Pre-Operational Inspection, Function Checks and Fault Reporting
A pre-operational inspection is a documented, systematic check performed before the first lift of the shift, and again after any event that could affect safety. It is not a substitute for the required periodic (third-party) inspection, and it does not replace maintenance.
Walk the full installation: base and foundations free of undermining or water; ballast present and secured; mast plumb and ties or anchors intact; ropes free of broken wires, kinks, corrosion, crushing or incorrect spooling, with terminations and ferrules sound; platform and gates undamaged, gate interlocks operating; limiters and overrun devices tested where the manufacturer's procedure allows; brake tested with a trial lift and stop; emergency stop functioned; controls, cabling and pendant free of damage; signage and capacity plate legible; landing gates and edge protection in place; and the area below clear.
Function checks should follow the manufacturer's sequence: raise, stop, lower, check the brake holds, check the upper and lower limiters, check the gate interlock prevents movement when open, and confirm the emergency stop halts and latches.
Traps: questions that treat a visual check as sufficient without a function test; assuming a fault can be logged and worked around; and forgetting that an out-of-service tag must be applied and the fault reported to the person in control.
Rule of thumb: if it is not recorded, it did not happen. Any defect affecting safety - brake, limiter, interlock, rope, structure - means tag out, report and do not operate.