OSHA Construction Pre-Work Equipment Inspection Reminder

Can you show up on a construction site and simply start working? If your work involves the following equipment, the answer is “no.”

10 #OSHA standards that require PRE-shift or PRE-use equipment inspections:

1. Respirators – 1910.134(h)(3)(ii)
   (“respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters; and a check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration”)
2. Rigging equipment used for material handling – 1926.251(a)(6)
   (“the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person”)
3. Torches – 1926.350(g)(2)
   (“for leaking shutoff valves, hose couplings, and tip connections”)
4. Scaffolds – 1926.451(f)(3)
   (“for visible defects by a competent person”)
5. Personal fall arrest systems – 1926.502(d)(21)
   (“for wear, damage, and other deterioration”)
6. Construction vehicles – 1926.601(b)(14)
   (“to assure that the following parts, equipment, and accessories are in safe operating condition and free of apparent damage that could cause failure while in use: service brakes, including trailer brake connections; parking system (hand brake); emergency stopping system (brakes); tires; horn; steering mechanism; coupling devices; seat belts; operating controls; and safety devices”)
7. Erected shoring equipment – 1926.703(b)(3)
   (“immediately prior to, during, and immediately after concrete placement”)
8. Ladders – 1926.1053(b)(15)
   (“by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use”) – this one is “periodic,” not pre-shift, but I included anyway
9. Cranes – 1926.1412(d)(1)(i)-(d)(1)(xiv)
   (“competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, which must be completed before or during that shift”)
10. Wire rope – 1926.1413(a)
    (“competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment is used, which must be completed before or during that shift”)