How long must records of inspections, tests, and maintenance of shifts and hoisting equipment be retained?

Records of inspections, tests, and maintenance of shifts and hoisting equipment must be retained for one year. This timeframe is established to ensure that there is a sufficient historical record of the safety and operational standards of equipment utilized in mining operations. Keeping these records helps in tracking the performance and reliability of the equipment, as well as in demonstrating compliance with safety regulations to inspectors. Additionally, maintaining thorough records for at least one year provides a basis for identifying trends in maintenance issues or failures, allowing for proactive measures to enhance worker safety and equipment performance.