Suitability of work equipment
 

There should also be sufficient space between any moving parts of the equipment and the surrounds. All forms of energy, should be supplied and used in a safe manner, for example, a diesel lift truck must not be used in a working area unless there is adequate ventilation, to ensure that there is sufficient air of good quality and employees are not put at risk.

Maintenance

Work equipment must be kept in efficient working order and in good repair, and be suitable for its purpose. Hand tools should be checked by the employee prior to use for damage. More complex equipment will normally be accompanied by a manufacturer's maintenance manual which specify any special maintenance procedures to be carried out and when. Where there is a maintenance log it must be kept up to date. Whenever possible maintenance operations should be carried out when the work equipment is not in use. If this is not possible appropriate measures must be taken to reduce the risk, for example, the provision of temporary guards or limited movement, even a permit to work system.

Inspections

A suitable inspection must be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge and experience. An inspection is only necessary where there is a significant risk resulting from either incorrect installation, deterioration or as a result of exceptional circumstances, which may affect the operator. Equipment unlikely to require inspection will include office furniture and hand tools. A record must be kept of all inspections.

Information, instruction and training

Any users of work equipment and, supervisors must be adequately trained in its' safe use and have the risks and control measures brought to their attention. Workers should have easy access to such information and instructions and be able to understand them. Verbal instructions are sufficient or in writing. Chainsaw operators need to have certificates of competence.

Dangerous parts of machinery

Appropriate measures need to be taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. The measures are ranked in the following order, the most effective being fixed guards, other types of guard or protection devices e.g. interlocking guards, and protection appliances such as jigs. For guards and protection devices to be effective, operators must have sufficient training instruction and information. Any guards or devices must never be abused or overridden.

Protection against specific hazards and temperature

If there is a risk of materials falling or being ejected from work equipment, or it breaking apart (scaffolding) or the intentional or un-intentional release of any substance used or stored in the equipment e.g. swarf ejected from a machine tool, then this needs to be prevented or controlled. Personal protective equipment being the last resort.

Appropriate levels of protection need to be provided for any work equipment or substances used or stored which are either very hot or cold. This relates to gas cookers, cold stores or a pipe capable of causing injuries like scalds or frostbite.

Controls

Controls must be provided to start work equipment and to change its speed, pressure or other operating condition. They must also be capable of bringing the equipment to a safe position. The stop control does not have to be immediate, unless there is a clear risk of injury if it is not. In this instance a clearly marked, raised emergency stop button would need to be provided.

Stability

If work equipment might fall over, collapse or overturn, suitable precautions must be taken to secure it for example bolts or clamps. A ladder could be either footed, tied or clamped.

Lighting

Lighting must be adequate for the task involved and in the use of the equipment, for example to reduce visual fatigue.

Markings and Warnings

Work equipment must be marked with any appropriate health and safety markings for example stop and start controls, maximum rotation speeds of abrasive wheels, safe working loads for lifting equipment. Any markings should conform to standards and legislation such as the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. A warning or warning device must be provided where a risk to safety or health remains after other measures have been taken, Warnings are usually in the form of a notice or devices giving a signal, typically a visual reversing light or audible reversing alarm. Warnings must be clear an understood.