A Lot of people get confused with the difference between Servicing, Inspections and Thorough Examinations etc, here we identify the clear differences between each task.

Pre-Operation Inspection and Function Test

This is a visual inspection performed by the operator prior to each work shift.

This inspection is designed to discover if anything is apparently wrong with the machine.

The function tests are designed to ensure all the control systems and emergency controls are operating correctly.

Pre-operation inspection procedure is detailed in the machine operator manual.

Thorough Examination (Minimum 6 monthly requirement by law – L.O.L.E.R** Regulation 9 – HSE)

Carried out by a competent* person, Thorough Examinations involve detailed visual inspection, testing of components and systems and, where necessary (decided by the competent person undertaking the examination), dismantling, stripping of paint, measurement and non-destructive testing.

This in certain circumstances may require the removal of pins or components to ensure proper full examination.

No component or system should be assumed safe until inspection and testing has proved that it is.

Additionally a Thorough Examination report must be provided containing the relevant essential information.

(see ‘Information to be contained in a report of a thorough examination’)

Inspection

Carried out by a competent person this is a visual examination and function testing of the equipment to confirm that it continues to be in a safe working condition.

This is normally carried out between Thorough Examinations and should be documented and recorded.

Examination Scheme

An ongoing planned programme, to be updated and modified in the light of experience, consisting of Thorough Examinations, Servicing (if required) and intermediate Inspections to ensure that the machine is always in a safe working condition.

Service

A scheduled preventative maintenance procedure normally carried out quarterly, six monthly or annually depending on the frequency of use of the equipment and manufacturers recommendation.

This normally involves lubrication, changing of oils and filters etc.

*Competent Person

A person that has the appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge, experience of the equipment to be examined and to be sufficiently independent and impartial to allow objective decisions to be made.

Ideally, a competent person should have documentation issued by PAC (The Government approved body for powered access certification) This documentation should be valid for the type of equipment to be examined.

**L.O.L.E.R. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 , ISBN 0 11 079598 9.