0

GA1 Inspection Reports
Lifting equipment is an essential part of many industrial, construction, and manufacturing operations in Ireland. From hoists and cranes to pallet forks and chain slings, these tools help move heavy loads safely and efficiently. However, if lifting equipment is poorly maintained, incorrectly used, or left uninspected, it can pose serious risks — including injuries, fatalities, and costly damage to property.

To manage these risks, Irish regulations require employers and duty holders to ensure that all lifting equipment is fit for purpose, regularly inspected, and properly maintained. This is not just good practice — it’s a legal obligation aimed at protecting workers, improving safety standards, and reducing workplace accidents.

Why Compliance Matters in Ireland

Ireland’s health and safety framework places strong emphasis on the safe use of work equipment, including lifting gear. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005,  and more specifically, the General Application Regulations 2007, outline the responsibilities of employers in maintaining a safe workplace.

Compliance with these regulations is not optional. Companies that fail to meet the requirements face enforcement action from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), including fines, stop-work orders, or prosecution in severe cases. Furthermore, many construction sites and industrial clients require up-to-date inspection certificates before allowing any lifting equipment on site. 

Beyond legal compliance, regular inspections and certifications can:

  • Prevent costly equipment failures
  • Reduce downtime
  • Improve operator confidence and safety
  • Demonstrate a strong safety culture to customers, insurers, and auditors

Purpose of the GA1 Form

The GA1 form is the official document used in Ireland to record the thorough examination of lifting equipment and accessories. It serves as a formal declaration that the equipment has been inspected by a competent person and is safe for continued use — or highlights any defects or risks that must be addressed before the equipment can return to service. The purpose of the GA1 form is threefold:

  • Ensure legal compliance
  • with Irish health and safety regulations.
  • Document the condition and fitness of lifting equipment at regular intervals.
Provide accountability by identifying who inspected the equipment, when it was done, and what was found. This form is more than just a checklist — it’s a critical part of your safety records and may be requested at any time by the HSA, insurers, or site safety officers. Keeping your GA1 documentation up to date is a key step in maintaining a safe and compliant operation.

The GA1 certify that lifting equipment and accessories have been properly inspected in line with the law. This inspection must be conducted by a competent person, and the GA1 document serves as formal evidence that the equipment is either safe to use or that corrective actions are required. The GA1 form is a legal requirement under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, specifically Regulations 52 to 56, which cover lifting equipment. Its purpose is to ensure that:

  • Lifting equipment is structurally sound and safe for use,
  • Any defects or risks are identified and recorded,
  • Employers maintain traceable, verifiable safety records.

The GA1 form protects workers, reduces the risk of equipment failure, and supports the employer in demonstrating compliance during HSA inspections or audits.


What Equipment Does It Apply To?

The GA1 form applies to a wide range of lifting equipment and lifting accessories used in workplaces across Ireland, including but not limited to:

Lifting Equipment:
  • Overhead cranes
  • Forklift truck attachments
  • Passenger and goods hoists
  • Vehicle tail lifts
  • Mobile lifting devices
  • Spreader beams and lifting frames
Lifting Accessories:

  • Chain slings and wire rope slings
  • Shackles, eyebolts, and lifting hooks
  • Lifting magnets and clamps
  • Pallet forks
  • Lifting bags and textile slings
It also applies to equipment used to lift people, such as man cages, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), or personnel baskets — which require more frequent inspections under Irish regulations.


Who Completes the GA1 Form?

Only a competent person can carry out the examination and complete the GA1 form. In Ireland, a competent person is defined as someone who:


  • Has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience,
  • Understands the risks and design limits of lifting equipment,
  • Is independent and impartial enough to make objective decisions about the equipment’s condition.
Most GA1 inspections are carried out by specialist inspection companies or qualified engineers who are not involved in the day-to-day use of the equipment. This helps ensure neutrality and compliance with the HSA's expectations.



Trustpilot