Lifting Equipment Inspector

A lifting equipment inspector carries out vital checks to ensure that equipment and machinery used for lifting is in working order, so construction projects can be carried out in line with strict health and safety guidelines. If equipment is found to need repairs, they will carry out this work, or recommend a more qualified engineer for the job.

Onsite
Health and Safety
Further qualifications
Very organised

What does a lifting equipment inspector do?

General lifting accessories, including chain slings, webbing slings and wire rope slings
Bespoke lifting and handling equipment
Manually operated lifting equipment such as chain hoists, wire rope, lifting and pulling machines and beam trolleys
Power operated lifting equipment (including but not limited to electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic powered systems, powered winches, etc)
Runway beams and light crane structures
Electric overhead travelling cranes
Offshore cargo carrying units
Mobile crane examination
Carrying out inspection and testing work to industry specifications, whether on site or in workshops
Completing necessary paperwork in line with set procedures and industry specifications
Assisting with repairs and servicing of lifting equipment where required
Adhering to regulations surrounding health and safety, quality and environmental protection
Travelling between different sites and workshops to work on common bits of construction kit
Working in a fast-paced office environment completing administration work
Excellent knowledge of health and safety requirements
Passion for machinery and the technical aspects of the industry
Able to pick up new systems quickly that may be very technical
High level of organisation and commitment to your work
Good knowledge of inspection and testing techniques with regard to different types of lifting equipment
In-depth understanding of general engineering
Experience of carrying out method statements and risk assessments
Excellent personal organisational skills
Attention to detail and accuracy when completing inspection and examination testing paperwork
Working between 35 and 40 hours per week. There may be time where you'll need to work longer hours, if you need to do some overtime or cover other staff

How to become an lifting equipment inspector

You can complete a training course to become a lifting equipment inspector. Under guidelines, any capable person with experience can carry out inspections, if they hold an industry-standard qualification from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).

Although this role requires a certain qualification, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

To become a lifting equipment inspector, you will require an industry-standard qualification from a specialist training provider. The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is responsible for training new lifting equipment engineers, as well as setting standards and providing health and safety information.

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a company which supplies or maintains lifting equipment to gain experience as a lifting equipment inspector. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced lifting equipment inspector and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a lifting equipment inspector. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a lifting equipment inspector include:

Good attention to detail
Knowledge of lifting equipment
Ability to spot problems and provide solutions
Excellent knowledge of health and safety requirements
Passion for machinery and the technical aspects of construction
Able to pick up technical systems quickly
High level of organisation and commitment to your work
In-depth understanding of general engineering.

Qualifications

England

To become a Lifting Equipment Inspector, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ Lifting Technician
Level 2 Lifting Technician apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a Lifting Equipment Inspector, you could complete a:

SVQ at SCQF Level 7 in Controlling Lifting Operations - Supervising Lifts
Level 7 in Controlling Lifting Operations - Supervising Lifts

Wales

To become a Lifting Equipment Inspector, you could complete a:

Level 3 Supervising Lofting Operations

How much could you earn as a lifting equipment inspector?

The expected salary for a lifting equipment inspector varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained lifting equipment inspectors can start at £21,000

• Trained with experience lifting equipment inspectors can earn up to £45,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

As a lifting equipment inspector, you could move into related roles, such as a SHEQ (safety, health, environment and quality) advisor, as your skills and experience improve.