The safety of those using lifting and rigging equipment is of utmost importance, and employers and worksites must ensure they are adhering to regulations when it comes to inspecting and maintaining such equipment.
Nowadays, there is a great selection of lifting machinery available, including chain slings, wire rope slings, wire rope terminations, shackles, chain blocks, lever hoists and creeper winches. Just trusting that the device meets Australian Standards is not sufficient.
Manufacturers can be located anywhere in the world and must comply with different laws. At Bunzl Safety & Lifting, we can inspect and test all imported equipment to make sure it not only meets the product’s requirements, but is also up to the Australian Standards and safety regulations.
Heavy lifting equipment inspections involve the assessment of cranes, forklifts, and other heavy machinery and equipment to ensure that they are in proper working condition and not a hazard to anyone in the workplace. Types of equipment requiring inspections include:
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Boom lifts
- Scissor lifts
- Hoists
- Pallet jacks
- Air hoists
- Chain hoists
- Winches
Who Should Inspect Heavy Lifting Equipment ?
As stated in the Australian Standard AS 2550.1-2020 it is required that a 'competent person' inspect the equipment, and records should be kept of these inspections.
Under the Standard, a ‘competent person’ to inspect heavy lifting equipment is someone who, through training, experience, and knowledge, is capable of identifying existing and potential risks, hazards, and non-compliances with the standards and regulations applicable to heavy lifting equipment. This person should be able to evaluate the safety of the equipment, develop inspection plans and procedures, and provide advice on preventive and corrective maintenance.
Heavy lifting equipment inspections also need to involve a detailed evaluation of the machinery, its components, and safety features. At Bunzl Safety and Lifting, we can provide inspections of lifting gear as well as height safety equipment at your site (or alternatively, equipment can dropped into one of our branches) by our fully qualified and highly experienced inspectors.
All inspections of equipment are also electronically recorded in real time using the latest asset management software, which can be securely accessed by our customers at any time.
How Frequently Does Heavy Lifting Equipment Need To Be Inspected ?
Depending on the type of gear and frequency of use, inspections may need to be carried out more regularly than others.
For example, slings made of synthetic fibres may need more frequent examination than other types of gear. Additionally, any repairs or modifications to the gear must be followed by a proof load test.
The Australian Standards discuss two distinct types of inspection: in-service and periodic.
In-Service Inspections
An in-service inspection is a visual assessment of the equipment prior to each lift, where the user looks for any wear or damage and verifies the weight limit tag is visible and legible. If any defects are observed, the equipment should be removed from service and inspected by a qualified individual to determine if it can be used, repaired, or discarded.
Periodic Equipment Inspections
A periodic inspection is a more thorough examination of the equipment, which needs to be done in a well-lit area by an inspector who has been trained and has proven good vision. These inspections also need to be properly recorded.
Factors To Consider
When determining how often to inspect an item, factors to consider include the amount of use it gets and the intensity of the job it is being used for (i.e. is it being used to its full capacity all the time). Additionally, the working conditions, such as if the environment is contaminated or corrosive, should be taken into account. Certain types of lifting equipment, such as slings made from synthetic fibres and wire rope slings with soft eyes, tend to suffer from quicker wear and tear, thus requiring more frequent inspection.
Heavy Lifting & Height Safety Equipment Inspections - Frequency Guidelines
In general, the recommended frequencies for inspecting heavy lifting equipment are as follows:
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Soft Slings/FWS
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AS 1353.2
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Slings shall be inspected by a competent person at intervals of service of not more than 3 months.
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Chain Assemblies
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AS 3775.2
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Periodic inspection by competent person.
Bunzl Safety & Lifting suggests 12 monthly intervals.
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Lashing Chain
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AS 4344
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Regular inspection by the user.
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Wire Rope Assemblies
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AS 1666
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Recommended periodic inspection by a competent person 12 monthly, subject to usage.
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Lifting Clutches
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AS 3850
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A proof test using a load equal to 1.2 times the WLL shall be conducted and recorded at least 12 monthly intervals.
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Lifting Beams
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AS 4991
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Lifting devices shall be inspected by a competent person at intervals specified by the manufacturer or by the competent person.
Bunzl Safety & Lifting suggest 12 monthly.
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Monorail/Gantry
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AS 1418.3
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Initial inspection not greater than 2 years (in first 6 years), then 12 monthly.
At the time of commissioning only each hoist shall be proof loaded to 100% of its rated capacity AS1418.3, 1418.18.
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Harnesses/Lanyards
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Operator inspection before and after each use. Documented inspection 6 monthly by height safety equipment Inspector.
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Horizontal or vertical lifelines
- Webbing or fibre ropes
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Documented inspection 6 monthly by height safety equipment Inspector.
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Horizontal or vertical lifelines
- Steel rope or rail
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Frequency of inspection by height safety equipment Inspector as recommended by the manufacturer, a maximum of 5 yearly. Documented 12 monthly inspection in the absence of such recommendations.
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Anchors chemical & mechanical
If not secured with nut
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Proof load yearly. Rating 15kN 1 person, 21kN 2 people. Must be documented.
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Anchor nut secured
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No proof load but structure needs to be tested or engineer certified.
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Type 1 Fall Arrestors
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Rope grabs, lad safe, lifeline. Annual documented Inspection by height safety equipment Inspector.
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Type 2 Fall Arrestors
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Self-retracting lifelines. 6 monthly documented inspection. Service as recommended by the manufacturer to a maximum of 5 years. 12 monthly in the absence of such recommendation. Completed by height safety equipment inspector.
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Type 3 Fall Arrestors
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Self-retracting lifelines with winch. 6 monthly documented inspection. Service as recommended by the manufacturer to a maximum of 5 years. 12 monthly in the absence of such recommendation. Completed by height safety equipment inspector.
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