8.10.1 Pre-use Inspection

In addition to the thorough examination required under statutory provisions, all trolleys should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use or on a regular basis. For trolleys in regular use it is good practice to make an inspection at the start of each shift or working day. For trolleys used infrequently it should be done before each use on each day of use.

It is recommended that a formal system of pre-use inspection is implemented, and a written record kept identifying the date inspected, confirmation that it passed inspection and the name and signature of the person making the inspection. In the event that it does not pass inspection, there should be a procedure to quarantine the trolleys to prevent further use of the equipment until the problem has been resolved.

The purpose of the pre-use inspection is to test the functionality of the trolleys and make a visual check for any obvious defects. If any of the following defects are found the trolley should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person:

  1. Appreciable wear of the trolley wheel treads and bearings or damage to flanges.

  2. Insecurity of the wheels and axle pins.

  3. Distortion, particularly in the side plates and load bar.

  4. Wear on load bearing points.

  5. Cracked or defective welding.

  6. Incorrectly substituted components.

  7. Worn, corroded or damaged hand chain particularly on the bearing surface on the inside of the links but also the outside of the links, bearing in mind possible injury to the operatives’ hands.

  8. Illegible SWL or other markings.