Plant & Equipment Inspections Checklists

Periodic inspections of plant and equipment go beyond the daily pre-start check to assess components that deteriorate over time or with extended use. WHS Regulations require that plant be maintained so that the risk to health and safety is minimised, and that maintenance is carried out by a competent person. Several Australian Standards specify the mandatory periodic inspection intervals and inspection criteria for particular classes of plant.

For lifting equipment, AS 4991 (Lifting Devices) and AS/NZS 4600 (Cold-formed steel structures) specify inspection and testing requirements. Rigging equipment including chains, wire rope slings and synthetic web slings must be inspected before each use and periodically by a competent rigger. Fall arrest equipment must be inspected in accordance with AS/NZS 1891.

PCBUs must keep records of all periodic inspections of registered plant. These records form part of the plant's maintenance history and must be available on request by a WHS inspector. For plant approaching the end of its design life, an engineering assessment may be required before the plant can continue to be operated. Inspection checklists that include reference to the applicable standard and the competency of the inspector provide the clearest evidence of compliance.