GA2 weekly examination reports for lifting equipment in Ireland.
What the HSA's GA2 form records, how it differs from a GA1 thorough examination, and a practical way to keep weekly examination records organised. EquipSet stores and organises records; it does not perform examinations.
Start free trialWhat is a GA2?
The GA2 is the Health and Safety Authority's "Report of Weekly Examination" template. The form states that it may be used to record the weekly examination of lifting equipment used on construction sites, as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.
The HSA also notes on the form that it is not an approved or statutory form, and that reports of weekly examination may be produced in other formats. The current template is available from the HSA GA2 form page.
What the GA2 form records
The form captures who the examination was made for, where it was made, a description of the lifting appliance and its means of identification, the date, the result, and the names of the people who made the inspection.
Its component checklist gives a good picture of what a weekly examination of a lifting appliance looks at — items such as the rated capacity indicator or limiter, wire rope and chain systems, limit switches, ropes positioned on their sheaves, the structure, hooks and other load-lifting attachments, hydraulic and electrical systems, fuel lines, brakes and clutches, the operator's cab and controls, and the anemometer where one is provided. Each component is marked as inspected, in good working order or not, with space for the action required.
GA2 vs GA1 — weekly examination vs thorough examination
The two forms record different things. The GA2 records a routine weekly examination of lifting equipment. The GA1 records a thorough examination carried out by a competent person. A completed GA2 does not substitute for a GA1, and a current GA1 does not remove the need for the routine checks. Our GA1 thorough examination guide covers the thorough-examination side, including how GA1, GA2 and GA3 relate to each other.
Keeping weekly examination records manageable
A weekly record per machine adds up quickly: one crane produces around fifty reports a year, and a fleet produces a filing problem. The common failure is not skipping the check — it is being unable to produce the records, or being unable to show what was done when a component was marked as needing action.
EquipSet gives each machine a digital record opened by scanning a QR code on the asset. A weekly examination checklist can be completed from a phone at the machine, a failed item becomes a fault with a tracked corrective action, and the full history stays against the asset — so the records for any machine, for any week, are retrievable when they are asked for.
EquipSet does not determine which examinations your equipment requires, perform examinations or act as a competent person. Those responsibilities remain with the appropriate people and organisations.
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GA2 questions
What is a GA2 form?
The GA2 is the HSA's "Report of Weekly Examination" template, which may be used to record the weekly examination of lifting equipment used on construction sites, as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.
Is the GA2 a statutory form?
No. The HSA states on the form that it is not an approved or statutory form, and that reports of weekly examination may be produced in other formats.
What is the difference between a GA2 and a GA1?
A GA2 records the routine weekly examination of lifting equipment. A GA1 records a thorough examination carried out by a competent person. They serve different purposes, and one does not substitute for the other.
Can weekly examination records be kept digitally?
Yes. The HSA notes that reports of weekly examination may be produced in other formats. EquipSet records the weekly check against the machine's own digital record, with failed items tracked through to corrective actions.
Check the current HSA requirements
Use the Health and Safety Authority's current guidance and forms for the legal and technical requirements that apply to your equipment.