Following on from our blog about safety tips when operating industrial machinery, this blog will look at the inspection of work equipment and how to carry out an inspection properly. In order for industrial machinery to operate properly all the inner components, such as Contitech Variflex Z belts and Lenze variable speed pulleys, must be collectively working well together to avoid the machine breaking or, worse still, the operator becoming injured.
In order to maintain well-running equipment, it is essential that regular inspections are carried out. Whilst the need for inspection is essential for any piece of equipment where risks to health and safety may arise from incorrect installation and the deterioration of internal parts, the frequency of inspection should be determined through risk assessment.
Points to remember:
As the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises, work equipment should be inspected if the risk assessment identifies significant risk, such as injury to operators.
Don’t use equipment requiring inspection
It stands to reason that industrial machinery that requires inspection should not be used.
Make a record
The result of the inspection should always be recorded and the record should be kept until at least the next inspection.
What should be included in the inspection?
From small flexible Kauermann couplings to Din.al GEL couplings, do all internal components require an inspection?
The complexity of the inspection should be determined through the risk assessment. It should also take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations.
According to HSE’s advice on work equipment machinery inspections, an inspection should concentrate on the components that are related to safety and which are essential for the safe operation of the equipment.
Inspections can vary significantly on length and intensity. They can range from:
. Weekly checks on elements such as tyre pressure, function of safety devices, presence of guarding, the condition of mirrors, etc.
. Quick checks before the use of equipment, such as the condition of electric cables, the testing of brakes, etc.
. Extensive examinations that are carried out several times a year
Specific types of machinery and parts can require more specific inspection guidelines and timeframes. For example, as Bureau Veritas highlights in The Inspection Guide, power presses with fixed guards or enclosed tools should be examined thoroughly every six months. While power presses with fixed guards or enclosed tools should be examined thoroughly every 12 months.
Who should conduct the inspections?
HSE advises that equipment can be inspected by anyone who has sufficient experience or knowledge that enables them to know:
. What to look for
. What to look at
. What procedures to take if they identify a problem
If, during the inspection of industrial machinery, a faulty Sferax linear bearing, a Kumera clutch, or any other type of faulty component is found, YB Components, specialists in industrial gearboxes, motors, couplings, clutches and other essential parts, offers a repair service.
For more advice and tips on different aspects of industrial equipment and how to maintain components and machinery, keep returning to our regularly updated blog.