LOLER Training for Care Homes: Safe Hoist Use and Legal Compliance

Nearly all care environments rely on lifting equipment such as hoists, slings, and patient lifts. While vital, these tools can become hazards when used or maintained incorrectly. LOLER training ensures your staff know how to use lifting equipment safely—and meet legal obligations under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

This post outlines what the course covers, who it's for, and how using CareLearner’s LOLER training supports both safety and CQC inspection readiness.

What the LOLER Course Covers

Duration: 2.5 hoursModules: 5 comprehensive, interactive modulesFormat: Multi-device accessible, CPD-accredited, with downloadable certificate on completion.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the definition, purpose, and historical context of LOLER

• Learn who the regulations apply to and which types of equipment are included

• Understand the principles of safe lifting techniques and systems of work

• Gain insight into maintenance, examinations, and inspection requirements

• Learn how to ensure legal and regulatory compliance..

  
  

Key Topics You'll Learn:

1. Introduction to LOLER

2. Understanding Lifting Equipment

3. Lifting Operations

4. Maintenance and Examination of Equipment

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

   
   

You can preview a sample certificate too—perfect for demonstrating compliance in audits and inspections 

Who Should Complete This Course?

• Care assistants, nurses, and team leads using or supervising hoisting equipment

• Maintenance staff responsible for conducting pre-use checks and organising thorough examinations

• Registered managers overseeing overall compliance and ensuring safe care environments

  
  

How This Training Supports CQC Inspection Readiness

LOLER training directly aligns with key CQC domains:

• Safe: Helps minimise risk from equipment misuse or lack of maintenance

• Effective: Ensures staff competency through structured learning

• Well-led: Enables robust record-keeping and compliance evidence

With CareLearner, you benefit from:

• Centralised tracking of training completion

• Automated reminders for re-training or equipment inspection

• Easily accessible records and certificates for audit or inspection purposes

  
  

LOLER Compliance Checklist

•  All lifting equipment is included in an equipment register

•  Pre-use checks are conducted routinely

•  Thorough examinations are scheduled and performed

•  Staff have completed LOLER training and have valid certificates

•  Training records and documentation are maintained centrally and ready for review

  
  

FAQ — Answering Common Questions

Question	Answer
What is the recommended duration between LOLER refreshers?	While the course doesn’t expire, best practice is a refresher every 2 years or when new equipment is introduced.
Is this sufficient for becoming a 'competent person' under LOLER?	No. It provides foundational knowledge, but being a formally competent examiner requires practical experience and further training.
Does LOLER training replace manual handling training?	No. Manual handling focuses on safe lifting techniques, not on compliance or equipment maintenance, which is the focus of LOLER training.

Conclusion: Safer Equipment, Safer Care

LOLER training isn’t just a compliance tickbox—it’s a critical step in protecting both residents and your staff. With CareLearner, you're not only delivering accredited learning but pairing it with robust tracking and compliance tools that make inspections straightforward.