Supplementary Investigations
Supplementary Investigations
The supplementary investigation, also called structural investigation, is an in-depth examination by an expert engineer with the aim of:
Identify vices, defects or anomalies that have occurred in the use of the equipment and in particular on welds, bolting, etc. also by carrying out any non-destructive tests (magnetoscopies and/or penetrating liquids) by technician Level II EN 473;
Establish the residual life cycles in which the machine can still operate in safe conditions. A clarification is obligatory: the term of 20 years must be understood only as of the ultimate limit beyond which the inspector ASL / ARPA / Enabled Private Subject can no longer carry out the legal checks on the types of appliances indicated above in the absence of the additional investigation.
The employer, on the other hand, has a sanctionable obligation according to Art. 71 c. 8 of Legislative Decree 81/08, to carry out additional investigations also for all other types of lifting equipment (overhead cranes, jib cranes, etc.) with times that generally vary from 10 to 20 years and, in any case, each time which is necessary considering:
- the frequency indicated in the “Use Instructions” provided by the manufacturer;
- the frequency indicated in the relevant technical reference standards;
- the state of conservation and the use made.
Planned sanction: arrest from three to six months or fine from 2,500 to 6,400 euros for employer and responsible manager.
Regarding technical standards, UNI ISO 9927-1 at point 4.7 and ISO 12482-1 at point 6.2, require that in-depth supplementary investigations are carried out:
- when there is an increase in the frequency of detected defects; when, following regular maintenance works, there is a significant deterioration of the machine;
- no later than 10 years for tower cranes and mobile cranes;
- no later than 20 years for the remainder;
About the use of the appliance, in the contract, it is defined with the manufacturer an expected use which descends a number of project life cycles from. If one is close to reaching this limit, the additional investigation must still be carried out even before the age of 10 or 20.
However, the fact remains that during the ASL / ARPA / Enabled Private Subject verification, the inspector may request this investigation regardless of the age of the equipment if the storage conditions are not satisfactory.
What does the in-depth supplementary investigation consist of?
Verification of documentation
Verification of the present documentation: ENPI / ISPESL booklet, instructions for use and maintenance, plant layouts, etc.
Evaluation
Evaluation (or in case of its absence, assistance in completing it) of the control register where to record all routine and extraordinary maintenance interventions, exceptional events, etc. (Art. 71 comma 4 and 9 of Legislative Decree no. 81/2008).
Visual tests
Visual tests on the structure to highlight its damage due to fatigue, using, corrosion, etc .
Execution eventual checks
Execution of any non-destructive checks (magnetoscopies and / or penetrating liquids) by a Level II technician pursuant to UNI EN 473, in order to investigate the actual state of the metal carpentry and the presence of defects in the welds and membranes, even sub-superficial, defects in bolted connections, etc.
Historical-statistical evaluation
Historical-statistical evaluation of the lifting cycles concerning the service performed during the life of the device (data to be inferred with the user);
Drafting of the technical report
Drafting of a technical report on the state of the machine with the calculation of the residual life according to UNI 9927-1: 1997 and applicable technical regulations with the indication of any non-conformities and interventions to be carried out.