Depending on the nature of the equipment, respectfully, I disagree. If I have concerns about a structure, I engage a structural engineer to come and analyse the structure to tell me the load bearing capacity or if it is sound - they don't need to have been the architect or the designer of the structure to be able to do this. Anyone competent and experienced to perform a LOLER and scaffolding inspection should be able to competently analyse the structure and provide a suitable report of it's condition to satisfy the requirements of that legislation. A couple of LOLER inspectors used toI work with did everything from flying irons and theatre safety curtains to oil rigs - the mechanical and structural implications of damage to an alloy tube acting as a vertical supporting member, or a fraying steel wire rope are applicable across applications of technology. I would also expect any custom machinery to have as part of its design and delivery a comprehensive instruction manual that informs the user/client how to use it and ensure that is is safe. A significant part of the exercise of LOLER inspections is transfer of liability as much as it is a way of protecting workers from being forced to use battered kit as far as those paying for them are concerned!