What should be done with equipment that has been subjected to impact loading?

Equipment that has been subjected to impact loading should be removed from service and discarded because impact loading can compromise the integrity and safety of the equipment. When equipment experiences an unexpected or excessive force, it may develop hidden damages, such as cracks, deformities, or weaknesses in structural components that are not immediately visible. These defects can lead to catastrophic failures during subsequent use, posing serious safety risks to personnel and the surrounding environment.

By removing such equipment from service, it prevents any potential accidents or injuries due to equipment malfunction. Discarding compromised equipment is crucial to ensuring a safe working environment and maintaining compliance with safety standards. While marking for inspection or storing it for future use may seem like alternatives, they do not adequately address the potential hazards posed by equipment that has sustained impact loading. Such measures could delay the necessary actions to ensure safety and risk management.