Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to require statutory inspections of (1) mobile cranes of over 10,000 kilograms lifting capacity, (2) fixed cranes of over 10,000 kilograms lifting capacity, (3) electrical installations in public buildings, and (4) passenger lifts, to be conducted by inspectors who they appoint and fund.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, dutyholders (employers and the self-employed) have a statutory duty to have lifting equipment for use at work (including cranes and lifts) thoroughly examined by a competent person at time intervals set out in the Regulations. Her Majesty’s Government has no plans to appoint inspectors or fund inspections to deliver these statutory inspections because the legal obligation to ensure safety rests with the person who controls the equipment or premises.

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, dutyholders are obliged to ensure all electrical systems are maintained to ensure the safety of the system. The obligation to maintain only arises if a lack of maintenance could cause danger. The frequency of maintenance is a matter for the judgement of the dutyholder. Her Majesty’s Government has no plans to change the legislation for the way such maintenance is carried out or appoint inspectors or fund inspections for maintenance.