Statutory Inspections

Some items of workplace plant require inspection at periodic intervals to comply with various legislations. These are commonly but inaccurately known as “Insurance Inspections.” They got the name because these inspections were commonly carried out by insurance company inspectors.

In fact, the requirement for inspections is not associated with the insurance companies but is based in various Health and Safety laws. They require that a “competent person” does the inspections. A “competent person” is a suitably qualified and experienced individual – there is no need for the insurance association and you don’t need to wait until your insurance is due before arranging an inspection.

An independent engineer who is qualified as “a competent person” can carry out the inspections and provide reports, sometimes more efficiently than a insurance company. B-Safe use independent Engineers who are able to inspect equipment at a time/place suitable to you, including work sites.

Lifting Equipment: of particular relevance here is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, usually abbreviated to LOLER. This includes motor vehicle lifting tables, passenger lifts, hydraulic jacks, chain slings. Materials handling equipment such as forklift trucks and pallet trucks are also subject to statutory inspection.

Pressure vessels: pressure vessels, like air receivers and boilers, need inspecting because of the Pressure Systems Regulations 2000.

Local Exhaust ventilation: Abbreviated to (LEV) and includes fume extraction plant – including some freestanding fans - needs to be tested under COSHH rules and so on.

Inspections can be carried out on:-

• Lifting machines including forklifts, loaders (eg hi-abs), cranes, hoists etc.
• Lifts - both passenger and goods.
• Lifting equipment including chains, strops etc.
• Roller Shutter doors which involve hoisted panels and similar.
• Pressure vessels including air receivers, boilers, calorifiers, etc.
• Local Exhaust Ventilation including Garage exhaust extraction, welding fume, extraction etc.

Remember: if you acquire second-hand equipment you should always ask for a copy of the current Inspection certificate; if one is not available or has expired then you should not use the equipment until it has been inspected.

If you would like more information regarding Statutory Inspections, then please contact us.