2-15. Essential Items for Safety Inspections and Record Management of Factory Equipment

Regular safety inspections of factory equipment are fundamental to preventing industrial accidents and ensuring stable operations. Neglecting these inspections can lead to equipment failure or serious accidents, resulting in significant risks such as loss of corporate credibility and operational shutdowns. Consistently carrying out safety inspections and maintaining thorough records is not only crucial for complying with labor safety and health laws and various regulations but also for extending equipment life and reducing maintenance costs. Below are the essential items for safety inspections and key points for record management.

1. Essential Safety Inspection Items

While inspection items vary by factory equipment, the following are common points that should always be checked:

• Mechanical Equipment Inspection: Check the operation of protective covers and emergency stop devices, and listen for unusual noises or vibrations.

• Electrical Equipment Inspection: Measure insulation resistance, check for wiring degradation, and test the operation of ground fault circuit interrupters.

• Pressure Vessels and Boilers: Verify the operation of safety valves and pressure gauges, and check for pipe corrosion or leaks.

• Cranes and Lifts: Inspect wire ropes and chains for wear and test the operation of overload prevention devices.

• Ventilation and Exhaust Systems: Check suction capacity and cleanliness of filters, and look for blockages in exhaust routes.

• Fire-fighting Equipment: Confirm the expiration dates of fire extinguishers and sprinklers, and test the operation of fire alarms.

It is important to systematically plan and conduct these inspections at different frequencies, such as daily, monthly, and yearly.

2. Implementation System and Responsibility Allocation

Inspections should not be left to individual employees; a clear system of responsibility is necessary. It is best to have a structure where daily inspections are performed by on-site workers, while periodic inspections are conducted by the maintenance department or external specialized contractors. By predefining the reporting flow and emergency procedures for when an anomaly is found, serious accidents can be prevented.

3. Essential Record Management Items

Recording inspection results is legally mandated and must be properly stored for audits and administrative inspections. Records should fundamentally include the following:

• Date of inspection and name of the inspector

• Equipment and inspection items

• Inspection results (pass/fail)

• Details of any anomalies found and corrective actions taken

• Date and results of re-inspection

Entering this information into a digital management system, instead of just on paper forms, improves searchability and preservation, making it effective for long-term storage.

4. Improvement and Follow-up

Inspection records should not just be stored but also used for trend analysis. Analyzing the frequency of anomalies and equipment-specific failure trends can help in formulating preventive maintenance plans. Additionally, incorporate a mechanism for regular checks through internal audits or safety and health committees to prevent missed inspections or incomplete records.

Safety inspections and record management of factory equipment are two pillars for preventing industrial accidents and ensuring legal compliance. They form the foundation for corporate credibility and sustainable growth. It is essential to reliably implement and manage these required items to create a safe and efficient operational environment.