11.10.1 Pre-use Inspection
In addition to the thorough examination by a Competent Person necessary under legal requirements, all runways and their associated lifting appliances should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use or on a regular basis. For runways in regular use it is good practice to make the inspection at the start of each shift or working day. For runways used infrequently it should be done before 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 procedure to quarantine the runway to prevent further use of the equipment until the problem has been resolved.
The purpose of the pre-use inspection is to check functionality of the runway and make a visual check for any obvious defects. Guidance on pre-use inspection of lifting appliances will be found in the relevant sections of this code. The following are examples of the common defects which may become apparent in use or during the regular inspection of runways. If any of these defects are found the runway should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person:
Damage or deformation to the track, such as cracks, bent or twisted flanges, wear to the running face of the track etc. Also twisted, bent or ‘turned down’ cantilever jib sections.
Damage or deformation to supporting steel structures, such as cracks, distorted columns, bent or twisted flanges, damaged or distorted stools, packers and fixings, bent or distorted base plates.
Corrosion of any of the structural members or track.
Loose, missing or distorted bolts, nuts or clamps. All washers, including taper washers where appropriate, and locking devices must be in place. (In the case of missing bolts, nuts or washers, they must be replaced by ones of the correct size, grade and type. If any doubt exists withdraw from service and refer to a Competent Person.)
Insecure, cracked or undercut welds.
Loose foundation bolts. (It may be necessary to consult the manufacturer’s instructions as certain types of foundation bolt require periodic re-torquing during the initial period of use. Where the manufacturer’s instructions do not mention this or if the problem recurs, withdraw from service immediately and refer to a Competent Person.)
Damaged, loose or missing end stops. End stops are safety devices which prevent the trolley, hoist or load colliding with the structure or running off the end of the track. Their correct fitting is of vital importance to the safe use of the runway. They must be set so that they mate with the wheel tread and do not contact the flanges of the trolley wheels.
In the case of runways which are built into stone or brick walls, cracking or crumbling of the wall.
Trolley lacks traction or all of the wheels are not in full contact with the track. In the case of hand geared trolleys, trolley tilts when effort is applied to the hand chain. (If the trolley slips or slides on the track, this may be due to dirt or debris. The running face of the track and trolley wheel treads should be cleaned of all contamination which may impede the free movement and correct operation of the trolley. If the problem persists, withdraw from service and refer to a Competent Person.)