In principle, every piece of work equipment has to be checked for obvious defects before being put into operation (visual inspection). Defective work equipment should not be put back into the storage area but has to be immediately repaired or withdrawn! Certain types of work equipment, such as cranes, elevators or lifting gear are subject to statutory commissioning test and regular inspections. Such checks have to be performed by competent staff, and the findings have to be recorded in an inspection manual. Independently of these checks, employers have to ensure that all work equipment is kept in perfect condition at any time.
