LOLER Inspection and Thorough Examination is the core service provided by Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd. We carry out detailed examinations of lifting equipment and lifting accessories in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), supported by clear reporting and a practical approach to equipment safety, compliance and continued use.
Regulation 9 of LOLER 1998 requires lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined by a competent person at the appropriate intervals, or in accordance with an examination scheme. Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd carries out thorough examinations across a wide range of lifting equipment and accessories.
Lifting equipment used for lifting people, together with accessories for lifting, is normally subject to thorough examination at intervals not exceeding six months unless an examination scheme specifies otherwise.
SI 1998 No. 2307 — Regulation 9(3)(a)(i)Other lifting equipment is normally subject to thorough examination at intervals not exceeding twelve months, unless a suitable examination scheme sets a different interval.
SI 1998 No. 2307 — Regulation 9(3)(a)(ii)A competent person may draw up an examination scheme that sets out what is to be examined, how it is to be examined and the intervals required. Those intervals may be shorter or, where justified by a robust risk assessment, longer than the standard six- or twelve-month periods.
SI 1998 No. 2307 — Regulation 9(3)(a)(iii)A further thorough examination is required following exceptional circumstances liable to jeopardise the safety of lifting equipment. Examples can include damage or failure, an accident or overload, significant changes in use, major repair or modification, or a long period out of use.
SI 1998 No. 2307 — Regulation 9(3)(a)(iv)Practical, professional support for the safe use, inspection, testing and maintenance of lifting and work equipment.
Statutory thorough examinations of lifting equipment and lifting accessories to support compliance and safe continued use.
In-service inspection of work equipment under PUWER Regulation 6 where deterioration or installation conditions may affect safety.
Specialist steel wire rope inspection, Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT), lubrication, cut-back assessment and re-termination services.
On-site proof load testing of lifting equipment, structures and components using suitable calibrated load-measuring equipment.
Controlled tensile and destructive testing to verify breaking strength, retained capacity and product performance where required.
Supply of lifting accessories, lifting appliances, working-at-height equipment and calibrated load-measuring equipment, with applicable certification.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd provides assessment and inspection of steel wire ropes used in lifting, hoisting and offshore applications. Services range from visual examination and discard assessment through to Magnetic Rope Testing, lubrication, cut-back sampling and re-termination.
Wire rope sling assemblies, including multi-leg slings, can be examined with reference to the applicable requirements of the BS EN 13414 series and, for offshore container lifting sets where relevant, DNV-ST-E271 (DNV 2.7-1). Crane, winch and hoist ropes can be assessed against the inspection and discard criteria of ISO 4309:2017.
BS EN 13414 series • DNV-ST-E271 • ISO 4309:2017Rope condition can be influenced by several deterioration mechanisms at the same time, including broken wires, wear, corrosion, diameter reduction and deformation. Where applicable, the combined effect of deterioration is considered using the severity-rating approach described in ISO 4309, helping provide a structured assessment of the rope's condition and suitability for continued service.
ISO 4309:2017 — combined-effect assessmentSome deterioration can develop within a rope where it cannot be reliably identified by external visual examination alone. Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT) is a non-destructive test method that can supplement visual inspection by detecting and assessing local faults and loss of metallic area associated with deterioration such as internal wire breaks, wear and corrosion. Results are interpreted by a competent person alongside the rope's history, construction and visual condition.
ISO 4309:2017 — Magnetic Rope Test (MRT)Where suitable for the rope and application, lubrication can be carried out during the inspection or MRT scope. A pressure lubricator can be used to help distribute lubricant into the rope strands. Lubricant selection is based on the rope manufacturer's recommendations and the operating environment, helping support corrosion protection and reduce friction between rope elements.
Cut-back work can include removal of a representative rope section for destructive tensile testing. The measured breaking load can then be compared with relevant original rope data, such as the specified minimum breaking force, to provide additional evidence of retained strength and deterioration over time. The result forms part of the wider engineering assessment and is not used in isolation to determine rope condition.
On-site cut-back and re-termination can be undertaken where the rope, socket and application are suitable. Existing terminations can be removed and new spelter sockets installed using WIRELOCK® resin, with preparation, socketing and curing carried out in accordance with the current WIRELOCK® technical instructions and the relevant rope and equipment requirements.
WIRELOCK® technical data and installation instructionsEllon Lifting & Inspection Ltd can provide practical testing solutions for lifting equipment, structures and associated components, with work carried out at client locations where suitable. Test methods are selected to suit the equipment, site conditions and agreed scope.
Proof load testing can be carried out using suitable methods such as water bags, hydraulic jacking equipment, certified steel test weights and calibrated load-measuring devices, including load links. Each test is planned around the equipment, required test load and site conditions so that the load can be applied and measured in a controlled manner.
Testing can be completed in accordance with an approved client procedure, manufacturer requirements, applicable standards or an agreed test method prepared for the specific scope. Appropriate controls, exclusion zones and test arrangements are considered before loading begins.
Typical scopes can include cranes and lifting appliances, lifting beams and spreaders, pad eyes and lifting points, hoists and winches, lifting accessories, fabricated lifting items and equipment following installation, repair or modification.
