Confined Space Equipment Maintenance and Servicing

All equipment should be inspected and function tested by a competent person immediately prior to and after each use.

In addition, the following inspections and maintenance (below sections) are required/recommended under various standards and legislation.

• 6 monthly thorough inspection by competent person
• Annual service / testing as required by manufacturer

Under Regulation 9 of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), lifting equipment (and accessories) used for man riding should have a thorough examination on a 6 monthly basis by a competent person.

Manufacturers state that lifting equipment should be serviced* annually.  This is not to be confused with an insurance inspection.

* This is typically carried out by the manufacturers themselves or by a service agent.

12 monthly inspection by competent person – where used for fall arrest only
6 monthly inspection by competent person – where used for lifting / lowering or work positioning

BS EN 365 (Personal Protective Equipment Against Falls From a Height…) recommends detailed inspection at least every 12 months but more frequently is used in arduous conditions.  LOLER  (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) states a thorough examination is required by a competent person at least every 6 months.

• Monthly inspection by a competent person
• Annual service / testing as required by manufacturer
• 5 yearly cylinder test
• Major services at intervals prescribed by manufacturer (typically between 5 and 12 years)

HSG 53 (Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work) states that breathing apparatus should have thorough maintenance), inspection and tests on a monthly basis, however if it is used only occasionally then this interval can be extended to a maximum of 3 months. Manufacturer’s also state additional service intervals – check with individual manufacturers or your service agent.

Maintenance requirements for re-breathers vary considerably depending upon manufacturer, for example:

• MSA – annual positive pressure leak test, 5 yearly overhaul, end of life at 10 years.
• Drager – 2 yearly weight check, end of life at 10 years.

• 3 monthly air quality checks

HSG 53 (Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work) states that air supply to breathing apparatus should be air-quality tested at least every three months and more frequent when the air supply cannot be assured; in addition mobile air supply (compressors) should be tested whenever re-sited.

• Daily bump test for flammable sensors
• 6 monthly calibration

The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC requires flammable detectors to be bump tested at the start of each use (many users also bump test their other sensors at the same time).  Gas detectors also typically require 6 monthly calibrations although this can vary between instruments so check with your manufacturer or service agent.

Contact us to arrange Maintenance or Servicing:

Please call us on 0330 390 0822 or email info@arcoservices.co.uk