Winch Inspection
When a Winch Falls Under LOLER
Whether a winch falls under LOLER 1998 comes down to what it does. Pulling a casualty vehicle along the ground or up onto a bed is not lifting, but once the winch takes the weight and raises a load clear of the ground, it is lifting equipment and needs a thorough examination at least every 12 months.
Most of the winches we examine sit on recovery trucks, alongside vehicle-mounted and site winches. Our Engineer Surveyors examine the drum, rope, brake and mountings where the winch works and report on each one.
Winch LOLER
Regulation
LOLER 1998
Winch used for lifting
Every 12 months
Pulling only, no lift
Inspected under PUWER
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a winch inspection
Drum and Rope Anchorage
We examine the drum, flanges and the rope anchorage on the drum, and check the rope spools evenly. Crushed or badly spooled rope on the drum is one of the most common winch findings.
Wire Rope or Synthetic Line
We inspect the full working length for broken wires, kinks, birdcaging, corrosion and crushing, or for cuts, abrasion and heat damage on synthetic line. Damage near the hook end, where the rope works hardest, is a frequent defect.
Brake and Gearbox
We check the brake holds the load without creeping, and that the gearbox, clutch and free-spool engage and disengage as they should. A brake that lets the load creep back is a serious finding we report at once.
Hook, Fairlead and Sheaves
We examine the hook and safety catch for stretch and wear, and the fairlead, rollers and any sheaves or snatch blocks for grooving and free running. A missing or broken safety catch is a defect we regularly flag.
Mountings, Controls and Markings
We check the winch mountings and the structure it is bolted to, test the controls and remote, and confirm the rated capacity marking is present and legible.
How it works
Your winch'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 how many winches and where the vehicles are based, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
An Engineer Surveyor attends your depot or site and examines each winch thoroughly against LOLER.
3
Compliant report
Within three days you get a report of thorough examination per winch, with any defects and their timescales.
4
Reminders
We hold each winch's due date and prompt you before the next examination is required.
OUR STANDARDS
Winch examinations that hold up
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Rope, brake and drum examined properly by Engineer Surveyors who know how recovery winches actually get used.
Responsibility
A clear call on whether each winch is lifting or pulling, so it is examined under the right regulation and your records stand up.
Care
A failed rope or brake puts the operator first in line, so we treat every winch with the seriousness it deserves.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Quotation
Let us know how many winches need examining and when suits, 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
Winch Inspection: Common Questions
Does a winch come under LOLER or PUWER?
It depends on the job. A winch used to lift a load, or rigged so it can raise a load clear of the ground, is lifting equipment under LOLER. A winch used only to drag or pull along the ground is work equipment under PUWER, which still needs inspecting at suitable intervals.
Is winching a car onto a recovery bed classed as lifting?
Not usually. Pulling a vehicle up a tilted bed is a pull, not a lift, so PUWER covers it. If the same winch is used over a boom, frame or sheave to raise a load off the ground, LOLER applies and it needs a thorough examination.
How often does a lifting winch need examining?
At least every 12 months when it lifts loads, or every 6 months if it is ever used to lift people. The hooks, chains and strops used with it are lifting accessories on a 6-monthly cycle, and an exceptional event such as an overload brings the examination forward.
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 examine the winches across our recovery fleet?
Yes. We come to your depot and work through each vehicle, examining the winch alongside the rest of the truck's lifting equipment where needed, with a report of thorough examination per item.