10-year inspections, the Aussie way

THE AUSTRALIAN LEGISLATION REQUIRES A MAJOR INSPECTION OF ALL MEWPS AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE. IN THIS ARTICLE FIND KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INSPECTION AND HOW YOU CAN TURN THIS OBLIGATION INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR TEAMS!

An Australian regulation

The Australian Standards of Safety, (AS25) provide for a Major Inspection for all EWPs after 10 years of service and every 5 years thereafter. This includes the dismantling and thorough examination of the machines, needing the skills of experienced technicians. If the decennial control is not performed and an accident occurs, the owner of the machine is responsible for the damage.

What are the tangible benefits of such an inspection?

By passing the ten-year inspection, you:

• Benefit from a safe and reliable aerial work platform

• Enhance your machines’ lifespan significantly

• Reduce your financial risk.

How much does it cost?

The cost of an inspection depends on the type of MEWP, generally it can be considered that the inspection cost is 1522% of the purchase price of the machine.

What is involved in an inspection?

It is always beneficial to use the manufacturer to complete a 10 years inspection because they have better knowledge of the machine’s specifications, even the oldest. Using the manufacturers’ recommendations and various R&D files at their disposal, they live evaluate the condition of the platforms with absolute precision. Thanks to their experience, machine downtime is reduced to a minimum.

For example, Haulotte 10-years inspection is conducted in 3 stages:

The machine is washed, and a full function test is performed, a visual inspection is made and a report on any abnormalities is written. Technical teams ensure that there are no leaks in the cylinder seals or counterbalance valves and test pressures.

The machine is dismantled, and all internal components are stripped to allow a complete and thorough inspection. Crack tests and magnetic particle tests, checks of all critical components are performed to detect signs of fatigue. All components are inspected, tested, cleaned, lubricated… The tolerance of all wear components is tested. Components are refurbished, systems repaired and upgraded if necessary.

Only original spare parts are used to ensure optimum safety.

Components that are heavily rusted are sandblasted and prepared for painting.

Once all components are cleaned and repaired, assembly begins, and a full service is performed. New decals and a compliance plate ensure the machine meets the Australian standards. The machine undergoes several functional tests before leaving our workshops. Haulotte provide a certificate confirming the completion of the 10-years test with a checklist of the work done certifying the machine conforms to standard.

Alfasi Hire Operations Manager Daryl Steer describes the benefits they see when completing a 10-year inspection.

“It is getting harder and harder to source new machines, so by renewing key items of plant we are able to increase fleet availability to the customer,” said Daryl. “When we look for a service provider, we look for someone that is reliable and gets the unit completed in a timely manner to minimize loss of income, but most importantly a supplier that does a thorough job. Haulotte standards are industry leading so we feel confident to send them any machine, from any manufacturer”, adds Daryl.

ELECTRIC SCISSOR LIFTS FROM 8 TO 14 METRES

• Smart design

• Maximum uptime

• Safe and comfortable driving experience

• Unbeatable serviceability