The track is part of the hoist
A ceiling hoist is only as safe as its track, end stops and fixings. They are examined together, not just the motor unit.
Ceiling track hoists
Six-monthly LOLER examinations, annual servicing and repairs for ceiling track, overhead and gantry hoists, with the track, fixings and motor unit checked as one system and a written report for each.
From £45 + VAT per hoist
Why ceiling hoists need specialist checks
Ceiling hoists save space and staff effort, but the track and its fixings carry the full load of every transfer.
A ceiling hoist is only as safe as its track, end stops and fixings. They are examined together, not just the motor unit.
Ceiling and gantry hoists lift people, so they need a thorough examination at least every six months under LOLER 1998.
A thorough examination is also needed after installation, after a track is moved or extended, and after significant repairs.
Ceiling track hoists, also called overhead or tracking hoists, are common in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and SEN schools because they take the effort out of transfers and free up floor space. They're also lifting equipment used to lift people, so LOLER 1998 requires a thorough examination by a competent person at least every six months. Manufacturers also recommend a full service at least once a year.
We examine and service:
With a mobile hoist, the whole unit is in front of the engineer. With a ceiling system, the safety of the lift depends on parts that are easy to forget: the track joints, end stops, transfer gates and the fixings into the ceiling or wall. We examine the system as a whole, record the condition of each part, and flag anything that needs attention, such as a worn lifting tape or a loose end stop.
As well as the six-monthly cycle, LOLER requires a thorough examination when the safety of lifting equipment depends on how it's installed. That means after a track is installed, moved, extended or altered, and after any damage or significant repair. If you're refurbishing a room or moving a resident's track, tell us and we'll examine it before it goes back into use.
Common ceiling hoist faults include tired batteries, worn lifting tapes, charging faults and handset failures. Our engineers carry common spare parts, and repair call-outs start from £69 + VAT including the first hour. Where a motor unit can't be repaired economically, we can quote for a replacement through our equipment supply service.
From our base in Lee-on-the-Solent we look after ceiling track systems in care homes, hospitals and schools across Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Winchester, Basingstoke and the Isle of Wight, as well as West Sussex and Dorset, and for contract clients across the UK.
How it works
We visit, audit your equipment and asset numbers, and look for savings against your current supplier.
A quote for exactly the equipment and service frequency you need. No hidden costs and no minimum number of assets.
Quarterly, six-monthly or annual visits. Engineers carry spare parts so most faults are fixed first time.
Every item barcoded and logged, with a full electronic report after each visit, ready for audits and inspections.
Also from Shepherd
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Find out moreFAQs
At least every six months, because it is used to lift people. A thorough examination is also needed after installation, after the track is moved or altered, and after significant damage or repair.
Ceiling track hoist examinations and servicing start from £45 + VAT per hoist. Large room-cover systems or several motor units on one track may cost more. You'll get an itemised quote first, with no minimum number of items.
Yes. We examine and service freestanding and portable gantry hoists as well as ceiling- and wall-fixed tracks.
Yes. Slings are lifting accessories with the same six-monthly LOLER requirement, so we examine them on the same visit.
We can supply and arrange installation of ceiling track systems through our equipment supply service, and carry out the thorough examination needed before a new system is first used.
Book a free on-site survey or talk to our team about servicing, LOLER inspections, repairs and equipment supply.