Chapter 8: Inspections¶
8.0 Purpose and Scope¶
This chapter establishes inspection requirements for 4Core. Inspections are proactive method of identifying hazards, verifying controls, and maintaining equipment before problems cause incidents.
Purpose: Identify hazards before they cause injuries/damage; verify safety controls in place/functional; ensure equipment safe to operate; demonstrate due diligence/regulatory compliance; drive continuous improvement.
Core Principle: Find problems before they find you. Inspections are investment, not burden.
Regulatory Compliance: WorkSafe BC OHS Regulation requires regular workplace inspections; equipment manufacturers specify inspection requirements; CSA Standards define inspection criteria for safety equipment.
8.1 Inspection Types and Frequency¶
| Inspection Type | Frequency | Conducted By | Documentation | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Use Equipment Inspections | Before each use | Operator | Equipment inspection log | 2 years |
| Workplace Inspections | Monthly minimum | Supervisor or Safety Officer | Workplace inspection report | 2 years |
| Preventive Maintenance Inspections | Per schedule (monthly, quarterly, annual) | Maintenance personnel | PM records | Life of equipment + 2 years |
| Confined Space Pre-Entry Inspections | Before each entry | Entry Supervisor | CS entry permit | 2 years |
| Fall Protection Equipment Inspections | Before each use + annually (formal) | User (pre-use), Competent Person (annual) | Inspection tags, annual report | 2 years |
| Respiratory Protection Inspections | Before/after each use | User | Respirator inspection log | 2 years |
| Fire Extinguisher Inspections | Monthly (visual) + Annual (service) | Designated person (monthly), Certified technician (annual) | Inspection tags, service records | 2 years |
| First Aid Kit Inspections | Monthly | First Aid Attendant or designated person | First aid kit inspection log | 2 years |
8.2 Pre-Use Equipment Inspections¶
Required for: Mobile equipment (forklifts, MEWPs, telehandlers); fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, anchor slings); power tools (grinders, drills, saws); gas monitors; ladders/scaffolding; welding/cutting equipment; respiratory protection equipment.
Conducted by: Worker who will operate/use equipment. When: Before each use, every shift.
Inspection Process: 1. Visual Inspection: Look for damage, wear, missing parts, defects 2. Functional Testing: Test controls, safety devices, alarms (where applicable) 3. Documentation: Complete inspection checklist or log (date, equipment ID, inspector, deficiencies, action taken) 4. Deficiency Response: If defective: remove from service immediately; tag "DO NOT USE" or "OUT OF SERVICE"; notify supervisor; document deficiency; repair/replace before use
Pre-Use Inspection Checklists: Maintained for each equipment type; based on manufacturer requirements and WorkSafe BC regulations; reviewed/updated annually.
Consequences of Not Inspecting: Equipment failure during use; worker injury; regulatory violation; demonstrates lack of due diligence; may result in progressive discipline.
8.3 Workplace Inspections¶
8.3.1 Workplace Inspection Requirements¶
Monthly Formal Inspections: Shop/office areas; storage yards/laydown areas; vehicles (general condition, housekeeping); emergency equipment/stations.
Client Site Inspections: Daily informal inspection (supervisor/lead hand during site visits); weekly formal inspection for longer-duration projects (>1 week on site); before beginning work (initial site assessment).
Frequency increased if: High incident rates/near misses; significant changes to workplace/operations; new hazards identified; regulatory inspection reveals deficiencies; following incidents.
Conducted by: Supervisor or Safety Officer (may rotate among supervisors). Duration: 30-60 minutes depending on workplace size/complexity.
8.3.2 Inspection Scope and Process¶
Inspection Scope: Physical conditions (housekeeping, slip/trip hazards, obstructions, lighting, weather damage); equipment condition (guards in place, safety devices functional, damage/wear); hazardous materials storage/handling (proper containers, labels, SDS accessible); fire safety (extinguishers accessible/current, exits clear, combustibles controlled); emergency equipment (first aid kits stocked, eyewash/shower functional, emergency contacts posted); PPE availability/condition (adequate stock, proper storage, defective PPE removed).
Inspection Process: 1. Preparation: Obtain inspection checklist; review previous inspection findings; schedule inspection (notify workers). 2. Walkthrough: Systematically inspect entire workplace; use checklist for complete coverage; photograph deficiencies (helpful for corrective action); talk to workers (ask about hazards/concerns). 3. Document Findings: Complete inspection report; identify deficiencies/hazards; assign priority (High/Medium/Low based on risk); recommend corrective actions. 4. Report and Follow-Up: Share findings with supervisor/workers; assign corrective actions to responsible person with timeline; track completion of corrective actions; verify corrections implemented; re-inspect if necessary.
Inspection Report Includes: Date/time/location; inspector name; areas inspected (checklist); hazards/deficiencies identified (description, location, risk level); corrective actions required (assigned to, due date); positive findings (good practices observed); worker input (hazards reported, suggestions); photos (if applicable); signature.
8.3.3 Deficiency Priorities and Timelines¶
| Priority | Risk Level | Examples | Correction Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | Immediate danger to workers | Unguarded fall hazards, defective fall protection equipment, blocked emergency exits, oxygen deficiency in confined space, flammable atmospheres, uncontrolled energized equipment | Immediate (work stopped until corrected) |
| Medium | Significant risk if not corrected | Damaged equipment requiring repair, housekeeping deficiencies creating slip/trip hazards, missing/inadequate PPE, fire extinguisher expired, first aid kit inadequately stocked | Within 7 days |
| Low | Minor hazard or administrative deficiency | Worn/faded labels, minor housekeeping issues, documentation incomplete, training records need updating | Within 30 days |
Tracking Deficiencies: Centralized deficiency log maintained by Safety Officer; tracks all deficiencies from all inspections; status updated as corrected; overdue items escalated to management; verified upon completion.
