5.2 Risk Assessment and use

Question 1

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Answer 1

4.Suitability of work equipment5.Maintenance6.Inspection7.Specific risks8.Information and instructions9.Training10.Conformity with Community requirements11.Dangerous parts of machinery12.Protection against specified hazards13.High or very low temperature14.Controls for starting or making a significant change in operating conditions15.Stop controls16.Emergency stop controls17.Controls18.Control systems19.Isolation from sources of energy20.Stability21.Lighting22.Maintenance operations23.Markings24.Warnings

Question 2

Adequate initial integrity is ensured by adherence to the following engineering principles: 7

Answer 2

 Identification of risks implicit in the design.  Understanding of operating and fault conditions, material properties and potential failure modes.  Risk minimisation through a hierarchical approach.  Adherence to suitable design principles (as embodied in BS EN’s or industry standards).  Testing of load-bearing structures.  Use of suitable materials.  The provision of active safety features with demonstrably adequate reliability, availability and survivability.

Question 3

The continuing integrity of work equipment throughout its service life is ensured by: 4

Answer 3

 Using / operating it within the limits for which it was designed.  Appropriate maintenance.  Periodic inspection and testing.  Procedures to prevent unauthorised modifications.

Question 4

Regulation 12 of PUWER requires every employer to take measures to ensure that the exposure of a person using work equipment to any risk to his health or safety from any of the following hazards is either prevented, or, where that is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. 7

Answer 4

 Material falling from equipment … for example a loose board falling from scaffolding, a straw bale falling from a tractor fore-loader or molten metal spilling from a ladle.  Material held in the equipment being unexpectedly thrown out … for example: swarf ejected from a machine tool.  Parts of the equipment breaking off and being thrown out … for example: an abrasive wheel bursting.  Parts of the equipment coming apart … for example: collapse of scaffolding or falsework.  Overheating or fire … for example: due to friction (bearings running hot, conveyor belt on jammed roller), electric motor burning out, thermostat failing, cooling system failure.  Explosion of the equipment … for example: due to pressure build-up caused by the failure of a pressure-relief valve or the unexpected blockage or sealing off of pipework.  Explosion of substances in the equipment … for example: due to exothermic chemical reaction or unplanned ignition of a flammable gas or vapour or finely divided organic material (such as flour or coal dust), or welding work on a container with flammable residues.

Question 5

The Approved Code of Practice to Regulation 7 (Specific Risks) of PUWER recommends that wherever possible, risks are always controlled by (in the order given):

Answer 5

 Eliminating the risks. OR if that is not possible  Taking ‘hardware’ (physical) measures to control the risks such as the provision of guards. But if the risks cannot be adequately controlled  Taking appropriate ‘software’ (management) measures to deal with the residual (remaining) risk, such as following safe systems of work and the provision of information, instruction and training.