We recently had an issue at work, were during a pre start check the crane driver noticed a crack in one of the lifting hooks which attaches to a lifting beam.

As we know RIDOOR states: The collapse, the over turning or the failure of any load bearing part

My question is, was the incident at work a failure?

The argument would be it never failed and there was no actual incident it was picked up during pre start check as per procedure.

If I think it needs reporting I’ll report it simple as that, but I want to be able to have a concrete argument either way when I report it to head office.

As for leaning from it, this is not an issue we grounded all the cranes and inspected etc etc.

Thanks Dave

Would you be thinking of reporting it under RIDDOR if it had been found by the examiner during routine inspection? I doubt it.
Seems to me that your ssow has worked, highlighted a defect and the equipment was taken out of service before a critical failure occurred. Needs to be reported back through your engineering inspection regime and it sounds as if that has already been done.

Morning David,

Good points on RIDDOR etc, and reporting to HSE.

Before that though - might I suggest that you check the history of the equipment. It should by the look of it only be 1 day as your driver seems to be on the ball (and deserves a big up!) hooks dont just crack and fatigue can be spotted by the type of failure you see. It may be that the equipment has been overloaded in service.... there are many things to consider. look at the useage and rule out operator error before contacting the manufacturer. you got mail.

First off I would like to say well done to the crane driver on his vigilance and professionalism. I hope HQ will in some way say well done to.

I would agree that because the fault had been found during inspection and incident had not occured, then no reporting action to RIDDOR is needed. To add with other comments already given you do need to inform HQ, Suppliers and HSE. If all of these parties are informed then inspectors, suppliers etc can supply all user of the finding asap.

Evening

As this was noticed during a pre-use check it does not need reporting the HSE.

If this had been identified during a Thorough Examination and in the opinion of the person conducting the Examination there was a defect involving an existing or imminent risk of serious personal injury, then he/she would be required to send a copy of the report to the relevant enforcing authority as soon as practicable

Regards, Gary