The MA arrangements, including portable equipment and attachments,
should be periodically inspected by the crew or competent inspectors
as and when it is going to be used to confirm that the MAs remain
in serviceable condition.
1 Any Company authorized person using the MA should
assume the role of inspector and check for obvious damage prior to
using the access arrangements. Whilst using the MA, the inspector
should verify the condition of the sections used by close-up examination
of those sections and note any deterioration in the provisions. Should
any damage or deterioration be found, the effect of such deterioration
should be assessed as to whether the damage or deterioration affects
the safety for continued use of the access. Deterioration found that
is considered to affect safe use should be determined as "substantial
damage" and measures should be put in place to ensure that the affected
section(s) are not to be further used prior to effective repair.
2 Statutory survey of any space that contains
MA should include verification of the continued effectiveness of the
MA in that space. Survey of the MA should not be expected to exceed
the scope and extent of the survey being undertaken. If the MA is
found deficient the scope of survey should be extended if this is
considered appropriate.
3 Records of all inspections should be established
based on the requirements detailed in the ship's Safety Management
System. The records should be readily available to persons using the
MAs and a copy attached to the MA Manual. The latest record for the
portion of the MA inspected should include as a minimum the date of
the inspection, the name and title of the inspector, a confirmation
signature, the sections of MA inspected, verification of continued
serviceable condition or details of any deterioration or substantial
damage found. A file of permits issued should be maintained for verification.