The Safe Use of Work Equipment

Overview This training tool is dedicated to work equipment and their associated hazards. Work equipment means any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work. It embraces everything from a hand tool to substantial manufacturing plant. This handy Training Tool covers the following areas to help you keep your staff safe:  What are the legal requirements  What is covered?  Do’s and dont’s  Controls in place/required  And much more...

Regulations The main pieces of legislation relating to work equipment are: Provision and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) Lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations (LOLER)

What Equipment is Covered by the Regulations? Generally, any equipment which is used by an employee at work is covered, e.g. hammers, knives, ladders, drilling machines, power presses, circular saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment (including lifts), dumper trucks and motor vehicles. Similarly, if you allow employees to provide their own equipment then it will also be covered by PUWER and you will need to make sure it complies. Examples of uses of equipment which are covered by the Regulations include starting or stopping the equipment, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing, cleaning and transporting.

Do the Regulations apply to me? If you are an employer or self-employed person and you provide equipment for use at work, or if you have control of the use of equipment, then the Regulations will apply to you. They do not apply to equipment used by the public, e.g. compressed-air equipment used in a garage forecourt. However, such circumstances are covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). The Regulations cover workplaces where the HSW Act applies – this includes factories, offshore installations, offices, shops, hospitals, hotels, places of entertainment etc. PUWER also applies in common parts of shared buildings and temporary places of work such as construction sites. While the Regulations cover equipment used by people working from home, they do not apply to domestic work in a private household.

Risk Assessment Employers should carry out a risk assessment of all work equipment related risks  Information, instruction and training to individuals working in the warehouse  Work Equipment to be logged  Preventative maintenance of work equipment  Inspection of work equipment  Personal Protective Equipment to be worn (safety footwear)  Safe systems of work to be followed

Do’s and Dont’s Do Inspect equipment before use Report any damaged equipment Comply with all procedures and site rules If you see damage report it Do not Use damaged work equipment Use work equipment if you have not had the appropriate information, instruction, training

What are the hazards and who could be harmed? Hazards:  Poor selection of work equipment (unsuitable for the task)  Use of damaged equipment, equipment poorly maintained  Unskilled/ untrained users  Maintenance operation (exposure to engineer)  Distractions. Who could be harmed? Personnel at risk include all employees who use work equipment. Warehouse personnel using the Barlow forklift truck to office staff using photo copiers.

Key Tips Top tips to keep you and your employees safe: Adequate training should ensure that those who use the machine are competent to use it safely. This includes ensuring they have the correct skills, knowledge, experience and risk awareness, and are physically suited to the task. Sometimes formal qualifications are needed, e.g. for chainsaw operators. Ensure control switches are clearly marked to show what they do Have emergency stop controls where necessary, e.g. mushroom-head push buttons within easy reach. Make sure operating controls are designed and placed to avoid accidental operation and injury, use two-hand controls where necessary and shroud start buttons and pedals. Do not let unauthorised, unqualified or untrained people use machinery – never allow children to operate or help at machines. Some workers, e.g. new starters, young people or those with disabilities, may be particularly at risk and need instruction, training and supervision. If machines are controlled by programmable electronic systems, changes to any programmes should be carried out by a competent person (someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work safely). Keep a record of such changes and check they have been made properly. Ensure the work area around the machine is kept clean and tidy, free from obstructions or slips and trips hazards, and well lit.