Statutory Inspections

Introduction

The following regulations -

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005
• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and
• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

- lay down a series of inspections which must be carried out on certain places of work. Such inspections must be carried out at laid down intervals and reports prepared after each inspection as follows:

Any place of work at a height

This includes any scaffolds, platforms, ladders, or similar place and any place of work supported by ropes or cables. The inspection intervals are:

1. Before being used for the first time.
2. After any substantial addition, partial dismantling or other alteration.
3. After exposure to extreme weather, seismic tremor or anything else which may have affected its strength or stability or to have displaced any part.
4. At intervals not exceeding 7 days.

Inspection reports must be retained for the duration of the work and for 3 months subsequent to a construction site being completed.

Any excavation

• Before work at the start of every shift
• After any explosives have been used in or near the excavation in a manner which may have affected the strength or stability of the excavation or any part of it
• After any timbering or support has been substantially damaged
• After any unexpected fall of rock or other material

Coffer dams and caissons

• Before any work is carried out at the start of a shift
• After any explosives have been used in or near the coffer dam or caisson in a manner which may have affected the strength or stability of the coffer dam or caisson or any substantial part of it

Confined spaces

• Before any person other than the person making the inspection enters the confined space.

Work equipment

• At intervals determined by risk assessment taking into account the dangers posed by the work equipment, the environment in which it is used and the likelihood of defects occurring.

Lifting equipment and appliances

• At intervals determined by risk assessment taking into account the dangers posed by the work equipment, the environment in which it is used and the likelihood of defects occurring. Thorough examinations are also required by the regulations.