Why are engineering inspections important?
10/30/2024
A look at the vital safety role of an engineering inspections programme.
Businesses have a duty to ensure that every piece of equipment they are responsible for is in good condition for the safety of employees, customers, and the public. Additionally, there are specific statutory requirements for certain types of equipment, which often include obligations to inspect them at defined intervals. Zurich is one of the leading providers of engineering inspections in the UK, inspecting more than four million items of equipment annually. Here, we explain why engineering inspections are crucial and discuss how brokers and customers can receive the best possible service.
The Essentials of Engineering Inspections
Engineering inspections, also known as Thorough Examinations, are vital to ensure the safety of machinery and systems and the well-being of those who interact with and use them. This applies across various environments, including industrial, agricultural, construction, commercial, retail, and hospitals. Items requiring inspection range from lifting equipment (like lifts, cranes, and forklifts) to pressure systems (such as heating boilers and coffee machines) and other items like extraction systems, power presses, and electrical installations.
Are Regular Engineering Inspections Necessary?
Absolutely. Many inspections are mandatory to comply with health and safety legislation. For example, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) require examinations as frequently as every six or twelve months.
According to Jason Knowles, Head of Engineering Development at Zurich Engineering, "Around 99% of our inspections are statutory. They are essentially the MOT for plant and machinery." These inspections are crucial for reducing the risk of deaths and injuries. "Last year, we identified 376,181 defects in the items we inspect in the UK. Around 38,000 of those defects were serious, representing significant risks to people,"
Steps involved in setting up an inspection program
Engineering inspections are essential from legal, safety, and financial perspectives and it takes a short amount of time to set up an inspection program. While insurance quotes can be turned around quickly, engineering inspections involve several additional steps before we can cover a customer. We need to understand the customer's business in detail and their specific requirements. This often involves on-site visits, security clearance, and risk assessments - to mobilise a large inspection program takes at least six to eight weeks.
Why Choose Zurich for Engineering Inspections?
- Last year we completed 4million inspections, that’s almost 11,000 a day!!
- Zurich has 600 surveyors operating across the UK who are experts not generalists.
- Local Engineers are sent to local jobs, building deep relationships with customers and knowledge of their equipment.
- We take a responsible approach to new business. We only take on business we are confident we can service.
- We don’t rush inspections, our engineers are given the time they need to complete thorough inspections.
To find out more engineering inspections for plant and machinery operators, read the Zurich Plant Guide.
