Our company makes good practice to inspect equipment to ensure that the necessary guards are still in place and that it is in sound working order. Such inspections will also indicate if maintenance is required.

In addition to the general legal requirement for regular inspections of work equipment, there are certain specific statutory requirements for equipment that is likely to have more serious consequences in the event of failure. Equipment covered by these requirements includes:

 

• Lifting equipment - such as cranes, lifts, chains and wire rope slings 

• Pressure equipment - such as compressors and air receivers 

• Ventilation equipment - such as used to extract hazardous substances from the workplace

 

 

A competent person must carry out these inspections. The competent person can set the frequency unless it is specified in the Regulations.

Such inspections are often carried out as part of an engineering insurance contract that combines insurance against the consequences of breakdown with an inspection service.