Examination and Testing of lifts 1998 (LG1) Thorough examination and testing is a requirement under lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations 1998 (LOLER), and must be conducted by a competent person at predefined intervals. These examinations are normally conducted by an insurance company representative as the competent person* defined by regulation 9 of LOLER. This competent person will then advise the frequency of more detailed supplementary examinations and tests required for that specific lift installation(s). * a competent person is defined within LOLER as someone who "has such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lift equipment to be thoroughly examined as will enable them to detect defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued safe use of the lifting equipment". Whilst LOLER then makes no specific reference to LG1's, these guidelines are clearly recognised as the best way of satisfying the more detailed thorough examinations and tests. We would advise that LG1's are not mandatory but have no less status than PM7. They represent best practice and, if followed are normally regarded as sufficient to comply with current health and safety law. These tests and examinations are much more involved than the PM7 tests and examinations, with additional tests having been introduced for traction lifts, hydraulic lifts and scenic lifts. The necessity for any supplementary examinations and tests to key components of a lift will invariably be decided by the competent person undertaking the thorough examination as defined by regulation 9 of LOLER. The competent person should make the decision on which particular examinations and tests are required using as a basis, the results of a risk assessment of the lift(s).