Work Equipment Policy

INTRODUCTION

We recognise that work equipment (see Guidance) can present hazards and risks to all our staff, not just those using it. We must therefore introduce controls to ensure that the risks associated with the use of work equipment are minimised.

It is our policy to:

• Provide work equipment for staff that is suitable and safe for the tasks intended.
• Ensure that all work equipment is maintained, inspected and tested (see Record of Testing/Maintenance Form) as required.
• Restrict the use of equipment where specific risks have been identified.
• Provide information, training and instruction where appropriate to all staff who use work equipment.
• Ensure that all work equipment is CE marked where relevant.
• Control access to dangerous parts of work equipment.
• Provide suitable protection against specified hazards.
• Provide protection against high or low temperatures.
• Ensure that all controls, including controls for starting or making a significant change in the operating condition, stop controls and emergency stop controls, are provided where necessary, and are suitable for the equipment and location.
• Ensure that all control systems are safe.
• Provide suitable means of isolating the work equipment from sources of energy.
• Provide suitable environmental conditions for the safe use of work equipment.
• Provide all necessary markings and warnings.