8.4 Equipment-Specific Inspections¶
8.4.1 Fall Protection Equipment¶
Pre-Use Inspection (every use): Visual/tactile check for damage (cuts, abrasions, fraying, burns, chemical damage); hardware (buckles, D-rings, snaphooks function properly, no cracks/sharp edges); labels legible (manufacturer, model, inspection dates); stored properly (dry, clean, away from chemicals/UV).
Annual Inspection (formal): Conducted by Competent Person trained in fall protection; detailed inspection per manufacturer specifications; document on inspection tag attached to equipment; defective equipment destroyed (do not repair harnesses/lanyards - replace); inspection records retained 2 years.
8.4.2 Respiratory Protection¶
Before Use: Check facepiece (cracks, tears, distortion, dirt/debris); check straps (elasticity, attachment, condition); check valves (properly seated, functional, damage); check cartridges/filters (correct type for hazard, expiry date, saturated/damaged, properly installed); ensure clean/properly stored.
After Use: Clean/sanitize (per manufacturer instructions); inspect for damage (as above); replace cartridges if saturated or expired; store in sealed bag in clean, dry location; document inspection.
Emergency Use Respirators (SCBA, Escape Respirators): Monthly inspection minimum; conducted by trained person; document on inspection tag; immediate replacement if defective.
8.4.3 Gas Monitors¶
Bump Test (function check): Before each use; expose monitor to known concentration of test gas; verify sensors respond and alarms activate; document in gas monitor log; if failed, calibrate or remove from service.
Calibration: Per manufacturer specifications (typically monthly or quarterly); adjust sensors to known gas concentrations; verify accuracy across measurement range; document calibration date, technician, results; attach calibration sticker to monitor.
Records: Bump test log (date, monitor ID, test gas used, pass/fail, operator); calibration records (date, monitor ID, technician, calibration gas concentrations, before/after readings, pass/fail, next calibration due). Retained 2 years.
8.4.4 Fire Extinguishers¶
Monthly Inspection: Extinguisher in designated location/accessible; no physical damage/obstruction; pressure gauge in green zone (rechargeable units); inspection tag current/signed; nozzle/hose unobstructed; operating instructions legible.
Annual Service: Conducted by certified fire protection technician; internal inspection per NFPA standards; recharge if necessary; replace if defective; attach service tag; schedule next annual service.
8.5 Inspection Responsibilities¶
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Management | Provide resources (time, tools, training) for inspections; ensure inspection schedules established/followed; review inspection reports/trends; allocate budget for deficiency corrections; support inspectors in identifying/reporting hazards; hold supervisors accountable for timely deficiency correction |
| Safety Officer | Develop/maintain inspection schedules/checklists; conduct formal workplace inspections (monthly minimum); coordinate equipment inspections/certifications; track deficiencies/verify corrections; analyze inspection data to identify trends; report inspection findings to management; maintain inspection records |
| Supervisors | Conduct workplace inspections of areas under supervision; verify pre-use equipment inspections completed by workers; identify/correct hazards within authority; report hazards requiring management approval/resources; follow up on deficiencies for timely correction; document inspections/corrective actions |
| Workers | Conduct pre-use inspections before operating equipment; report deficiencies immediately to supervisor; tag defective equipment "DO NOT USE"; remove defective equipment from service; participate in workplace inspections when requested; correct minor hazards within capability (housekeeping, etc.); never use defective/unsafe equipment |
8.6 Inspection Documentation and Records¶
Required Documentation: Date/time of inspection; location/equipment inspected; inspector name/signature; inspection checklist or criteria used; deficiencies identified (description, location, risk level); corrective actions required (assigned to, due date); verification of correction (completion date, verified by); positive findings (optional but encouraged).
Record Retention: All inspection records: 2 years minimum; Preventive maintenance records: Life of equipment + 2 years; Fall protection annual inspections: 2 years; Confined space pre-entry inspections: 2 years.
Accessibility: Inspection records accessible to workers upon request; available to WorkSafe BC inspectors during workplace inspections; reviewed during internal/external audits; used for trend analysis and program improvement.
8.7 Inspection Program Effectiveness¶
Program evaluated through: Number/severity of deficiencies found (trending down = improving conditions or declining inspection quality - verify); deficiency closure rate (target >90% closed within timeline); recurring deficiencies (indicate systemic issue or ineffective corrections); incidents related to inspection failures (should be rare if inspections effective); worker engagement (reporting hazards between inspections, participating in inspections).
Continuous Improvement: Inspection checklists reviewed/updated annually; inspector training provided (how to identify hazards, assess risk, document findings); worker feedback on inspection process welcomed; technology considered (mobile apps, photo documentation, automated tracking).
END OF CHAPTER 8¶
Document Control
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Version | 0.9-DRAFT |
| Effective Date | December 2025 |
| Next Review | December 2026 |
| Approved By | [All 4 Owners] |
| Safety Officer | Rodney Peters |
Company Information: - Business Name: 4Core Energy & Maintenance Ltd. - Address: [To Be Added] - Industry: Energy and mechanical system maintenance, retrofits and troubleshooting - WorkSafe BC Account: [Account Number]