Last Updated: 05.05.26
Like any piece of equipment, your mobility hoist should be regularly checked to ensure it is in the best possible condition.
It’s easy to put this off when everything seems to be working fine, but hoists are one of those systems where small issues can build up quietly over time. Regular checks keep things safe and reliable.
But how often should your mobility hoist actually be inspected?
Why Your Mobility Hoist Should Be Inspected
A mobility hoist needs to be inspected to ensure it remains safe to operate.
Given the importance of this equipment and its reliance on it to support the partial or full weight of its user, it must be maintained.
A qualified technician will know what to look for when inspecting the equipment, but some of the areas for attention will include:
- Wall Fixings – On permanent mobility hoists, ensure the fixings to keep it in position are secure and have not moved.
- Joints – Areas such as hinge joints should be checked for fatigue, alignment and lubrication if applicable
- Cables – Check cables for signs of heavy wear
- Handles – Are they worn, lacking grip, or cracked? They should be inspected to determine whether this is present.
- Brakes – On mobile hoists, ensure safety provisions, such as brakes, are working so the hoist stays securely in position when in use.
These are usually the first areas where wear shows up, especially on hoists that are used daily or by multiple carers.
How Often Should Inspections Happen?
The first time your mobility hoist should be inspected is immediately following its installation.
Even when the equipment is brand new, it will need to be checked by a professional to ensure everything is set up safely and securely as required.
Often, the company that installed your mobility hoist will inspect it, but it also pays to give it a look-over yourself from time to time.
Moving forward, when in use, a hoist should be properly inspected at least every 12 months.
This allows a full check for wear and tear, plus any small adjustments or maintenance that keep everything running smoothly, rather than waiting for a fault to appear.
The inspection should also include a load test, as per the relevant safety guidance for hoists used to transfer disabled persons. The hoist should be tested to its maximum safe working load at least once a year.
Other Scenarios When An Inspection Is Required
In addition to the inspection of a newly installed hoist and the ongoing annual checks, there are other scenarios in which a mobility hoist will need to be inspected.
These are as follows:
- Accidents – If the hoist has been involved in an accident or incident in which damage has been caused, you should get it professionally inspected once again. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, no matter how minor the damage may appear to be
- Movement – If the hoist has been moved from one position to another, it should be inspected again after installation in its new location.
This is to ensure everything is correctly secured and working as it should in the new setup in line with warranty/guarantee – it’s important to be aware of any conditions of your warranty or guarantee that came with your mobility hoist.
For example, inspection and servicing periods may apply and must be followed to keep the cover valid.
A Simple Way To Keep Everything Running Safely
If you’re unsure when your mobility hoist was last checked, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth getting it looked at.
A quick professional inspection can identify small issues early and prevent unnecessary breakdowns or safety concerns later. It also gives peace of mind that everything is still working as it should.
Call us on 0151 525 3610 or complete our simple enquiry form and we’ll arrange a convenient time to inspect or service your mobility hoist.