Work Equipment

9.1 General Requirements

Providing suitable equipment

Work equipment must be suitable for the purpose for which it is provided and used, and must be used only for operations it is suitable for. When selecting work equipment, employers must take account of:

• the working conditions and the risks to health and safety in the premises where it will be used
• the work equipment itself
• its initial integrity and its conformity with product supply requirements
• where it will be used
• who will use it
• the purpose for which it will be used
• ergonomic factors, to avoid undue strain on the user
• the need for adequate space and safe access, including for maintenance, especially if working at height
• the forms of energy used or produced, such as radiation, vibration and noise
• the substances used or produced, such as fumes

Information from the equipment manufacturer can be a great help in choosing suitable equipment. Risk assessment also helps, by showing where hazards can be avoided or reduced by choosing suitable equipment, such as machines with lower noise or vibration levels, or by setting the specification for bespoke equipment.

Preventing access to dangerous parts of machinery

Measures to prevent access to dangerous parts should be applied in the order below. In some cases a combination of them may be needed.

1. Fixed guards. Whenever practicable, use fixed guards, secured for example with screws or nuts and bolts, to enclose the dangerous parts. Use the best material for them. Plastic is easy to see through but may be damaged easily. Where wire mesh or similar material is used, make sure the holes are not large enough to allow access to moving parts.
2. Other guards and devices. If fixed guards are not practicable, use other methods. For example, interlock the guard so that the machine cannot start before the guard is closed and the guard cannot be opened while the machine is still moving. In some cases, trip systems such as photoelectric devices, pressure-sensitive mats or automatic guards may be used if other guards are not practicable.
3. Jigs, holders and push sticks. Where guards cannot give full protection, use jigs, holders, push sticks and similar aids, if practicable.
4. Information, instruction, training, supervision and safety equipment. Any remaining risk is controlled by giving the operator the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision, and suitable safety equipment.

When the use and maintenance of equipment with specific risks need to be restricted

Before anyone starts to use a machine, employers must think about what risks may arise and how to manage them. They should:

• not let unauthorised, unqualified or untrained people use machinery. Some workers, such as new starters, young people and people with disabilities, may be particularly at risk and need instruction, training and supervision
• make sure training is adequate so that users are competent to use the machine safely, with the right skills, knowledge and experience. Sometimes formal qualifications may be needed
• make sure supervisors are also properly trained and competent. They may need extra specific training, and recognised courses exist for supervisors
• check that the machine is complete, with all safeguards fitted, and free from defects
• produce a safe system of work for using and maintaining the machine. Maintenance may need inspection of critical features where deterioration would create a risk. The residual risks the manufacturer identifies in the information supplied with the machine should also be included in the safe system of work
• make sure every static machine is installed properly and is stable
• choose the right machine for the job, and do not put machines where customers or visitors may be exposed to risk
• make sure the machine is safe for all the work that has to be done on it: setting up, normal use, clearing blockages, repairs after breakdowns and planned maintenance
• before exposure to dangerous parts, use verified secure isolation of relevant energy and control stored energy. A normal off switch is not an alternative to isolation; any necessary powered adjustment needs a specifically assessed safeguarding method
• make sure control switches are clearly marked to show what they do
• design and place operating controls to avoid accidental operation and injury, use two-hand controls where necessary, and shroud start buttons and pedals
• keep the work area around the machine clean and tidy, free of obstructions and slip and trip hazards, and well lit

Summary notes for Element 9 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.