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Construction Crane

LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND WORK MACHINERY INSPECTIONS

Lifting equipment (a category that includes almost all machines used in daily operations, such as cranes, forklifts, electric hoists, tail lifts, etc.) as well as various hazardous equipment place responsibility on the operator to ensure safe technical conditions and to monitor and carry out the required periodic inspections.

Since equipment used during work processes wears out, its operating characteristics may change, and safety devices may fail, their operation involves an increased level of risk.

It is a shared interest of both employers and employees that lifting equipment is reliable and in good technical condition.

Occupational safety machinery inspections carried out by a qualified lifting equipment inspector are specifically aimed at ensuring this and represent a highly important and complex task.

The performance of periodic machinery inspections is a fundamental requirement for ensuring safe working conditions that do not endanger health.

These inspections are defined by laws, regulations, and standards, therefore their execution is a mandatory obligation of the employer.

1 . With regard to the inspection of lifting equipment, I undertake to provide the following services:

  • Classification according to group category

  • Maintenance and management of operational documentation

  • Preparation of inspection plans and performance of inspections

  • Occupational safety commissioning of lifting equipment and lifting devices

2 . Main inspection:

It is one of the most important and most complex inspection tasks.

The inspected equipment must always be checked in accordance with the applicable standards, including the examination of the entire operation of the machine, its load capacity, the condition of its structure, and all components that ensure safe operation without endangering health.

The regularity and frequency of the main inspection are determined based on the so-called operational group classification.

In general, every main inspection is also considered a structural inspection. The main inspection must be repeated periodically according to the specified operational group category.

Based on the operational group categories, the main inspection intervals may be:

  • 9 months

  • 12 months

  • 18 months

  • 21 months

  • 24 months

After the on-site inspection, we always prepare both a printed and a digital inspection report, which for the lifting equipment includes:

  • Findings and observations

  • A detailed list of identified deficiencies, if any

  • Recommendations and corrective actions

Each lifting device is provided with a so-called lifting equipment logbook. The completion of the main inspection is recorded in the lifting equipment logbook.

3 . Structural inspection:

What distinguishes the structural inspection from the main inspection is that instrument-based tests (such as overload testing, brake performance measurement, etc.) are not required at this stage. Nevertheless, the integrity of all structural components that may influence safe operation without endangering health must still be inspected.

The frequency of the structural inspection must also be determined based on the operational group classification.

Based on the operational group categories, the structural inspection intervals may be:

  • 3 months

  • 4 months

  • 6 months

  • 7 months

  • 8 months

After the on-site inspection, we always prepare both a printed and a digital inspection report, which for the lifting equipment includes:

  • Findings and observations

  • A detailed list of identified deficiencies, if any

  • Recommendations and corrective actions

Each lifting device is provided with a so-called lifting equipment logbook. The completion of the structural inspectionis recorded in the lifting equipment logbook.

4 . Safety technical inspection:

 

The safety technical inspection is essentially an occupational safety and technical inspection that must be carried out every 5 years from the date of commissioning.

During the inspection, the following must be checked:

  • The overall condition of the machine

  • The integrity, functionality, free play, and condition of control elements

  • The presence of warning pictograms and safety signs

  • The operational functionality of the equipment

  • Whether the machine poses any risk to its environment or to the operator

After the on-site inspection, we always prepare both a printed and a digital inspection report, which for the lifting equipment includes:

  • Findings and observations

  • A detailed list of identified deficiencies, if any

  • Recommendations and corrective measures

Each lifting device is provided with a so-called lifting equipment logbook. The completion of the structural inspectionis recorded in the lifting equipment logbook.

5 . After the inspections have been completed, we can be confident that:

  • The lifting equipment under your operation and their accessories remain continuously operational during proper and intended use.

  • During authority inspections, all regulatory requirements are fully complied with, thereby avoiding significant fines and penalties.

  • The equipment poses no danger to either the operator or the surrounding environment.

  • Your colleagues use inspected and verified equipment during their work activities.

