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Lifting Equipment and Pallet Racking Inspections

Lifting Equipment Inspections

BSL Lifting Equipment Inspections Guide for Website A4.pdfFor over 45 years our technical division has provided lifting equipment inspections, testing and repairs to various industries across Australia.

We Come To You & Send A Reminder When Your Next Equipment Inspection Is Due

To save on down time bringing lifting and safety equipment to our laboratory, our fully LEEA qualified inspectors can travel to site to undertake the necessary monthly, quarterly or yearly inspections.

Alternatively, lifting equipment can be dropped off at select NATA accredited Bunzl Safety and Lifting branches for the required inspection.

Our state of the art electronic Inspection and Asset Management system allows customers to view their lifting equipment reports, location information and full history online – at any time.

Just some of the equipment our inspectors can inspect and test include: hoists and wire ropechain and synthetic slingsrigging hardware and lifting beamswork boxes and goods cagesharnesses, lanyards and confined space equipment.

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:

  1. Cranes
  2. Forklifts
  3. Boom lifts
  4. Scissor lifts
  5. Hoists
  6. Pallet jacks
  7. Air hoists
  8. Chain hoists
  9. 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:

 

Soft Slings/FWS

AS 1353.2

Slings shall be inspected by a competent person at intervals of service of not more than 3 months.

Chain Assemblies

AS 3775.2

Periodic inspection by competent person.

Bunzl Safety & Lifting suggests 12 monthly intervals.

Lashing Chain

AS 4344

Regular inspection by the user.

Wire Rope Assemblies

AS 1666

Recommended periodic inspection by a competent person 12 monthly, subject to usage.

Lifting Clutches

AS 3850

A proof test using a load equal to 1.2 times the WLL shall be conducted and recorded at least 12 monthly intervals.

Lifting Beams

AS 4991

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.

Monorail/Gantry

AS 1418.3

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.

Harnesses/Lanyards

Operator inspection before and after each use. Documented inspection 6 monthly by height safety equipment Inspector.

Horizontal or vertical lifelines

- Webbing or fibre ropes

Documented inspection 6 monthly by height safety equipment Inspector.

Horizontal or vertical lifelines

- Steel rope or rail

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.

Anchors chemical & mechanical

If not secured with nut

Proof load yearly. Rating 15kN 1 person, 21kN 2 people. Must be documented.

Anchor nut secured

No proof load but structure needs to be tested or engineer certified.

Type 1 Fall Arrestors

Rope grabs, lad safe, lifeline. Annual documented Inspection by height safety equipment Inspector.

Type 2 Fall Arrestors

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.

Type 3 Fall Arrestors

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.

 




BSL Lifting Equipment Inspections Guide for Website A4.pdf

LEEA Qualified Inspectors

To save on down time bringing lifting and safety equipment to our laboratory, our fully LEEA qualified inspectors can travel to site to undertake the necessary monthly, quarterly or yearly inspections.

Alternatively, lifting equipment can be dropped off at select Bunzl Safety and Lifting branches for the required inspection.

Just some of the equipment our inspectors can inspect and test include: hoists and wire ropechain and synthetic slingsrigging hardware and lifting beamswork boxes and goods cagesharnesses, lanyards and confined space equipment.

Service Accreditations

We currently hold the following accreditations:
  • NATA ISO17025 for Mechanical Testing
  • Full LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Membership Association) Accredited
    

Pallet Racking Inspection

As well as Lifting Equipment Inspections, our Field Testing Officers can now undertake pallet racking inspections to Australian Standard AS 4084:2012.

To comply with WH&S laws, it is vital to have your racking inspected by a qualified person at least every 12 months. Often damage to racking may not be obvious or can be hidden from the untrained eye. Our experienced inspectors can undertake thorough checks and provide a report detailing any damage and recommended actions to ensure you comply with Australian Standards.


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About Bunzl Safety and Lifting

Bunzl Safety and Lifting offers an integrated approach to the selection, supply, service, and replacement of safety products, resulting in our ability to manage the complete life cycle of your personal and workplace safety requirements. Bunzl Safety and Lifting is a leading manufacturer of safety products, we provide the very best in workwear, corporate wear, PPE, footwear, materials handling, load restraint, and recovery,height safety, and site safety. We are also a leading supplier of some of the best industrial safety brands on the market, including Mack, Ninja, Contego, Boomerang, Beaver, B-Safe, WS Workwear, Frontier, Black Rat, Robertsons, 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, Bolle Safety, DuPont, Donaghys, MSA, Moldex, Steel Blue, Oliver, uvex, Sqwincher, MaxiFlex, DNC Workwear, Mayo Hardware, Gunnebo Industries, Skylotech and Blundstone. We also offer a range of services including product specialisation and consolidation, custom embroidery and branding, lifting equipment and inspections, NATA Accredited testing and services, height safety installed systems and training, managed inventory, eCommerce and digital solutions, clothing fitouts and yearly uniform issues, ethical sourcing, Indigenous Engagement, and environmental responsibility. We have an Australia-wide network of branches that ensures fast shipping across the country.

Bunzl Brands & Operations Pty Ltd (BBO) located at 55 Sarah Andrews Close Erskine Park NSW 2579 quality scope covers: manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing and testing of lifting, rigging equipment, winches, hoists and materials handling products. The manufacture of synthetic slings and webbing products including load restraint and height safety equipment. Manufacture, import, wholesale and distribution of PPE products, workwear and hand tools. Design and development of products and services and the provision of mechanical testing services.