Health and Safety in the Workplace Level 2 (VTQ)

75 videos, 3 hours and 24 minutes

Course Content

PUWER Regulations 1998

Video 10 of 75
2 min 45 sec
English
English
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

This video, we are going to look at the PUWER regulations. PUWER is an abbreviation for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations cover any equipment which is used by an employee at work, from lifting equipment, motor vehicles, circular saws to knives, ladders and laptops. If employees are allowed to provide their own equipment, it will also be covered by the PUWER, and it will be the employer's responsibility to make sure that it complies. To comply with the regulations, you must ensure that the work equipment provided meets the requirements of PUWER. It must be used for suitable purposes and under the right conditions to ensure that people's health and safety is not put at risk. Equipment must be maintained and inspected to make sure it continues to be safe for use. An inspection should be carried out by a competent person and a record which should be kept and updated on the next inspection.

The risks identified during a risk assessment relating to using the equipment should be eliminated or controlled so far as reasonably practicable by providing suitable guards, using protection devices, using control systems such as emergency stop buttons and PPE, and providing instruction and training. Machinery safety is vital. Working with machinery can be dangerous. Moving parts of machinery can trap or draw parts of the body. Sharp edges can cause cuts and serious injuries. Sharp pointed parts could stab or puncture the skin. Machines that emit steam or water could cause scalds or burns, and electricity can cause electric shock and burns.

Before use, mechanical equipment should be checked to make sure that it's free of defects, complete with all the safeguards fitted, training and instruction have been provided and ensure that the appropriate use of safety equipment and supervision where required. Make sure that the individuals using the equipment have the knowledge and the risk awareness to use the equipment and that they are physically suited to the task.

When planning under PUWER, consider the work area that equipment will be used. Is it clean and tidy? Is it clear of obstructions to avoid any slips, trips or falls? And is it well lit and using the correct signs and barriers? Mobile work equipment that is used for carrying people must be fit for purpose and used in a safe manner in a safe environment where you can ensure stability and make sure that there is no risk of it rolling over or presenting a danger to people being carried, the operator or anyone else.