The need for inspection of lifting equipment is defined in the LVS EN standards for the relevant equipment. Usually, this term is set as "not less than once a year", some goods have a shorter term - for example, 6 months for shekels. If you work with your equipment in foreign countries - check the local requirements, in some countries the required inspection interval is shorter.
The need for inspection at a working safety height for equipment is determined in the LVS EN standards of the relevant equipment, the inspection must be performed at least once a year.
The need for inspection and the interval are usually specified in the instructions for use. The equipment manufacturer may determine more frequent inspections than those specified in the standards.
The need for inspection is also determined in the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia No. 526 (09.12.2002). According to these regulations, the employer must take care of periodic inspections of the equipment.
In case of intensive use, more frequent inspections may be required. Such a decision can be made by the owner of the equipment. The inspector has the right to determine the next inspection after a reduced interval if it is related to the degree of wear and tear of the equipment or the conditions of use.
Quite simply - to ensure a safe working environment for your employees and a long service life for the equipment.
Who is eligible for inspections?
According to LVS EN standards and manufacturer's instructions, equipment tests can be performed by a competent person or a specialist trained by the manufacturer, or an authorized service center.
The LVS EN standards have a definition of a competent person: A person who has sufficient knowledge and practical experience to perform an inspection.
There is no training and certification of a competent person for inspections of lifting equipment. This means that the employer, when assigning an employee to perform equipment inspections, must make sure that the employee's practical and theoretical knowledge is sufficient to perform the work. In this case, the employer bears full responsibility for the employee's possible mistakes. Most lifting equipment fits into this category - it is allowed to be checked by a competent person.
Regarding inspections of work safety equipment, there must be a certificate of the qualification of the person performing the inspection - a competent person.
A specialist trained by the manufacturer is an employee who has completed training prepared by the manufacturer.
An authorized service center is a company that has received a certificate from the manufacturer that it is entitled to service the equipment of the specific manufacturer.
If losses have occurred due to the failure of the outsourcing specialist, they are covered by the service provider's company. In our case, the civil law insurance of the company has been purchased for this purpose.
