.1 Selection of Suitable Work Equipment
PUWER Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Not buildings, substances, private cars Reg 4 Suitability of work equipment Constructed / adapted to be suitable for purpose Selecting have regard to work conditions and risks, incl. additional risk posed by use of equipment Employer shall ensure equipment only used for suitable operations
PUWER Suitability Consider: Initial integrity Safe through its design, construction, or adaptation. Addition of parts may compromise integrity Place where it will be used Suitable for different environments / risks to be used in (wet / explosive) Consider confined spaces etc (petrol machines etc) Purpose for which it will be used Correct tools for the job
PUWER Maintenance requirements Must be considered wen selecting equipment Specialist dealer / supplier only? Could put pressure on users to use unsuitable equipment Arrangements to be made to deal with hire of extra equipment to cover breakdowns etc Maintenance staff must be trained in service and use of new equipment Machinery should be designed to enable routine adjustments, lubrication, without removal of guards
Skills / Expertise Operators New equipment Necessary to guard against over enthusiastic operator Provide necessary training Maintenance Train, recruit staff in good time before introduction of equipment
Suitability - Task PUWER Reg 4 (3) every employer shall ensure work equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which, it is suitable Also consider : PROCESS ENVIRONMENT
Employers Suitability Location Must have regard to working conditions when selecting equipment Electrical wet conditions? Flammable conditions? Physical properties Fit into workplace Safe working areas Mobility FLT and pedestrians etc Confined noise, fumes
PUWER Reg 4 Controls / Isolators sufficient space between moving parts of machinery and moving / fixed parts in its environment All forms of energy and substances used or produced can be supplied or removed in a safe manner Appropriate controls Electricity, pneumatics, hydraulics, steam Valves, switches, vents, drains, earthing Removal of energy Interlocks brakes
Controls / Isolators Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regs SMSR Isolators must be clearly identified Must be capable of being locked if reconnection could endanger persons After cut-off, must be possible to dissipate normally any energy remaining or stored in the machinery
Anatomy Ergonomic Considerations Anthropometry dimensions of the body Biomechanics application of forces Physiology Work physiology expenditure of energy Environmental effects on humans Psychology Skill information processing Occupational training, motivation, stress, individuals
Layout and Operation of Controls Fail safe condition Failure of any part of control system or power supply Controls Easily identify what each control does And what effect it will have Wording, colour, shape, position Any change in operating condition should be by use of control Speed, temp, pressure, power Designed so as to prevent accidental operation
Layout and Operation of Controls Controls Stop controls Should bring equipment to safe condition in a safe manner Controlled run down of rotating parts rather than immediate stop Suitably guarded cooling fans, or other risk free parts do not need to be positively stopped Emergency stops Rapid response to potentially dangerous situation Not used as functional stops during normal operation Easily reached and actuated Buttons, bars, levers, kick plates, pressure cables
Layout and Operation of Controls Start up warnings PUWER Reg 17 Given sufficiently in advance to allow those at risk to get clear Reduced need for access Automation Remote systems Cameras for viewing, displays Reduce risk Lubrication, adjustments, auto feed hoppers
Anthropometric Considerations Size of openings, distance from danger Barriers Where not practicable to use enclosing guards Physical barriers to prevent reaching into danger point Rely on height and distance to achieve their purpose Consider in conjunction with risk assessment