Workplace equipment

• Introduction
• Legislation
• Examples of equipment used at work
• Equipment safety
• Employees
• General

Introduction

In all types of commercial premises there are a number of different types of equipment which can all too easily be taken for granted. Always follow the manufacturers' instructions, and train your employees in the correct use.

Employers must ensure safe use of all equipment, including starting, stopping, installing, dismantling, programming, setting, transporting, maintaining, servicing and cleaning.

If you have not been trained to use a piece of equipment or not trained to repair it do not use it. Report all faults to a supervisor or manger. Inform your colleagues that the equipment is out of action. If in doubt seek help … do not take short cuts.

Legislation

• Simple guide to the provision and use of work equipment regulations 1998 [PDF file information]
• Review of European directives on personal protective equipment and workplace safety
• Workplace Health Safety And Welfare Workplace Health Safety And Welfare : a short guide for managers [PDF file]
• The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
  Statutory Instrument 1992 No. 2792

Examples of equipment used at work

• Visual display units and display screens
• Abrasive wheels - see also the Wyre Borough Council website
• Forklift trucks
• Lifts, hoists, escalators
• Stapling machines
• Hand tools
• Feed slicers, mixers, dough brakes
• Conveyor belts
• Photocopiers
• Paint sprayers

Equipment safety

All equipment must have:

• Safety signs and warning hazards
• Clearly marked isolator switches
• Guards and fencing fitted if there are moving parts
• Properly maintained service records.

Employees

• All employees must receive training before sing any item of equipment and undergo programme refresher training on a regular basis.
• Employees must wear personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves where identified in the risk assessments and manufacturers' instructions
• Guards and fencing must be used if provided by the manufacturer
• Under 18 year olds must not use any prescribed dangerous machine.

General

• Visit Using machinery Frequenetly Asked Questions (FAQs)