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Got an Inspection? Guarantee a Pass with Our Expert Free Guide |

Got an Inspection? Guarantee a Pass with Our Expert Free Guide

Missing timed inspections, maintenance or service is a common occurrence, which is why at Seton we are providing this easy to use guide to help you stay on top of maintenance, and in turn help you to improve safety and increase workplace efficiency.

Often, it can be that it isn’t always clear when an inspection is due to be carried out on various pieces of equipment around your workplace, this doesn’t have to just include tools or machines, but it can, in fact, cover a lot more.

What is an Inspection?

Inspection Meaning

By definition, ‘Inspection’ is ‘the act of looking at something carefully.’ Put this into a working environment where health and safety measures are a necessity, and you start to realise why the need for inspecting items is so important.

The risk of injury and accident increases with the amount of equipment being utilised, and as such, it is vital that measures are put in place that reduces the risk of hazards.

What should an inspection cover?

With the number of hazards increasing as more equipment gets used, it’s important that adequate checks are carried out to ensure safety and proficiency in the workplace. An inspection should be carried out before each use of the equipment in question. A quick check can be done to ensure things are working correctly. Checking wires & cables, checking brakes, lights, etc.

Weekly checks on some items should be carried out to ensure adequate safety measures are being met.

For instance;

  • checking tyre pressures
  • stock levels on first aid kits
  • ensuring camera / CCTV systems are functioning correctly
  • ensuring safety devices are in full working order.

There are inspections that require annual checks, this can include the inspection of

  • ladders and scaffolding
  • portable appliances
  • inspection of fire extinguishers.

Each of these tests might require specific training and equipment. This could include:

  • torches
  • labels
  • cameras
  • scaffTags.

Why is inspection important?

As we’ve discussed above, inspection is crucial for maintaining adequate standards of health and safety in the workplace. The purpose of the inspection is to identify whether the equipment that you have is up to standard, is safe to use and will not cause an accident if used.

If an item is being used outside of its inspection due date, you run a very serious risk of injury. If an item could result in a risk to the health and safety of somebody due to deterioration, malfunction or any other circumstance then it should not be used until this has been resolved.

What to do during an inspection?

What an inspection will cover is entirely based on the context that you are in. It can depend on the machinery or equipment that your business uses, as well as the conditions that these items are exposed to. Inspection focuses on the components of an item that are safety-related, and may possibly pose a threat if not maintained.

Who can do an inspection?

Inspections can be done by anybody who has knowledge of the equipment in question. If a person knows the safe working condition of an item and has the competency to carry out an inspection, then they can do so. For the majority of cases, it is not necessary to have somebody specialist to inspect an item, though for some pieces of equipment it is a part of the inspection process and must be approved by a qualified party.

As long as somebody understands the following, then they can inspect the item needed;

  • What to look at (In terms of what could be wrong, things to notice)
  • What to look for (In case something isn’t entirely obvious, it is important to know the equipment well if you are inspecting)
  • How to approach a problem (What do you do to rectify, or repair the issue - Who do you report it to? Does it need a specialist?)

On top of this knowledge, it is important that the individual inspecting the equipment is aware of the regulations surrounding the items, and ensure checks done adhere to these.

Prior to an inspection, you should research if the item in questions needs a specialist, or if it can be done in house. If carrying an inspection out in house then it is important to take some factors into account.

  1. Their experience with the item. Are they experienced using the item? Have they used it enough to be able to know what parts need checking, and the risks involved.
  2. You must follow the manufacturer's guidelines to inspect the equipment safely.

Applications for Inspection

COSHH

Inspections should be carried out on all relevant equipment designed for the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH), this can include COSHH cupboards, storage containers or spill kits.

Fire

  • Fire Extinguishers should be checked annually for damages.
  • Fire blankets should be checked a minimum of once a year.
  • Fire alarms should be checked frequently (Maximum time limit of once every six months, but a quarterly service is recommended).
  • Fire Drills should be carried out at least once per year.

First Aid

  • Items like Eye Wash & Emergency Showers, Burns Kits or Defibrillators should be inspected regularly to ensure they are sufficiently stocked, or in working order.
  • Providing the necessary safety supplies is important for the maintenance of health and safety in your workplace.

General

  • Can be used in the home as a reminder for descaling white goods such as dishwashers and washing machines.
  • It can be used for electrical timing and testing purposes, once the test has been done you can set the time and come back when reminded.

Machinery

  • When Power Tools & Machinery are in constant use, it’s important the standard of quality is maintained so equipment is always ready to use when required.
  • A lot of industries use tools constantly, with little downtime in between, meaning that frequent checks are important because no tools can mean no business.
  • Workplace efficiency is crucial to all businesses, ensure yours is in control.

Warehouse

  • Given the variety of jobs and happenings within a warehouse, it is important to ensure that all risks are analysed, and inspections are carried out when required.
  • Warehouse shelving, pallet racking or scaffolding can be risky, and as such should be maintained to a high standard. Inspections can help with this.
  • Reminding staff that when using the equipment it is important to carry out a quick inspection before use allows them to remain diligent and enforce health and safety protocols.