Page 1369 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 508

24 March 2016

Don't Chance It Check It

Please see enclosed bulletin regarding the checking of equipment, shared with us by Gilbarco Veeder-
Root.

Checking equipment before use is part of all our safety systems, but how often do you actually do so?
A quick look over an item of plant can easily identify the vast majority of faults found during PAT
testing or other formal checks. So why wait until the PAT test / formal inspection to identify the fault?

Before you use any item of equipment, be it a hand held drill or a MEWP, inspect it for damage or
wear. If it is damaged, report the problem, don’t just carry on using the damaged equipment because
“it’ll probably be ok”.

We have forms available for inspecting MEWPs, towers and other access equipment that guide you as
to what to check. For other items of plant, it’s usually just a check for cracks in the casing, welds,
missing parts, or cuts in the leads – guidance is documented in JSA008.

The need to check that any LOTO equipment installed is still applied is important, as different
contractors enter and leave sites throughout the day/night; it is possible the principle site electrician
removed the LOTO equipment, or someone forcibly removed yours, so take time to check and don’t bet
your life on it still being there!

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!