Our team of trained and accredited engineers are fully qualified to carry out LOLER examinations and PUWER inspections on all forms of mechanical and electrical stage equipment. We conduct thorough assessments of lifting gear, hoists, stage rigging, lighting bars, speaker brackets, and other performance infrastructure to ensure everything is structurally sound, safely installed, and fully compliant.

What sets Stagewise UK apart is our deep knowledge of the entertainment, education, and faith sectors, where stage safety is often essential but overlooked. We provide clear, jargon-free reports, LOLER certificates, and ongoing advice to help you meet your legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. We’ll even remind you when your next inspection is due—so you stay compliant year after year.

In addition to individual inspections, we offer flexible service plans tailored to your venue’s needs, including six-monthly and annual schedules that align with LOLER and PUWER requirements. This not only protects your staff, pupils, or congregation—it also safeguards your organisation against legal penalties, insurance breaches, and costly downtime.

So, if you need a trusted partner to handle your LOLER and PUWER obligations with professionalism and precision, contact Stagewise UK today. We’ll make sure your lifting and work equipment remains safe, legal, and ready for use—no matter what’s going on behind the curtain.

Please read on to learn more and to find links to government sites and the legal implications of non-compliance.

What Are LOLER and PUWER?

• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) applies to any equipment used to lift or lower loads at work. It requires equipment to be strong, stable, marked with safe working load (SWL), planned and controlled by competent personnel, and subject to thorough examination by a competent person (en.wikipedia.org, hse.gov.uk).
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) covers the safe provision and maintenance of all work equipment—not just lifting gear. It enforces suitability, maintenance, safe operation, and inspection intervals (en.wikipedia.org).

Both stem from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and are enforced by the HSE (en.wikipedia.org).

What Equipment Is Covered?

Lifting Gear (LOLER)

• Stage lifts, hoists, winches, chain blocks, man baskets, and any system that raises or lowers loads (including people).
• Lifting accessories: slings, chains, hooks, beams, eyebolts, etc. .
• Includes both fixed systems (e.g., fly bars) and mobile hoists commonly used in theatres, auditoria, and school stages.

General Work Equipment (PUWER)

• Overhead lighting bars, curtain tracks, speaker brackets.
• Electrical and mechanical systems: dimmers, stage lighting rigs, audio/visual gear, fixed seating systems, induction loops, and more—if used in a work context.

School Halls, Theatres & Places of Worship

• School drama studios and church halls often use lifting gear (winches, pulleys, fly bars). Any load-bearing mechanical system must comply with PUWER and, if loads are being lifted, also LOLER.
• Auditoriums and performance theatres: complex fly towers, backdrop hoists, speaker and lighting rigging are subject to both sets of regulations.
• Houses of worship often use retractable stage floors or seating platforms—lifting or lowering loads. These must meet LOLER standards and undergo PUWER inspections.

Inspection & Thorough Examination: What’s Required?

LOLER Requirements

• Before first use (unless it has a Declaration of Conformity issued less than 12 months ago and wasn’t installed on-site) (hse.gov.uk).
• After installation or relocation, before re‑use.
• After exceptional events (damage, alteration, long disuse) .
• Routine intervals:
• Every 6 months for equipment lifting people or accessories.
• Every 12 months for other lifting appliances—or per a competent person’s examination scheme (en.wikipedia.org).

Each thorough exam must be carried out by a competent person (trained, independent assessor) who issues a detailed written report, logs defects, and directs removal from service if unsafe (hse.gov.uk). Records must be kept until replaced or for two years .

PUWER Requirements

• Equipment must be:
• Suitable for its intended use.
• Properly maintained for continued safe use.
• Inspected at suitable intervals by a competent person (en.wikipedia.org).

For fixed installations such as lighting bars, PUWER calls for annual mechanical inspection, with accessories (pullies/hooks) checked every six months.

Daily & Pre‑Use Checks

Operators should perform simple safety checks before each use (e.g., inspect cables, slings, limiters) under PUWER maintenance provisions .

Legal Ramifications of Non‑Compliance

Enforcement & Fines

• Breach of LOLER or PUWER constitutes a criminal offence. Enforcement by HSE or local authorities can lead to unlimited fines, prohibition notices, and possible prison sentences in extreme cases (en.wikipedia.org).
• Employers and managers can be personally prosecuted if negligence leads to serious injury or death .

Real‑World Case

• A Liverpool nursing home was fined £18,000 (plus £13,876 costs) when an elderly resident died following sling failure; defective lifting equipment was not examined every six months as required (en.wikipedia.org).

Reputational Damage & Insurance

• Non‑compliance may void insurance, leading to major financial loss in accident claims.
• Venue closures or performance cancellations can result from prohibition notices—damaging reputation and revenue.