How Should a Periodic Inspection Report Be Reviewed?
The report records equipment information and findings from the inspection. Its existence must not be taken to mean that the equipment is suitable for use. Each finding must be examined carefully in relation to the equipment, and improvements initiated where necessary.
Required Information and Sections in a Periodic Inspection Report
The Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment describes the following sections:
General Information: The workplace's name, address and contact details; the inspection start and finish times; the next inspection date under normal conditions; and other necessary information, such as the inspection address where it differs from the company's address.
Inspection Method: This section lists the national and international standards, regulations, manufacturer's criteria and other references used. A withdrawn standard does not automatically mean that the inspection was incorrect: the standard in force when the equipment was manufactured may be the appropriate reference. The amendment published on 18 February 2022 addresses this as follows:
Annex I, section 1.4.1 establishes that inspections are primarily based on the standards applicable in the manufacturing year. If the equipment can be brought into conformity with a later standard, that newer standard is also considered. Where no standard existed at the time of manufacture, the first standard published for that equipment is used.
The manufacturing-year standard must therefore be considered alongside any replacement standard. Where an upgrade is needed, it must be planned carefully, taking account of feasibility, technical support, materials, spare parts and any additional risks it could introduce. These factors determine whether the equipment can be brought into line with the newer requirements.
Equipment Information: The technical characteristics needed for the inspection, including the equipment type, such as a manual pallet truck or electric forklift.
Equipment Identification Plate: Identifying and traceability information such as the brand, model, serial number and manufacturing date.
Recorded Findings: The equipment's physical characteristics, components and measurements are recorded so that later changes can be identified. For a tower crane, this may include its location, height, number of mast sections, jib length, and rope and hook dimensions.
Test Values: records of the tests performed, such as test-load weight, lifting height, load radius and test pressure.
Measuring Instrument Information: The name, serial number, calibration details and other identifying characteristics of every measuring instrument used.
Inspection Criteria and Tests: records of whether the equipment meets the inspection criteria established from the selected standard and whether measurements fall within the limits specified by the relevant standards and technical references.
Description of Defects: Nonconformities and defects affecting the use of the equipment identified during the inspection.
Notes: Any further details relevant to the inspection. For example, if an air receiver has an unusual connection thread during hydrostatic testing, the report may note that the correct connection must be available before the next inspection so preparation can be completed properly.
Result and Inspector's Opinion: The inspector states whether the equipment can be used safely. Article 14/B of the amendment published on 18 February 2022 refers to minor and major defect classifications in equipment-specific report formats approved by the Directorate General of Occupational Health and Safety. If the Ministry has not published a format for the equipment, defects cannot be graded in that way. Where a defect is found and no equipment-specific report or criteria have been published, the report must identify the equipment as defective.
Equipment-specific reports and inspection criteria are published at www.isekipmanlari.gov.tr . In late 2022, the published reports and criteria were still drafts, so defect grading could not yet be applied.
Authorised Inspector's Details and Approval: The inspector's full name, profession, EKİPNET number and signature, together with the number of report copies issued. The amendment clarified acceptance of electronic signatures by referring to the Electronic Signature Law.
Detailed reporting makes it possible to reconstruct the conditions at the time of inspection if a later dispute, accident or other event requires a retrospective investigation.