Inspections

You must ensure so far as is reasonably practicable (SFAIRP) that:

• each place where work is to be done at height is checked before each use, including surfaces, parapets and permanent rails etc.;
• any item in schedules 2 to 6 of the regulations is inspected: (see Summary Sheet tbc)
  • after it is assembled and/or installed if its safety depends on this;
  • as often as is necessary to ensure safety and, in particular, to make sure that any deterioration can be detected and remedied in good time;
• before you use any equipment from another business (and before any equipment leaves your business), it is accompanied by a clear indication that the last inspection required by these regulations has been carried out;
• any platform (or access/egress arrangements) from which a person could fall more than 2m is inspected before use. Where it is a mobile platform, inspection at the site is sufficient without re-inspection every time it is moved.

Note — ‘Platform’ is widely defined by regulation 2 to include areas such as gangways and stairways.

• the person inspecting a platform:
  • prepares a report before going off duty, giving the details shown below;
  • gives the report (or a copy) within 24 hours of completing the inspection to the person for whom the inspection was done (e.g. you/your site manager).

The report should contain the following details:

• name and address of the person for whom the inspection was carried out;
• location of the work equipment inspected;
• description of the work equipment inspected;
• date and time of the inspection;
• details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk to the health or safety of any person;
• details of any action taken as a result of any matter so identified;
• details of any further action considered necessary; and
• the name and position of the person making the report.

You must keep the report of a platform inspection at the site of use until the work is completed, then at an office of yours for another three months. You must keep all other records of inspection until the next inspection has been carried out.

‘Keeping a report means keeping it (or a copy) safe from loss and unauthorised interference and so that a printed copy can be supplied when required.’