How often should lifting equipment be inspected?

01

Separate the checks you are planning

Operator pre-use checks, routine maintenance and a competent examination have different purposes. A service visit does not automatically provide the examination your project requires, and an examination does not replace everyday care. Record these activities separately so a maintenance entry is not mistaken for evidence that an item has been examined.

The HSE references below describe UK practice. Their statutory timetable is not presented here as a Nigerian inspection requirement.

02

Give the examiner the operating picture

Start with a register that links each physical item to its identity, capacity, location and latest report. Describe how it is used, including repeated heavy duty, outdoor storage, marine exposure or movement between sites. Highlight equipment with missing history. The person defining the examination scope needs this information to assess what should be checked and when.

03

Treat changes as a review trigger

Report overload, impact, suspected damage, significant repair or modification, and a return after prolonged storage. Do not wait for a calendar reminder when there is a new safety concern. Identify the affected item, prevent unintended use through your site procedure and arrange a competent assessment. A previous favourable report does not resolve a later defect.

04

Keep the inspection schedule current

After examination, update the register with the outcome, restrictions, follow-up work and next examination requirement. Assign someone to arrange access and close outstanding actions. If dates or equipment identities conflict, ask the issuer to clarify them before relying on the record. Send Scaftech your register and work window to scope Inspection, Load Testing & Certification.