The inspector of devices and the inspector's assistants shall inspect all equipment and appliances connected with devices and make reports of inspection to the department. The inspector shall, on discovering defective equipment or appliances, making the use of the equipment dangerous, immediately report this to the owner or operator of the device, and to the department. If in the opinion of the inspector the continued operation of the defective equipment constitutes an immediate danger to the safety of the persons operating or being conveyed by the equipment, the inspector may condemn the equipment and shall immediately notify the department of the action.