What is a Lifting Equipment Inspection Checklist?
A lifting equipment inspection checklist is a document used to carefully check and consider if all operating conditions are safe and ideal before using lifting equipment. Lifting equipment refers to any work equipment that lifts and lowers loads. And this type of equipment is usually used in building construction, building maintenance, and manufacturing.
The inspection checklist for lifting equipment also includes checking lifting accessories. Lifting accessories refer to parts that connect the load to the lifting equipment like chains, hooks, eyebolts, and ropes.
In this article, the following points are explained:
1. Regulations in the lifting equipment inspection checklist
2. Considerations on lifting equipment for lifting persons
3. Advantages of digital compliance tracking for lifting equipment
Regulations in the Lifting Equipment Inspection Checklist
Since safety is the foremost priority in using a lifting equipment inspection checklist, strict safety regulations were implemented. Below are some safety regulations to consider, referenced from Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
1. Equipment Suitability
The first regulation in the inspection checklist for lifting equipment is equipment suitability. Suitability refers to how appropriate the features and capabilities of lifting equipment are to the work requirements. This also applies to the lifting accessories that are being used.
For example, when using a mobile equipment work platform, the load capacity should be enough to carry the weight of the people working on it and the equipment they will use. When it comes to accessories, the work platform attached to the equipment should be enough to accommodate all the workers and have enough space to work without obstructions.
Another way to ensure equipment suitability is to use Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) risk analysis. The guidelines in PUWER are detailed and practical when complying with health and safety standards.
2. Positioning and Installation
The following regulation pertains to positioning and installation, which refers to properly selecting where to install and operate lifting equipment. This regulation also takes into consideration hazards such as nearby buildings, equipment, and workers.
For example, in the lifting equipment inspection checklist, the assessor will be asked if the lifting equipment is positioned so that the loads lifted have minimal need to travel above people.
Another example in the checklist is the consideration of proximity hazards. In the inspection checklist for lifting equipment, the assessor will be asked if proximity hazards like nearby buildings and work equipment are considered. And if there is a measure in place to prevent collision to these proximity hazards.
3. Strength and Stability
The regulation regarding strength and stability refers to ensuring that the lifted load does not exceed the lifting strength and will not cause the overturning of the lifting equipment.
When considering the strength, it is important to assess the external forces that will affect it and the lifting accessories installed in it. The assessor should also check if there are signs of fracture, wear, and fatigue to any component of the lifting equipment that can cause work accidents due to failure.
When assessing stability, it is important to consider destabilizing forces like the weather, wind, slope, and ground condition that will likely affect the lifting equipment. After the assessment, the lifting equipment inspection checklist regulations recommend taking measures to negate the destabilizing forces.
4. Organization of Lifting Equipment
The regulation regarding the organization of lifting equipment emphasizes the need for careful planning and supervision for any operation of lifting equipment.
The lifting equipment inspection checklist recommends that the person in charge is well trained, has sufficient knowledge, and has practical experience planning lifting operations.
When creating a plan, the person in charge should identify the risks involved, prepare all the resources needed, develop a list of detailed operation procedures, and assign responsibilities to key persons involved in the lifting operation. Special considerations and procedures should also be made if two or more lifting equipment are involved in the lifting operation.
5. Marking of Lifting Equipment
The regulation regarding markings of lifting equipment requires creating clear and detailed labels indicating the safe working load (SWL) of all lifting equipment and its components.
Putting a transparent label on lifting equipment with a constant safe working load (SWL) is straightforward. But careful attention should be placed on labeling lifting equipment with a varying safe working load depending on its radius or configuration.
Examples of these types of equipment are:
- Cranes with a jib.
- A mobile truck with a telescopic jib.
- Mobile equipment with a cantilevered arm.
Another instruction on the regulations is to be careful when dismantling lifting equipment and label each dismantled component. This is to prevent a mix-up of components of different load ratings, which can cause accidents due to equipment failure.
6. Thorough Examination and Inspection
In the lifting equipment inspection form, thorough inspection refer to the periodic evaluation for defects and deterioration that can lead to accidents caused by mechanical failures.
The first requirement in the regulation is assigning a competent person to do the inspection. A qualified person is defined as having sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge to thoroughly examine and inspect lifting equipment.
Load testing is another requirement in the thorough inspection and is defined as a process of testing the load-bearing capabilities of lifting equipment. This includes testing safety mechanisms such as overload protection.
Considerations for Lifting Equipment for Lifting Persons
Lifting equipment that will be used to lift people have specific regulations that focus on worker safety. This involves adding safeguard devices to the lifting equipment and preventive measures from the risks.
The first consideration is, as much as possible, not using any lifting equipment that was not designed to lift people. There might be circumstances that will force an engineer or supervisor, such as space or environmental constraints. If so, accessories and precautions that will ensure the safety of a worker should be put into place.
The next consideration pertains to carriers such as a lift car. It is recommended that these types of carriers should be fully enclosed. If not, then it should be fitted with edge protection to protect the carrier.
Last is ensuring the safety of a lifted worker and preparing a reliable means of rescuing a worker in cases where the lifting equipment malfunctions. This includes a reliable means for a lifted worker to communicate with the lifting equipment operator and other workers.
Digitally track compliance when working with lifting equipment
Paperwork on the job site is annoying and can mean a long trip to the office. A digital tool like Lumiform makes it easier to access and secure documents and share information about discovered incidents during inspections. This not only saves time but also increases safety when handling lifting equipment.
Any workplace with lifting operations should place special emphasis on complying with regulations and taking steps to protect workers and the environment. A cost-effective and reliable inspection solution like Lumiform is the right solution.
With Lumiform’s mobile app and desktop software, safety officers and employees benefit from the following features during lifting equipment inspections:
- Use lifting equipment inspection checklists anytime, anywhere, and on any mobile device via the app, even when you’re offline.
- Easily document any issues by taking pictures and writing comments.
- Assign and track corrective and preventive actions to staff in real time.
- Solve problems faster by collaborating with the team through the app.
- Share the automatically generated inspection report with the appropriate personnel immediately upon completion for immediate action.
- Save all information securely in the cloud and access it at any time.
