The various machines used on construction sites are essential to productivity. They are ideal tools for the transport and lifting of loads. They also allow for work to be done at heights where access is impossible from inside the building. Despite the many benefits of owning or renting this type of machinery, it is important to ensure that it is in good condition. That no equipment is used if it is defective. That no injury can result from a mechanical defect. This responsibility is shared between the contractor, subcontractors and workers. APECQ's Occupational Health and Safety Department suggests that you discover a few ways to inspect.

Before allowing the use of machinery on his site, the contractor must ensure that the equipment delivered to his site is compliant and inspected. To do so, he must request the annual inspection report for each piece of equipment. The subcontractor, the lessor or the owner of the machinery must provide these documents. If these documents are not provided, a ban on the use of the equipment must be issued. In addition to these documents, other inspections are required or even mandatory such as: periodic inspection, daily inspection and structural inspection.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF INSPECTION?

Daily inspection

It must be done by a qualified worker, holding a certificate of operation of the equipment. Before the start of his shift, he must complete a visual inspection and test the functionality of the controls before starting work. He must record the inspection in a logbook and give a copy to his foreman, the site superintendent and the site COSS (health and safety coordinator).

Periodic inspection

The CSA standard and the manufacturer's recommendations call for a periodic inspection every 200 hours of use. This inspection is done by a mechanic, who will produce an inspection report.

Annual inspection

This annual maintenance inspection must be performed every year or after 2000 hours of use. It must be performed by a certified mechanic and an inspection report must be produced.

Structural inspection

This inspection is mandatory 10 years after the construction of the equipment and every 5 years thereafter. In addition, it becomes mandatory if an accident or incident has caused structural damage to the equipment. It is also required when the owner transfers. This inspection must be performed under the supervision of an engineer who can issue an inspection certificate.

Regardless of the type of inspection, it is important that any defects that could cause injury be reported and corrected before the unit is used again.

TIPS AND ADVICE

It is important to leave the inspection logbook in each piece of machinery. Regularly reminding workers of their duty to inspect before use is essential. It could be interesting to add to your safety breaks, notions of inspection and reminders of use in order to increase awareness and focus on prevention. The integration of training adapted to each device is mandatory before any use.