When operating heavy lifting equipment, there are a number of things that can and do go wrong. The load capacity might not match the weight of the items being lifted, workers may not be adequately trained in the use of the machinery, or the equipment may be in a state of disrepair.

Accidents can and do happen, and any of the above issues can contribute to an unsafe operating environment, but they are all also early fixed. Workers can be trained, and scheduled lifting equipment inspections can help prevent a multitude of problems in the future.

Here are three reasons to ensure you schedule regular lifting equipment inspections.

1. Checking for Damage

The critical part of an inspection is to look for any damage. Rusted or broken parts can be a serious danger to workers using or near the equipment. An inspection will ensure that all the parts are operational and working properly. If anything does need repair, you will know what needs to be fixed or replaced.

2. Proactively Replacing Ageing Materials

Rather than replacing parts that have become worn or broken, replacing ageing parts is a good way of proactively preventing problems before they happen. An inspection will identify parts that are past their best and should be replaced before they break down, ultimately saving you time and money by avoiding any downtime due to malfunctioning equipment.

3. Updating the System to Meet Changing Needs

As your organisation grows, your equipment may also need to be updated to meet your new requirements, for example, if production rates have increased, or you’re distributing larger and heavier items, your lifting equipment may not be up to the job.

As your processes change, remember to consider the impacts this may have on your capital equipment. You may need to update your load capacity, or you may even need a completely overhauled system to meet new industry standards.

If you’re looking for lift consultants for LOLER inspections and lift refurbishments, talk to us today.