LOLER - Examination and Inspection
Only a person who is competent should carry out thorough inspections and examinations of lifting equipment. In this case the term competence means that the person will have the appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to be examined / inspected.
There may be various levels of examination, from the daily in house checklist to an external inspection of lifting equipment from an independent inspector. Each person in the chain should be competent to perform the task ask of them.
How often thorough inspection / examinations of lifting equipment are carried out depend on the type of equipment, the task it is required to do, and the associated risks. The competent person should identify which equipment needs thorough examination and how often this should be carried out. However a thorough examination of equipment should be carried out unless other physical evidence is available to show that a thorough examination has already been carried out:
  • If the equipment is new before it is used for the first time.
  • If the equipment has been reconfigured / adapted.
  • Where the safety of the equipment depends on it being installed / positioned correctly then a thorough examination should be carried out every time the equipment is repositioned or installed at a new site.
  • If the equipment has been involved in an accident.
How often the equipment needs thorough examination whilst on site can greatly depend on a number of factors for example:
  • Where deterioration could occur quickly, for example in wet, abrasive, corrosive environments.
  • Where the equipment is used for prolonged periods.
  • Manufacturer's recommendations.

In many circumstances it may be considered good practice to stage the level inspections / examination for example:

  • Daily Checklist: should pick up obvious faults.
  • Weekly examination of all parts not checked on a daily basis.
  • Monthly examination of all parts not checked so far.
  • Annual inspection carried out by an independent inspector.

See Also Pre Use Check List

See Also LOLER - Information and Records

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