable so it can be traced to the report.
Can you examine hire stock as well as installed equipment?
Yes. We examine installed venue systems and touring or hire stock alike, and we can work through a warehouse of chain hoists and rigging in one visit, with a report per item.
Do I legally need a LOLER examination?
If your business owns, operates or controls lifting equipment, then yes. LOLER 1998 makes it your legal duty to have it thoroughly examined by a competent person and to keep the resulting report.
Can you work around our show schedule?
Yes. We plan the examination around get-ins, rehearsals and performances, so the work is done when the stage is clear and nothing holds up the show.