How frequently should you inspect material handling equipment for safety?

1 Type of MHE

Different types of MHE have different inspection requirements, depending on their complexity, usage, and potential hazards. For example, forklifts, cranes, and hoists need more frequent and thorough inspections than conveyors, pallets, and racks. You should consult the manufacturer's manual, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for the specific inspection criteria and intervals for each type of MHE.

3 Working environment

The working environment can affect the performance and safety of your MHE. Factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, vibration, noise, and lighting can cause corrosion, deterioration, or interference with your MHE. You should inspect your MHE for any signs of environmental damage or stress and adjust or repair it as needed. You should also ensure that your MHE operates in a clean, well-ventilated, and well-lit area with adequate space and clear markings.

4 Operator training

The operator of your MHE plays a crucial role in ensuring its safety and efficiency. A well-trained operator can detect and report any issues with your MHE, follow the proper operating procedures, and avoid any unsafe or improper actions. You should provide regular training and refresher courses to your MHE operators and test their knowledge and skills. You should also monitor and evaluate their performance and behavior and provide feedback and guidance.

5 Risk assessment

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating the potential hazards and consequences of your MHE. It helps you prioritize and address the most critical and likely risks and implement the appropriate control measures. You should conduct a risk assessment before introducing or modifying your MHE, after any incident or accident involving your MHE, and at least once a year. You should involve your MHE operators, managers, and safety experts in the risk assessment process and document the results and actions.

6 Continuous improvement

The inspection of your MHE is not a one-time or static activity. It is a continuous process of improvement that requires constant monitoring, feedback, and adjustment. You should review your inspection results and data regularly and identify any trends, patterns, or gaps. You should also seek and implement best practices, innovations, and suggestions from your MHE operators, suppliers, customers, and peers. You should always strive to improve the safety and performance of your MHE and reduce the risks and costs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?