Mobile Plant, Static Plant & Work Equipment

Introduction
This document has been written to control the requirements for Mobile Plant, Static Plant & Work
Equipment within the company and address the requirement of the Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) in relation to these items.

PUWER, place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work
equipment. PUWER also places responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees
use work equipment, whether owned by them or not.

Definitions

Mobile Plant
Mobile plant is defined to mean any plant that is provided with some form of self-propulsion that is
ordinarily under the direct control of an operator, and includes: earthmoving machinery (e.g. rollers,
graders, excavators, telehandlers etc.)

Static Plant
Plant which is classified as Static Plant can consist of, but is not limited to, Generators, Tower Lights,
Pumps, Pressure Washers, Wheel Washes and Hippo Washes, Conveyors, Water Treatment Works,
Silos, etc.

Work Equipment
Work equipment is any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work
(whether exclusively or not). This includes equipment which employees provide for their own use at
work. The scope of work equipment is therefore extremely wide. The use of work equipment is also
very widely interpreted and means any activity involving equipment used for work and includes
starting, stopping, programming, setting, transporting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing
and cleaning.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations

PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is;

 Suitable for the intended use
 Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly
installed/maintained.
 Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction & training.
 Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures such as protective devices and
controls, these will normally include emergency stops, means to isolate from sources of
energy and visible warning markings.
 Details - Mobile Plant
Competence requirements

To ensure that when items of mobile plant operated under the governance of the company are to
the required standard all persons operating mobile plant on behalf of the company are to be trained
to either Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), National Plant Operators Registration
Scheme (NPORS), City & Guilds or other such established training body that is deemed suitable by
the Health & Safety Manager.

Any subcontractors that are to work under the governance of the company or its representatives are
required to comply with these requirements.

It will be the supervisor or person in charge of a projects/task`s responsibility to ensure that these
requirements are in place prior to any person operating an item of plant, where a person is not a
direct employee of the company a copy of the relevant training qualification is to be taken and held
on file (At site level this could be a picture taken and held on a suitable device in preparation for
audit.)

Mobile Plant Operations

All items of plant are to be operated within the guidelines within the manufacturer’s literature and
within the training guidelines of the respective trainer that has provided the accepted training
standard. Plant is only to be operated in the manner that it was designed for.

 Moble plant is to be fitted with a beacon that is to be on during all operations.

 Visibility aids are to be in place on all items of mobile plant where practicable (mirrors,
cameras, etc.) where not possible due to the nature of the item of plant all operations are to
supervised at all times by a qualfied plant and or vehicle marshal.
 When a pedestrian wants to enter a plant operations area, the pedestrian must first get the
attention of the plant operator(s), who must acknowledge the pedestrian, stop plant
movements and place arms / booms / buckets onto the ground, switch the engine off and
isolate the control. The plant operator must then confirm, with hand signals, the pedestrian
is safe to enter the plant operations area. Plant operations can only commence when the
pedestrian has left the plant operations area and confirmed, through hand signals or radio to
the plant operator, that they are outside of the plant operations area.
 No mobile phones are to be used whilst operating any item of plant. To operate a mobile
phone, the item of plant must be parked in a safe location, resting any arms / booms /
buckets on the ground, the engine switched off and the controls isolated.
 Where a seat belt has been fitted to an item of plant, it must be worn at all times during
operation of the designated item of plant.
 Banksman must control all excavation works, checking to identify underground structures,
services and hazards which the excavator driver may not be able to see.
 Movements in accordance to any established traffic management plan.
  When needed under assesment movement operatons for items of plant with mirrors is to be
controlled by an allocated banksman.
 Abide by the site speed limits at all times.
 No smoing, eating or drinking whilst operating any item of plant.
 Prior to operation the plant item is to be checked to ensure that it is in good order and any
defects identfied are required to be rectified prior to opertions commencing.

Prior to use all mobile plant is to be inspected, if any defects are identified they are to be recorded
on the POWRA form, if an item has been identified as having a defect it is not to be used until the
defect has been rectified.

Details - Static Plant

Competance Requirements
Operation of items of static plant is dependant on the associated risk level of the item of staic plant,
the table below displays the required training levels for items of staic plant for tasks under the
governance of the company

Item of plant Recorded Use on Point Of Toolbox Talk on Operating

Work Risk Assessment Instructions
(POWRA)
Pressure washer P P
Pumps P
Conveyor P P
Tower Lights P
Wheel-Wash P P
Fuel Bowser P

This table is not exhaustive but represents the most common items of static plant that the company
interacts with, if another item is required to be used under the governance of the company it is to be
identified on the POWRA for the task and assessed for any further training requirements.

Prior to use all mobile plant is to be inspected, if any defects are identified they are to be recorded
on the POWRA form, if an item has been identified as having a defect it is not to be used until the
defect has been rectified.

