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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.

Average salary*

£20000

-

£30000

Typical hours per week

35-40

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. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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.

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

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

  • Level 2 NVQ Lifting Technician
  • Level 2 Lifting Technician apprenticeship

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

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

  • Level 3 Supervising Lofting Operations

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 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 earn £20,000 - £30,000
  • Trained lifting equipment inspectors with some experience can earn £30,000 - £35,000*
  • Self-employed lifting equipment inspectors set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Jobs

Check out the latest lifting equipment inspector vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

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.

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