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HEALTH & SAFETY
machine is exposed to conditions that will lead to deterioration, so the requirement effectively means that they must all be periodically inspected. The results of these inspections have to be documented and kept until the next subsequent inspection is recorded. This means that there should be a current inspection report kept on file at all times. As an overview, inspections should be
carried out:
After installation and before being put into service for the first time; or after assembly at a new site or in a new location to ensure that it has been installed correctly and is safe to operate.
After work equipment has been exposed to any conditions causing deterioration, which is liable to cause a dangerous situation.
At suitable intervals; and
Each time that exceptional circumstances have occurred that are liable to jeopardise the safety of work equipment.
PUWER also requires machine users to ensure that the CE or UKCA marking process
has been properly carried out through Regulation 10 of PUWER, “Conformity with European Community Requirements”, therefore any equipment subject to a Product Directive or Regulation should meet all applicable Essential Health and Safety Requirements (ESHRs) that apply to it. If a machine is ‘significantly modified’ then the machine owner should review if the original conformity assessment is still valid, or if there needs to be a new conformity assessment of the machine which takes account of the ‘significant modification’, if so, this should be done before putting the machine back into service. There are 37 PUWER regulations plus 17
LOLER Regulations. While some of them are rather lengthy, it is possible to construct a simple checklist to determine the necessary actions for compliance. If this process reveals that a potential hazard exists, then a risk assessment must be carried out, with the implementation of appropriate control measures recorded. Software is available to help you automate this checklist process, and the suppliers of the best packages will be happy to adapt them as necessary to deal with special requirements. It should also store results locally or in the cloud and produce appropriate reports to confirm that
the work has been carried out with due diligence, as well as generate a list of any outstanding action points. Machinery safety is one of the most significant
issues facing organisations today. It is equally as important as productivity and is essential for the wellbeing of everyone involved. While it is a complex process, the guidance that is widely available means that there is no excuse for getting PUWER wrong. A thorough and correct risk assessment should therefore be completed before any new machinery goes into operation and if substantial modifications are made, to ensure that machinery meets all requirements. As PUWER assessments are an ongoing
process they should be done periodically. We recommend at least every five years, or sooner if the equipment is susceptible to increased deterioration, is modified, moved or if it has a near-miss or accident. During the assessment you must always refer to the latest standards and not to the standards that were applicable when a machine was first brought into service. This ensures that ‘the state of the art’ is maintained. If in doubt, seek expert advice to ensure the safety of your employees and the reputation of your business.
TÜV SÜD
www.tuvsud.com/uk
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