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Periodic inspection and examination or testing of lifting equipment
Check the applicable requirements for examination before first use, after installation and after exceptional circumstances such as significant damage or alteration. Some first-use exceptions apply where suitable conformity documentation is available; a competent person must determine what checks are needed. Lifting equipment may need thorough examination at intervals set out in an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person, taking account of the manufacturer's recommendations and national regulations. Every examination must be done by a competent person who is independent and impartial enough to make an objective decision.
In Great Britain, LOLER distinguishes thorough examination from routine inspection, testing and maintenance. Unless a competent person's written examination scheme specifies otherwise, the normal thorough-examination intervals are below. Conditions and exceptional events may require earlier examination. Other countries have their own requirements.
| Equipment | Normal interval unless a written examination scheme applies |
|---|---|
| Equipment used for lifting people | 6 months |
| Lifting accessories | 6 months |
| Other lifting appliances | 12 months |
Keep records of all thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment and accessories. Report any defect to the supervisor at once for correction. If a defect affects the safe operation of the machine, it must be put right before the machine is used.
Manage the risk effectively by making sure lifting equipment is not used until the defect is remedied. Record the defect and required action in the examination report, even if dealt with immediately. Withdraw and identify unsafe equipment; disposal or repair must follow competent arrangements rather than an improvised destructive test.
Further Reading
- Ambient factors in the workplace, ILO Code of Practice
- Directive 2009/104/EC on the use of work equipment
- Ergonomic checkpoints: practical and easy-to-implement solutions for improving safety, health and working conditions, second edition, ILO, 2010
- Manual handling: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, guidance on Regulations (L23), third edition
- Safety and health in the use of machinery, ILO Code of Practice
- Safety of machinery: general principles for design, risk assessment and risk reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
- Safety in working with lift trucks (HSG6)
- Safe use of lifting equipment: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, ACoP and guidance (L113)
- Safe use of work equipment: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, ACoP and guidance (L22), current HSE edition
- The health and safety toolbox: how to control risks at work (HSG268)
- The law on VDUs: an easy guide (HSG90), second edition, 2002
- Understanding ergonomics at work (INDG90)
- Work-related upper limb disorders: a guide (HSG60), second edition, 2002
Summary notes for Element 6 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.