12.8.2 Pre-use Inspection/Thorough Examination

The degree of pre-use inspection or thorough examination required will to some degree depend on the type of mobile supporting structures used and the installation conditions. Mobile supporting structures are generally proof load tested and thoroughly examined on completion at the manufacturer’s works, they are then dismantled ready for transportation to site. Further load testing after erection on site is not usually required as the manufacturer’s test record remains valid, providing the erection has been carried out fully in accordance with his instructions using his original components.

Some types of mobile supporting structures are designed and intended for the user to dismantle and re-erect, e.g. foldaway and self-erecting mobile supporting structures. In such cases it may be sufficient for a suitably qualified and experienced person to inspect the installation to ensure the correct assembly and attachment of the lifting appliance. For more complex installations and those requiring a high degree of dismantling and reassembly a higher degree of examination by a Competent Person may be called for. (See section 12.7 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS)

Where the Competent Person deems a proof test is necessary as a part of his thorough examination, e.g. if the mobile supporting structures has been supplied without a test certificate or following an exceptional circumstance such as a structural repair, the proof load should be at least 1.25 times the SWL. The testing will usually include deflection, dynamic and overload tests. Deflection limits shall be in accordance with the manufacturers specifications or standard to which the equipment was made.

On satisfactory completion of the thorough examination and supplementary testing, the Competent Person will issue the necessary report of thorough examination, which will include details of the tests he has made. As with the manufacturer’s original documentation, this should give details of the support points, i.e. ‘on jacks’ or ‘on castors’. As in the majority of cases the lifting appliance will be detachable from the mobile supporting structures and may have differing proof load requirements, an individually detailed or a separate report should be issued for the mobile supporting structures, the connecting device, e.g. trolley, beam clamp, etc., and the lifting appliance. These should be retained and cross referenced to the equipment’s historical records.