1.8.1 Requirements for Interim and Pre-Use Inspection
Lifting equipment can be subjected to operational and environmental conditions which may affect its safe working characteristics. Legislation therefore requires that lifting equipment is properly maintained and safe to operate at all times. To ensure that this is the case, current good practice requires pre-use inspections and interim inspections at suitable intervals between the statutory thorough examinations. Regular ‘interim’ inspections should be instituted, at appropriate intervals, to ensure the legal requirements are met. The period between the ‘interim’ inspections will be determined by the utilization, age of the equipment and remaining design life, environment, manufacturers literature and similar factors based on the history of the equipment. Inspections are particularly important before issue for use.
In terms of the age of the equipment and the remaining design life, some standards call for an enhanced inspection or major overhaul at specific intervals. Otherwise this interval is determined by the risk assessment.