12.10.1 Pre-use Inspection
In addition to the periodic thorough examination required under statutory provisions, all mobile supporting structures should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use or on a regular basis. For mobile supporting structures used infrequently it should be done before use on each day of use.
A formal pre-use inspection system should be implemented, with a written record noting the inspection date, result, and the name and signature of the inspector. In the event that it does not pass the inspection, there should be a procedure to quarantine the mobile supporting structure 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 equipment and make a visual check for any obvious defects and if any of the following faults are present, the mobile supporting structure shall be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person.
Structural defects; signs of damage, distortion or deformation of the supporting members, bracing, tie bars and lateral stiffening members. Missing structural members. Cracked welds. Distorted, loose or missing bolts and fixings. Missing locking devices and washers, in particular spring and taper washers. The overall condition of the structure should be sound with no signs of corrosion.
Deformation or damage to the runway; bent or twisted beam, damaged or distorted flanges, twisted web. The surface on which the trolley runs should be clean, un-lubricated and even and there should be no corrosion.
Damaged or missing end stops; distorted contact face, loose or missing fixing bolts.
Damaged locking and pivot pins; bent, distorted or burred pins. Missing or damaged retaining devices. Particular attention should be paid to pins on which structural members pivot, e.g. on self-erecting mobile supporting structures; there should be no signs of scoring, burring or excessive wear.
Damaged wheels and castors; chipped wheel treads, damaged tyres, bent axles, seized bearings, collapsed housing, missing or distorted fixing bolts. If brakes are fitted, they should be in good order; attention should be given to their operation which should prevent movement of the wheel. Similarly, rotational locks must prevent the castor from swivelling.
Damaged jacks; bent screw shanks, burred threads, seized threads, bent, distorted or missing feet.
Any damage or defect to the wheels, castors or jacks should be viewed seriously as this may affect the stability of the structure and may give rise to the mobile supporting structure overturning.
For guidance on the defects affecting lifting appliances requiring withdrawal from service, reference should be made to the following sections of this code:
Section 3 - Hand operated chain hoists.
Section 4 - Hand operated chain lever hoists.
Section 5 - Lifting and pulling machines using a gripping action on the wire rope.
Section 6 - Power operated hoists.
Section 8 - Travelling girder trolleys.