If an equipment inspection reveals a fault, what is the proper action?

• A. Continue using it and tag it after repair.
• B. Remove the equipment from service and tag it as out of service until repaired or replaced.
• C. Repair on-site without tagging.
• D. Ignore the fault if the lift is urgent.

Answer: (B)

When a fault is found during equipment inspection, the immediate priority is to prevent harm by keeping the equipment off the job and clearly signaling that it’s unsafe to use. Removing it from service and tagging it as out of service until it’s repaired or replaced does exactly that. The tag communicates to everyone that the equipment is not to be operated, preventing unintentional use and triggering the necessary maintenance or replacement steps. This also creates a clear record that the fault has been identified and requires action before the equipment can be returned to duty.

In practice, you remove the gear from service, apply a conspicuous out-of-service tag, and secure it so it cannot be used. Then arrange for a qualified person to inspect, repair, or replace the defective component, and only reintroduce the equipment once it has been tested and deemed safe.

Continuing to use it despite a fault, trying to repair on-site without tagging, or ignoring the fault even in urgent situations are all unsafe. They can lead to sudden failure, injuries, or worse, and they bypass the essential safety communication and control measures that protect workers.