One area of our expertise is to review companies Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). These Regulations, often abbreviated to PUWER, place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. PUWER also places responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees use work equipment, whether owned by them or not.
PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is; suitable for intended use; safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate; used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training; accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include guarding, emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices; used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses
Following a review of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Machinery Assessments at one of our clients depots, MBO Safety Services Limited recommended a review of some of the guarding and isolation procedures. The sawmill company decided with heavy investment to install a new interlocking system with multiple isolation points and a new key lock safety system. The new system ensures the safety of personnel as the machinery guarding cannot be breached. All keys have to be in place for the machinery to run (if one key out of the machinery is removed, it will not start).
The Company then went on to improve the current guardrails and has shown a real commitment to the project.
Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)