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The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all types of tools, plant and equipment used on site and the workplace. The primary objective of the regulations is to ensure that work equipment provided is safe to use and is used safely. The requirements of PUWER do not stand-alone but integrate with duties contained in other legislation such as The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.
The Manager and the Foreman are responsible for the implementation of this procedure. The Contracts Manager is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this procedure. The Company’s Directors with responsibility for Health and Safety are responsible for the application of this procedure within office environments.
The scope of the regulations is very broad and applies to equipment as diverse as dumper, air compressor, cranes, ladder, lifting equipment, portable drill, circular saws, hammer, screwdriver and computer equipment.
Ensure that before equipment is selected a risk assessment has been carried out which must take into account the location of use, the purpose of use and who will use the equipment.
Obtain from the equipment provider operating instructions; test, maintenance and examination certificates, schedules and other details as necessary. These will be available from the plant hire company or supplier.
The Company will assess whether the intended user of the equipment is able and competent to use it and has received the necessary training or briefing.
The user of the equipment must be competent. This should include being able to demonstrate knowledge of the equipment, how to inspect it, how to resolve operational problems and how to make the equipment safe in an emergency.
Certification of training achievement may be available for the equipment; e.g., any person who uses an abrasive wheel, CAT scan or erects a mobile tower must provide evidence of training.
The use of the equipment must also be considered. How will the equipment in use affect the surrounding environment? e.g., dust, fumes, vibration etc. The ergonomics of the equipment’s use must be taken into account for example, confined space works and work at height.
A risk assessment will identify any dangerous parts of equipment of hazards associated with the equipment. Dangerous parts must be protected by barrier guards, trip devices, training, supervision etc. No parts that are fitted during the manufacture of the equipment must be removed from the equipment to allow its incorrect use or operation.
The majority of work equipment on site is owned and operated by The Company. The Contract/Project Managers should discuss the requirements of this procedure with our operatives and our subcontractors prior to them starting work on site to establish how they intend to comply with the requirements of PUWER.
If the Company hires equipment, then the person hiring the equipment must agree with the Hire Company who will carry out inspections and when.
Equipment used for low risk activities will not require a formal inspection, however, before each use; the user will carry out a visual check.
Upon carrying out a pre use check it is found that the equipment is defective or in any way unsafe to use, the user must withdraw the equipment from use and report the defect to the Foreman or Manager.
Equipment that is of higher risk will require a more formal inspection at specified intervals.
Equipment that poses a significant risk e.g. dumpers, circular saws, compressors, breakers, hammer drills etc will require a weekly inspection by a competent person. Records of these inspections must be recorded in the site PUWER Register HSF 802.
When work equipment is used for lifting, then the inspections must be carried out in accordance with the LOLER regulations and the records made in the site LOLER Register HSF 804.
When work equipment is used for working platforms, temporary support or edge protection, then the equipment must be inspected and recorded as per the requirements of the CDM Regulations and recorded in the site CDM Register HSF 804.