6 . It is important during the structural and main inspection of lifting equipment that:

  • We carry out periodic structural and main inspections in accordance with the inspection plan, prepare an inspection report on the results, and perform the main inspections
    (with the exception of lifting equipment with a rated capacity exceeding 1000 kg, and lifting equipment where the operator’s workstation is on the lifting carriage and the carriage can be raised higher than 1.5 m; in such cases, the inspection is performed with the involvement of a certified lifting equipment expert).

  • Replacement and completion of missing pictograms and safety signs.

  • Assistance with the replacement and procurement of missing operating manuals for lifting equipment that are available in Hungary.

7 . Periodic inspection of lifting equipment

Applicable Hungarian Standard:
MSZ 9721-4:2012

Content

  1. Procedure of the inspection

  2. Subject of the inspection

  3. Method of the inspection

  4. Appendix – Main inspection and structural inspection
    Hungarian national standards referenced in the text
    Relevant legislation related to the subject

1. PROCEDURE OF THE INSPECTION

1.1. General provisions

1.1.1.
After commissioning, forklifts must be subjected to periodic inspections at defined intervals
(structural inspection, main inspection, and safety technical inspection¹).

Note:
According to the accident prevention and health protection regulations for lifting equipment² (hereinafter: safety regulations), forklifts must also undergo so-called shift inspections.
The subject of these inspections is defined in the appendix.

¹ Decree No. 8/1985 (VI.20.) ME of the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers on internal occupational safety inspections.
² Joint Decree No. 1/1978 (I.28.) KGM–KPM–ÉVM of the Minister of Metallurgy and Mechanical Industry, the Minister of Transport and Post, and the Minister of Construction and Urban Development.

1.1.2.
During periodic inspections, it must be verified whether the lifting equipment can be operated properly and safely, whether it complies with the operating manual and applicable standards, and whether it is in a functional condition.

1.1.3.
During the main and structural inspections (Chapter 4), it must be checked that:

  • there is no damage, wear, permanent deformation, or other irregularity in the structural elements of the forklift (e.g. loosening of bolts or wedge joints, cracks, fractures),

  • the safety devices are functional as required.

During the main inspection, it must also be verified that:

  • the structural inspections have been carried out, and

  • any defects identified during those inspections have been properly corrected.

1.1.4.
During the safety technical inspection, it must be verified that:

  • the forklift is adequately protected against hazards arising during use,

  • the forklift is used in accordance with its intended purpose and technical characteristics
    (e.g. only electric-powered or specially designed internal combustion forklifts may be used in enclosed spaces),

  • all safety devices necessary for proper operation are present and functional,

  • the inspection and maintenance system complies with regulatory requirements,

  • the forklift’s accompanying documentation (individual records) is adequate and properly maintained,

  • the forklift has not been modified compared to its original design and configuration¹,

  • the forklift has a valid occupational safety certification.

1.1.5.
The main inspection includes the structural inspection, therefore a main inspection is also considered a structural inspection.
The safety technical inspection is not equivalent to either the main inspection or the structural inspection, but it may be combined with them and carried out at the same time.

1.1.6.
A written inspection report must be prepared for every inspection.

If the safety technical inspection is carried out together with a main or structural inspection, its results must be documented either:

  • in a separate report, or

  • in a separate chapter within the same report.

The completion of inspections must be recorded in the forklift’s accompanying documentation, with reference to the identification number of the inspection report, measurement log, or other relevant document.
All written materials and documents containing the findings and results of the inspections must be retained as annexes to the forklift’s accompanying documentation.

1.1.7.
Main and structural inspections must be carried out at the intervals specified in Section 1.2, while safety technical inspections must be performed at least every five years, or when the operating environment of the forklift changes
(e.g. changes in the supported technology).

Note:
The operator may significantly shorten the interval of safety technical inspections depending on the working conditions.

1.2. Intervals of Main and Structural Inspections

1.2.1.
The intervals of the main inspection and structural inspection shall be determined based on the applicable criteria
(text continues according to the standard).

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