Topic outline
-
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations ( PUWER) apply to all work equipment. This section will look at what we need to do to comply to these regulations.
Procurement
Do we have the space and utilities for this equipment?
Risk Assessment
All equipment requires a risk assessment to identify the hazards
Standard Operating Procedures
All equipment requires an SOP to highlight how to use the equipment, aid with training on the equipment and detail the maintenance required to keep the equipment in good working order.
Training
All staff/students working on a piece of equipment must be trained adequately to use the equipment safely. This training must be documented.
Maintenance
All equipment must be maintained appropriately to prolong its life and ensure it is safe to use. It is best practice to record this maintenance has been performed.
Inspection
All equipment must be inspected before use ( pre-check) and periodically by competent persons on a regular basis depending on the equipment and how often it is used. Some equipment will be required to be inspected by external parties for health and safety reasons.
PPE
Risk Assessments will indicate PPE to be used for specific equipment. Use of PPE must be worn when identified to protect the user. Users must wear specific PPE identified in addition to PPE required by local rules and procedures.
Record Keeping
Records must be kept for training, maintenance, inspections, audits, PAT testing, Asset Lists.
Hired/Loaned equipment Procedures
Hired/loaned equipment must be inspected to ensure it is safe to use. Users must be trained to use it. Agreements must be in place to ensure responsibility for maintenance of equipment.
In-House Research equipment
Equipment constructed in house must adhere to the same safety procedures and legislations as equipment bought in. It must still have a risk assessment, SOP, training provision and maintenance procedures. The equipment should also have a technical file related to the construction of the equipment.
Disposal of work equipment procedures
Equipment must be disposed of appropriately and safely. Consideration must be made to any decontamination required or hazardous parts removed. Refer to the University Sustainability Charter for more information.
Bringing in new equipment to the CBE
Before the equipment arrives/point of order ......
I)Liaise with Kul, Carolyn and Bob Temple with regards to footprint, location, utilities required and potential safety considerations.
After the equipment arrives/installed/commissioned.....
1) Notify and Liaise with lab managers of date of installation/commissioning1)Write a Risk Assessment for the equipment - get it approved before use.2)Write an SOP for the Equipment - get it approved before use3)Establish what PPE is required for safe use of the equipment - order4)Get it PAT tested and added to the Asset Register5)Get fully Trained to use the equipment. Record the training.6)Maintain the equipment adequately to the manufacturers recommendations. Record the maintenance.-
HSE Safe Use of Work Equipment Approved Code of Practice guidance Document to help us comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
-
Under PUWER all equipment used for work is in scope. This includes pipettes, weighing scales etc.
CBE Work Equipment_Scope
-
Under PUWER all equipment used for work should have a risk assessment
-
This form needs to be completed if you intend to hire/loan work equipment. This form should be completed in advance .
The form should stay open and live to document when the equipment is returned.
The from should also detail any specific decontamination procedures required.
-
-
Even though research equipment is designed and constructed in house for use in house it still has to meet with certain safety regulations.
You will need a Risk Assessment, operating procedure, training procedures and technical compliance file.
-
Relevant University Policies
There are other University Policies which need to be read in conjunction with this . These can be found on the university Health and Safety pages. These can be found at: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/health-safety/policies
These include:
I)Controlling Noise at work policy
ii)Control of Hand Arm Vibration
iii)Driving and Transport Policy
iv)Laser Safety Policy
v)Use of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LUV) Systems
vi)Manual Handling Policy
vii)Personal Protective Equipment Policy and Guidance
viii)Risk Assessment Policy and Completing Risk Assessments Health and Safety Guidance
ix)Policy for the Safety Pressure Systems
x)Policy for the Management of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment ( LOLER)
xi)Inspection and Testing of Portable Appliances
xii)Working at height - safe use of ladders and step ladders
xiii)Fitness to wear respiratory equipment procedures
-
-
-