From the
organisers of
Hillhead logo

S19 - Maintenance & Inspection Of Plant & Equipment

Inspection and maintenance of plant and equipment is a fundamental process that needs to be carried out on all plant and equipment.

The Maintenance and Inspection Procedure outlines what is required in a scheme for maintenance and inspection including:

  • Boundaries
  • Pedestrian and traffic routes
  • Mobile plant (including brake testing), and
  • Static plant (including guarding and structural integrity).

It is further supported by individual procedures in:

  • LV and HV electrical systems
  • Pressure systems
  • Lifting equipment
  • Pedestrian and traffic routes
  • Operator competence, and
  • Welfare and office facilities.

Additionally, there is a series of inspection templates that can be modified so that they are relevant to your operation.

What is this?

This is a written procedure which covers all aspects of the maintenance and inspection of plant and equipment. It also provides detailed information on its implementation within the workplace. A PDF of the procedure is available to download (see attached), please use it in conjunction with the attached Checklists and Toolbox Talks.

What is needed on site?

Inspection:
The responsible manager must ensure:

  • A scheme of site inspection is developed identifying:
    • the items to be inspected;
    • who will undertake them;
    • how often;
    • how the inspection will be undertaken;
    • how the results will be recorded; and
    • the post inspections responsibilities of all involved.
  • All areas of the site and the plant and equipment contained within it, are inspected regularly by competent persons;
  • The accompanying generic inspection forms are modified as necessary to cover all site-specific plant and equipment;
  • Employees and contractors are trained and authorised to complete inspections;
  • Completed inspection forms are reviewed and action plans maintained to correct identified defects;
  • Regular inspections are carried out by the site safety representatives or the safety committee;
  • Regular structural inspections are undertaken for all plant potentially subject to deterioration from mechanical or corrosive damage;
  • The frequency of inspections is determined by a risk assessment.

Maintenance:
The responsible manager must ensure:

  • All plant, equipment and workplaces are maintained to a standard that ensures the health and safety of any person is not adversely affected;
  • Appropriate schedules of maintenance and inspection are maintained for all items of equipment and workplaces;
  • The workplace is maintained in a clean and tidy condition;
  • All welfare facilities are maintained in a hygienic condition;
  • All Personal Protective Equipment is stored and maintained as required.

What items will form part of the scheme?

The following items should be included in a scheme of inspection and maintenance:

  • working faces;
  • haul roads;
  • boundaries;
  • pedestrian and traffic routes;
  • mobile plant (including brake testing);
  • static plant (including guarding and structural integrity);
  • operator competence;  
  • pressure systems;
  • lifting equipment;
  • low and high voltage electrical systems;
  • local exhaust ventilation;
  • welfare and office facilities; and
  • public road interface.

Note: For more information refer to the separate procedures which cover the above topics in more detail.

Review

A review of the scheme maintenance and inspection is beneficial at routine intervals (annually) to evaluate its overall performance and to ensure it remains effective.

Legislation

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999
  • Quarries Regulations 1999
  • Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
  • Pressure Safety Systems Regulations 2000
  • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Note: This list is by no means exhaustive but identifies some of the key pieces of legislation associated with isolation and lock off.

Associated documentation

  • Generic plant and workplace inspection sheets

This workplace procedure forms part of a Health & Safety Risk Management System for employers in the quarrying industry. The procedures, which cover a wide range of workplace risks and hazards, can be viewed here

Latest Jobs

Quarries Manager - New Zealand

Ever wanted to live in a country that always features in the top ten places to live in the world, a country that is in the top 5 safest places in the world?