Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (1998), climbing and rigging equipment must be examined by a competent, impartial LOLER inspector at regular intervals. For climbing equipment this is at least once every six months, for rigging equipment, at least once every 12 months.

The requirements of LOLER apply to employers, the self-employed and people in control of or managing operations which involve lifting. LOLER is aimed at ensuring that all lifting operations are properly planned, that lifting equipment is used in a safe manner and that lifting equipment is thoroughly examined at suitable intervals by a competent person.