All you need to know about regulatory controls in companies

Let's see how CMMS software and regulatory controls in Europe can work together...

What are regulatory controls in a company and what are they used for?

The use of a CMMS software allows the follow-up of the regulatory  controls carried out on the production equipment. What is a regulatory inspection? It is a control imposed by a law, a decree, a decree or a regulation such as the Labor Code, the Environment Code or the Construction Code. All regulatory inspections are listed in an evaluation grid. The regulatory verification of the production equipment of an establishment allows to anticipate malfunctions. It also guarantees the safety of personnel and the public against the risk of damage.

What are the different types of inspections for a company's equipment?

There are different types of compulsory checks on work equipment.

Verification 1: the so-called "initial" verification of technical installations

This type of verification takes place when technical equipment is put into service. The expert verifies that the installation is in conformity and that the equipment is working properly.

Verification 2: the periodic general verification or VGP of technical equipment

This verification takes place regularly throughout the life of the equipment. Its purpose is to anticipate a failure which could be the cause of a danger for the human being or the establishment. Certain equipment is subject to these periodic inspections. A regulation defines the nature, the content and the frequency of these controls. Only certified professionals can carry out these checks and issue a document relating to the proof of operation.

Verification 3: a verification for the re-commissioning of the installations

If your installations have been dismantled and then reassembled following a breakdown and a change of parts, you are obliged to carry out a check before putting the equipment back into service. This check ensures that the machine is working properly after it has been put back into service and acts as a prevention against any potential danger.

Which installations are concerned by the regulatory controls?

Different types of equipment such as those that ensure the protection of the public and personnel are concerned by these checks. Note that the regulatory control remains the responsibility of the company manager. Among these installations, we find :

Equipment for working on the ground and at height (lifting equipment, scaffolding, etc.)

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Technical inspections of company vehicles
• Equipment and playgrounds
• Fire prevention equipment (fire extinguishers, smoke extraction systems, etc.)
• Electrical installations

How are the regulatory inspections of technical equipment carried out?

The verification of the installations is carried out as follows

• A visual inspection of the technical installation
• A study of the documentation related to the equipment concerned (manual, diagram, report)
• The taking of specific measurements
• The realization of tests or tests in prevention

The regulatory verification of a machine is carried out by a specialized inspection body such as an inspection office. Only certified and competent technicians can carry out this type of inspection.

What are the risks involved in not carrying out the mandatory regulatory inspections?

The non-observance of a verification on installations can lead to serious consequences:

• Damage to persons
• Serious failures and malfunctions that can lead to fire, cable breakage, etc.

A CMMS software allows a very precise traceability of the interventions on the equipment. It manages the schedule of mandatory checks on the latter.

• Regulatory controls and audits in Europe - Episode 3: United Kingdom
• CMMS in Switzerland and local regulatory aspects
• Regulatory Controls and Audits in Europe - Episode 1: Belgium
• Regulatory Controls and Audits in Europe - Episode 4: France