The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) “places duties on… companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment”.
Amongst a host of legal requirements, employers have a duty to ensure that plant and equipment is:
Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate.
Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices.
J&P Group have undertaken PUWER assessment programmes for some of the UK’s leading manufacturers. These programmes are designed to:
Assess each machine against current Health & Safety regulations
Provide a gap analysis report that highlights non-compliances and recommends remedial work required to achieve compliance
Undertake remedial work and provide compliance certificate(s)
Such programmes can highlight the need for something as simple as an upgrade to an emergency stop device… or, as one client manufacturer discovered, a complete re-design of the machine guarding and safety system.
Our initial consultation is free. To find out more about our PUWER Assessment Service, please call 01244 689280.