Would Your Lifting Equipment Pass An Inspection?

Lifting equipment inspections were put into place by the health and safety at work act 1974 to ensure that employees and the public are protected from injury, this death or illness due to faulty equipment, bad practice or negligence in the workplace. However, it’s surprising how many businesses would fail if they were given a surprise inspection today.

If you are an employer it is your responsibility to ensure that any work equipment from small to large items follow the regulations of P.U.W.E.R this is to ensure that all work equipment is safe and suitable for use, is inspected on a continuous level and that full training and instructions are given to those using the equipment.

In addition to P.U.W.E.R, lifting equipment also has its own separate regulations L.O.L.E.R  to be followed. L..O.L.E.R  is to ensure that lifting equipment are strong and stable for use. You will need to check if you should be following these guidelines as they often include most lifting equipment like pulleys and cranes but can exclude machinery like dentist chairs and escalators.

Lifting equipment LTD follow the regulations of L.O.L.E.R  to ensure that lifting equipment is positioned and installed correctly and that all loads are planned and regulated by competent staff.  Again, inspections should be under continuous maintenance procedures; Lifting equipment refers to a wide range of machinery used in industries within a variety of construction work, warehouses, mechanics and even hospitals and healthcare. And includes most lifts, hoists, cranes alongside all parts and materials that will be used in supporting the machinery like; chains, links and blocks, hooks, slings.

As an employee you need to ensure that all machinery is used correctly, safety gear is worn when it should be. Machinery is used in an area free from obstruction, all equipment is free from defects or faults, workload capacities are adhered too and that work is done by competent staff who have been shown how to use the machinery in the correct way

Any accidents with machinery should be reported, a record must be made and you will need to   ensure that after any accidents or fixtures all tests are carried out to ensure machinery is safe to continue using.

Before every use you must also check that the machinery is given a once over for any loose bolts or faults and that staff are aware of all weight restrictions on each piece of lifting equipment or accessories.

Unsafe machinery is taken very seriously and it is important that continuous maintenance is carried out. However if lifting equipment inspections are carried out and issues are found, you can be taken to court or fined. Although under usual circumstances in the first instance you would be sent a legal notice asking that you put the issue right, before a set date.

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