PERIODIC INSPECTIONS OF WORK EQUIPMENT
All kinds of machines, tools, facilities, and installations used in the performance of work are considered work equipment. The work equipment used can wear out over time, causing additional hazards or work accidents. To prevent work accidents that may arise from poorly maintained work equipment, maintenance, repair, and periodic inspections of work equipment should be carried out.
Just as we have our vehicles regularly maintained (e.g., mileage maintenance, fault repairs) to ensure they are longer-lasting, harmless to human and environmental health, and to prevent possible traffic accidents, we should also have periodic inspections/checks of work equipment in addition to regular maintenance for the health and safety of the workplace and employees.
Employers are responsible for taking all necessary measures to ensure that the work equipment used in the workplace is suitable for the job and does not harm the health and safety of employees. When selecting work equipment, they must consider the specific working conditions in the workplace and any health and safety hazards, ensuring that the use of the equipment does not create additional risks (Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment, Article 5). The work equipment used may wear out over time depending on the nature of the work being done, leading to work accidents. Maintenance, repair, inspection, and checks should be carried out at intervals specified in Annex III of the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment and according to the criteria for periodic inspections. Necessary maintenance, repairs, and inspections should be carried out by authorized engineers, technical teachers, technicians, or technologists.
Periodic inspections conducted by independent institutions allow for an objective evaluation of the work equipment. Issuing a certificate after the inspection records the condition of the equipment, and addressing any non-conformities or warnings specified in the certificate ensures the safer use of the work equipment.
The fact that work equipment is newly purchased or newly installed, or has a warranty, does not guarantee its safe operation. The manufacturer has no obligations under the law regarding their inspections. Therefore, if the safety of the work equipment depends on installation and assembly conditions, it should be inspected by authorized persons after installation, before first use, and after each relocation, and a certificate should be issued showing that it is installed correctly and operates safely (Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment, Article 7). These issued certificates should be kept.
Periodic Inspection of Pressure Vessels and Installations
Periodic Inspection of Lifting and Conveying Equipment
Installation Measurements
Machines
According to Annex III, Article 2.4 of the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment, machines must also undergo maintenance and inspection.
