There have been numerous studies conducted on the effectiveness of ladders used in construction. No inspections of the ladder have resulted in a ladder being used properly. It is a responsibility of the site supervisor to have the ladder inspected to ensure it is in good working order before it can be used on the job. It is just that easy. The obvious answer is that the supervising contractor is trying to be productive on site and that is the next logical step to completing the remaining construction tasks.
LOLER Regulations are there to protect the construction employees from malfunctions of the construction equipment. With this in mind, contruction employees are required to fulfill the construction employees first and foremost. The construction employees activities involve construction activities that incorporate the use of various construction equipment components to enable the successful completion of the construction activities. The detachable construction component incorporates construction covers that are removable from the construction equipment components. It is the construction employees that must check and ensure that the construction employees are functioning properly and safely. It can be safely said that it is the best construction practice to ensure that construction employees are functioning properly.
You look for change. Anything not there yesterday: a new crack, a broken sling, a limit switch that is acting up. Most times, you see nothing and the check takes five minutes. Every once in a while, you will find something and those five minutes will have been worth far more than the time you saved by skipping the check.
What the checklist covers
The checklist is broken down in to seven sections: documentation, structural condition, hoist mechanism, electrics and controls, travel mechanisms, lifting accessories, and working area. Each section covers the specific checks for that part of the crane, including notes for a particular item that requires more explanation, such as rejection criteria for wire ropes or what to look for on a heavily worn webbing sling.
There is a defects and actions log that can be used to record everything found during the inspection, the action taken, and the person who did it. And there is a sign-off block to document who did the check and when, and whether the crane was cleared for use.
What Happens when a Check Fails?
All crane operations cease when a failure occurs. This is not something that can be assessed by a single operator – a defect can only be determined by a qualified person before the machinery is returned to service. Continuing to operate a piece of equipment, even with a seemingly minor defect, poses a significant risk to other employees, and the operator will be held to a higher degree of liability.
While checklists are not legally required to be retained, they are a record of maintenance that provides proof of due diligence and are used to determine the legality of a particular action following an accident, for example, an HSE inspector.
Checklists: – – –
The checklist for overhead cranes, gantry cranes and hoists has an A4 format. You can print it and fill it out, or keep a digital copy. It’s a good idea to create a filing system or checklists are completed quickly for multiple cranes or shifts – by crane ID, date, or both.
[Download: Crane Pre-Use Inspection Checklist – PDF]