Tensile testing can be used to verify the strength of components, samples or lifting products by applying a controlled increasing load and recording the resulting performance. Where required, testing can continue to failure to establish the actual breaking load and compare it with relevant design, certification or manufacturer data.
Destructive testing may be used where confirmation of ultimate strength, retained capacity or deterioration is required. This can include removed wire-rope samples, lifting accessories or other components where an agreed test programme calls for testing to destruction. Results can be used to support condition assessment, quality verification or comparison with original minimum breaking-load values.
Test loads, equipment used and measured results are recorded as part of the test documentation. Where applicable, calibrated load-measuring equipment is used so the applied load can be verified and reported clearly to the client.
In addition to LOLER thorough examinations, Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd can carry out inspections of work equipment under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Regulation 6 requires inspection where safety depends on installation conditions, including after installation and before first use, or after assembly at a new site or location. It also requires work equipment exposed to deterioration that could create a dangerous situation to be inspected at suitable intervals and after exceptional circumstances that could affect its safety.
SI 1998 No. 2306 — Regulation 6Where appropriate, inspection results can be recorded in a clear inspection report tailored to the equipment and scope.
Inspection services can cover a broad range of equipment used across industrial, construction and agricultural environments.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd can source and supply a wide range of lifting, rigging and working-at-height equipment, subject to equipment type, availability and manufacturer lead times. We can help identify suitable equipment for the intended application and provide the relevant manufacturer documentation and certification where applicable.
Supply can include chain and wire-rope slings, synthetic slings, shackles, eyebolts, lifting points, hooks, turnbuckles, beam clamps and other lifting accessories selected to suit the required working load and application.
A range of lifting appliances can be supplied, including chain hoists, lever hoists, push and geared trolleys, wire-rope pullers and associated equipment for lifting, positioning and material-handling tasks.
Working-at-height equipment can be sourced for site and operational requirements, including suitable harnesses, lanyards, connectors and associated fall-protection equipment, subject to the required specification.
Calibrated load cells, load links and associated load-measuring equipment can be supplied for lifting, proof-load and verification applications, with current calibration certification provided where applicable.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd combines hands-on lifting-equipment experience with specialist inspection capability and clear, practical reporting.
Based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, ELI can support suitable inspection and testing scopes across Scotland, the wider UK and offshore, subject to project requirements and availability.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd combines practical lifting-equipment experience with recognised industry training and competence. The company also supports the powered-access sector as an IPAF service / component supplier and has GWO-trained personnel for work in the renewable-energy sector.
LEEA-accredited training in steel crane rope inspection, supporting the examination and condition assessment of crane and hoisting wire ropes.
LEEA-accredited MRT training for the non-destructive assessment of steel wire ropes, including the identification and evaluation of internal and external deterioration.
LEEA training supporting competent examination, inspection and assessment of lifting equipment and lifting accessories.
API RP 2D crane inspection qualification supporting inspection and assessment of offshore pedestal-mounted cranes and associated lifting equipment.
IRATA-trained and certified personnel, enabling inspection activities to be supported in locations where industrial rope-access techniques are appropriate.
GWO-trained personnel supporting work within the renewable-energy sector, including suitable inspection and lifting scopes where relevant to the project.
Support for the powered-access sector through the supply of relevant services and components for MEWPs and associated equipment.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd was founded by Stephen Grant, bringing over 16 years of experience in the lifting equipment industry.
With a background in lifting equipment inspection, repairs, wire rope services and LOLER Thorough Examinations, the company provides a practical, detail-focused approach to lifting equipment safety and compliance.
The core service is LOLER Inspection and Thorough Examination, with close attention given to identifying deterioration, defects and other issues that could affect the safe continued use of lifting equipment.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection supports clients across a range of lifting applications from its base in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, providing professional inspection, testing and wire rope services with clear reporting, straightforward communication and a strong understanding of operational equipment.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd retains inspection, examination, testing and certification records where required for statutory, contractual, quality, traceability or legitimate business purposes.
Records may include Reports of Thorough Examination, inspection reports, test certificates, equipment identification details, photographs, measurements, test data, defect information and associated correspondence.
LOLER records are retained in line with the applicable requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. In-service Reports of Thorough Examination are generally retained until the next report is made or for two years, whichever is later. Different retention periods can apply to first-use and installation examinations.
Personal information is used only where necessary to provide services, maintain statutory and business records, communicate with clients and meet legal obligations. Information is stored securely and retained only for as long as there is a valid reason to keep it.
Information on this website is general guidance only. Inspection frequencies, examination requirements, discard criteria and test requirements can vary according to equipment type, operating conditions, manufacturer instructions, applicable standards and the findings of a competent-person assessment.
Ellon Lifting & Inspection Ltd
Company number: SC749266
Registered in Scotland
Based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, UK
Enquiries@ellonlifting.com
For inspection enquiries, quotations, equipment supply or wire rope services, get in touch directly.
Based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. For inspection, testing, equipment supply or wire rope enquiries, complete the details below or email directly.
Enquiries@ellonlifting.com