School Lifting Equipment Dangerous-Defect Isolation Procedure

Use this procedure when a lifting-equipment examination or inspection identifies a defect that is or could become a danger to people. It applies to lifting equipment and accessories used by the school as user or employer.

1. Identify and record the defect

On receiving the examination or inspection report, record the equipment or accessory identifier, the location [equipment location], the defect, the report date, the name of the person who made the report, and any remedy deadline stated in the report.

Check that the defect is confirmed in writing in the report, including where the defect was remedied immediately, such as by destruction of a sling.

2. Prevent further use

Where the defect is or could become a danger to people, take effective action to manage the risk by ensuring that the equipment or accessory is not used until the defect is remedied.

Immediately isolate or withdraw the affected equipment or accessory from use. Apply suitable signage or access controls where relevant, and tell the responsible person [responsible role] that the equipment must not be used.

3. Manage a stated remedy deadline

If the report requires immediate cessation of use, keep the equipment or accessory out of use until the defect is remedied.

If the report specifies a later period and does not require immediate cessation of use, record the stated deadline and arrange for the defect to be remedied, or stop using the equipment, within that period.

Monitor the recorded deadline and retain evidence of the action taken, including the defect report and the repair or other remedy record.

4. Arrange repair or another remedy

Arrange repair or another suitable remedy for the defect through the school’s appointed arrangements. Do not allow the equipment or accessory to be used while the dangerous or potentially dangerous defect remains unresolved.

Record the remedy completed, the date, and the related report or equipment reference. Where further examination or inspection is undertaken after the remedy, retain the resulting record with the defect report.

5. Return to use or dispose of the item

Return the equipment or accessory to use only after the defect has been remedied and the remedy has been recorded. Remove the isolation or withdrawal control only when the responsible person [responsible role] has confirmed that the item may be returned to use.

If the defect is not remedied, continue to prevent use. Where an accessory is destroyed or otherwise disposed of, record the disposal and retain it with the defect report.

6. Retain the records

Retain the written defect report, isolation or withdrawal record, relevant signage or access-control record, deadline tracking record, repair or other remedy record, any subsequent examination or inspection record, and any disposal record.