Working at Height Equipment Inspections Explained
What is a Working at Height Equipment Inspection?
Working‑at‑height equipment in the UK and Ireland must be inspected under clearly defined legal duties, with both countries requiring checks to be carried out by a competent person at appropriate intervals. In the UK, this obligation is set out in Regulation 12 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and in Ireland it is established under Regulation 119 of the General Application Regulations (SI 299/2007). Each regulation describes an inspection as a visual or, where necessary, more detailed examination supported by testing that reflects the level of risk. These inspections verify that equipment has been correctly installed or assembled, remains structurally sound, and continues to be safe for preventing falls or supporting loads at height. By identifying early signs of damage, deterioration, or incorrect setup, the process helps ensure that working‑at‑height equipment performs reliably and meets the legal standards expected of employers.
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What Types of Working at Height Equipment Do We Inspect?
At Carn Engineering, we carry out thorough inspections and testing of a wide range of working at height equipment to help businesses stay complaint. The types of working at height equipment inspections we provide include:
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Guard rail inspections — Verification that permanent or temporary guard rails are secure, correctly installed, and free from damage or deterioration.
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Barrier inspections — Assessment of edge protection, handrails, and safety barriers to ensure they provide effective fall prevention.
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Step ladder inspections — Examination of stiles, rungs, feet, locking mechanisms, and overall condition to confirm safe use.
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Fixed ladder inspections — Inspection of fixed vertical or inclined ladders, including anchor points, cages, and structural integrity.
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Fixed and mobile platform inspections — Checks on platforms, podiums, and access towers to ensure stability, correct assembly, and safe working surfaces.
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Fall arrest testing — Detailed examination of harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, inertia reels, and associated components for wear, damage, or defects.
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Safety net inspections — Assessment of net condition, mesh integrity, attachment points, and correct installation to ensure effective fall arrest performance.
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Airbag testing — Inspection of soft‑landing systems to confirm correct deployment, inflation, positioning, and overall condition.
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Other collective safeguards for arresting falls
Experience the Carn Difference
Why Choose Carn Engineering For Your Working at Height Equipment Inspection?
✔ Comprehensive inspections — Covering all major working at height equipment types, from guard rails and barriers to fixed ladders and fall arrests.
✔ Fully compliant assessments — Aligned with regulations in both UK and Ireland.
✔ Experienced, multi-disciplined engineers — We can take care of all of your engineering inspection needs saving you time, money and hassle.
✔ Flexible service options — Available for one‑off examinations or scheduled inspection programmes across multiple sites.
✔ Sector‑wide expertise — Supporting manufacturing, logistics, construction, automotive, healthcare, and more.
✔ On-line client portal — Access all of your past, and current reports along with your upcoming scheduled inspections.
We Travel Far & Wide
Where Do We Provide Working at Height Equipment Inspections?
We provide working at height inspections across all of Ireland and the UK. Our coverage includes major cities, rural areas, industrial hubs, and construction sites, ensuring every client—no matter their location—has access to reliable, accredited local working at height inspections.
Whether you operate a single site or manage multiple locations across regions, our team delivers consistent, high‑quality examinations to keep your pressure equipment fully compliant and your operations running safely.
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When Do You Need a Working at Height Equipment Inspection?
A working‑at‑height equipment inspection is required whenever there is a need to confirm that equipment is correctly installed, remains structurally sound, and is safe to use for preventing falls or supporting loads. Both UK and Irish legislation set clear triggers for when these inspections must take place, ensuring that equipment is assessed at the right moments to maintain safety and legal compliance.
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Before first use — Any newly installed or assembled working‑at‑height equipment must be inspected to confirm it is correctly set up and safe to operate.
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After reassembly or relocation — Equipment that has been moved, rebuilt, or reconfigured must be inspected where safety depends on correct installation.
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At suitable intervals — Regular inspections are required at frequencies determined by risk assessment, manufacturer guidance, and site conditions.
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After events that may affect safety — Equipment must be inspected following impact, severe weather, accidental damage, or any incident that could compromise integrity.
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When deterioration is suspected — Visible wear, corrosion, deformation, or signs of heavy or unusual use trigger the need for an immediate inspection.
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When required by site rules or industry standards — Some workplaces, insurers, or sectors mandate additional inspection intervals to maintain compliance.
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How Do I Arrange a Working at Height Equipment Inspection?
Arranging a working at height equipment inspection is straightforward. Contact us in the way which best suits you using the buttons below and we’ll help you schedule your examination at a time that suits your operations.