Introduction to Fire Safety Management

Introduction to Fire Safety Management
2. To carry out or arrange for the carrying out any tests
and examinations as may be necessary to ensure
that work articles are safe and without health risks
when used properly
3. Take steps to ensure that there will be information
available relating to the design use and limitations
of any article used at work. The information should
include any instructions on how to use the article
safely. It should also detail where applicable how
to install, handle, erect and dispose of the items
to ensure they remain safe and fi t for purpose and
any residual risks inherent with the items have been
reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
This information must be provided to all persons
those who may require it.
In addition to the duties placed on all those in the supply
chain to reduce risks and provide information, specifi c
polices and practices are required to ensure the safe
supply, provision and use of:
➤ Work equipment
➤ Hazardous substances
➤ Buildings.
The following sections discuss the management of these
subjects.
3.7 Work equipment
In addition to the duties placed on designers, manufactures,
importers and suppliers of articles used at work,
there are further, specifi c duties placed on those who
supply, provide and use work equipment.
The term work equipment covers a vast range of
tools, vehicles and machinery. Those articles used
at work that present a low risk are always covered by
the general duties in section 6 of the HSWA; however,
for work equipment and machinery there are additional
requirements imposed by the Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
3.7.1 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
In these regulations work equipment is defi ned as:
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any machinery, appliance, apparatus or tool
for use at work
This includes hand tools, single machines, lifting equipment,
ladders and other access equipment, vehicles,
offi ce equipment, etc.
Figure 3.9 PUWER covers all work equipment
The term use applies to not only the actual use for
which the equipment has been designed and manufactured
but importantly when the equipment is:
➤ Installed
➤ Programmed and set
➤ Started and stopped
➤ Maintained and serviced
➤ Cleaned
➤ Dismantled and
➤ Transported.
Suitability of work equipment
The regulations require that when an employer is considering
the provision of a piece of work equipment
he fi rst must consider the suitability of the proposed
equipment for the work. When considering the suitability
of a piece of equipment an employer must take into
account:
➤ The person/s who are going to use the equipment,
in terms of their size, physical and mental abilities,
levels of competence and motivation
➤ The task/s to be performed
➤ The frequency of use for the equipment
➤ The working conditions and environment in which it
will be used.