In Australia there is an growing obsession when buying second hand machinery OHS requiring complete strip downs if over 6 years old, which includes destructive sand blasting of boom to check for cracks, stripping of hydraulic cylinders for visual inspection, stripping of all pins and bushes.

Curiously anyone here have an idea on the percentage of booms falling over caused by mechanical problems in relation to operator error?

A boom for example carrying 125mm pipe when spec'd at 100mm would off course be an operator error right?

Just curious amongst all the accidents out there how many have been caused by a mechanical failure (i.e pin failing, a boom snapping etc.)

Looking at the overseas market (primarily Europe), a strip down in not recommended at any point of the pumps life unless its completely necessary. The european standard (EN 12001/BGR 182) recommends attention to elements that are proven defective rather than precautionary as some would say 'uneccessary' measures.

Are they over doing it? is the 6 year interval too short? What is your opinion and whats the requirement elsewhere in the world?

Looks like the Aussie's dont want to become a dumping ground for junk, good for them.

I would also read some of the manufactures "specs" on boom inspections. These have changed in recent years.

It used to be annual inspections for equipment 1-4 years old, over four years it's twice a year then after 8 years it was every 90 days. Now I think it maybe annually for the first 8 years.

I think they have changed it again now, but you may try the acpa they have a boom inspection program for those who can walk and chew gum at the same time.