Details - Work Equipment

Work equipment can be broken down into 4 sections;
1. Electrical Equipment
2. Petrol/Diesel Equipment
3. Hydraulic or Pneumatic Equipment
4. General Hand Tools
Electrical Equipment
Electrical equipment is classified as any item which is powered by an electrical supply, this could be
by a generator, 110v or 240v supply or battery.
All cabled electrical equipment is required to be Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) compliant and
tested every 12 months, all items that pass the test are to have appropriate stickers detailing the
pass and date affixed to the cable or plug or the appliance.

All electrical equipment should be stored in a safe, dry location ensuring that the item/s cannot be
damaged.

Prior to use all electrical equipment is to be inspected, if any defects are identified they are to be
recorded on the POWRA form, if an item has been identified as having a defect it is not to be used
until the defect has been rectified.
The inspection for these items shall include;
 Equipment casing
 Trigger or operation mechanism
 Cables and connection points
 Plugs, sockets, etc.
 Transformer (if present)
 Etc.
All damage or defects are to be recorded on the POWRA and reported through to the respective
manager to arrange for any required repair.

Training requirements for items within this category are general competence requirements to be
proven by either; Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, Safety Pass Alliance (SPA)
card, suitable other construction skills card, job specific qualifications (fabricator/fitter etc.) or other
such qualification that has been accepted by the Health & Safety Manager. There are 2 exceptions to
this and that is the use of abrasive wheels equipment and chainsaws from this category where
formal training will be required unless otherwise stipulated by the Health & Safety Manager.

Petrol/Diesel Equipment
Petrol/Diesel equipment consists of mainly hand held tools although petrol/diesel generators can
also be used, when using these types of tools additional hazards are present due to the flammable
nature of the fuel and potential “wind down” time required for certain petrol/diesel driven items of
equipment.

When using any petrol- or diesel-powered tool, fuel & Refuelling will be required, the fuel storage
and use should be carefully controlled and planned as to not increase the risk of fire. Petrol/Diesel is
extremely flammable and fuel vapour can fill an enclosed space if not correctly controlled and
ventilated.

Fuel should be stored in a purpose made container in a cool dry location, such as a storage
container. Fuel is never to be stored in a site office or other welfare unit as the heat will increase
vaporisation, together with additional ignition sources.

Refuelling of these items should be set up away from point of work to reduce the risk of fire spread
and a suitably rated fire extinguisher and spill kit located at the refuelling point.

Prior to use all petrol/diesel equipment is to be inspected, if any defects are identified they are to be
recorded on the POWRA form, if an item has been identified as having a defect it is not to be used
until the defect has been rectified.
The inspection for these items shall include;
 Guarding is in place and in good condition.
 Handles and casing free of damage.
 Emergency stops functioning.
 Pull cord operational and not frayed.
 Fluid levels are correct.
 Fuel tank not leaking.
 Etc.
All damage or defects are to be recorded on the POWRA and reported through to the respective
manager to arrange for any required repair.

Training requirements for items within this category are general competence requirements to be
proven by either; Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, Safety Pass Alliance (SPA)
card, suitable other construction skills card, job specific qualifications (fabricator/fitter etc.) or other
such qualification that has been accepted by the Health & Safety Manager. There are 2 exceptions to
this and that is the use of abrasive wheels equipment and chainsaws from this category where
formal training will be required unless otherwise stipulated by the Health & Safety Manager.

Hydraulic or Pneumatic Equipment

Prior to use all hydraulic/pneumatic equipment is to be inspected, if any defects are identified they
are to be recorded on the POWRA form, if an item has been identified as having a defect it is not to
be used until the defect has been rectified.
The inspection for these items shall include;
 Guarding is in good order.
 Handles and casing free of damage.
 Emergency stops functioning.
 Start operation functions correctly.
 Liquid levels acceptable.
 Hose connections sealed, in good order and restraints in place.
 Throttle works correctly.
 Etc.
All damage or defects are to be recorded on the POWRA and reported through to the respective
manager to arrange for any required repair.

Training requirements for items within this category are general competence requirements to be
proven by either; Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, Safety Pass Alliance (SPA)
card, suitable other construction skills card, job specific qualifications (fabricator/fitter etc.) or other
such qualification that has been accepted by the Health & Safety Manager.

General Hand Tools

General hand tools are those that are used on a day to day basis but do not fit into an of the above
criteria, please see below for examples;
 Hammer
 Screwdriver
 Spanner
 Saw
  Stanley knife
 Etc.
These types of tools are to be inspected prior to use and any defects reported through to the
respective line manager to rectify, if an item has a defect it is not to be used until the issue has been
rectified.
Training for general hand tools is to be of a basic health and safety standard (CSCS, SPA, etc.)
Competence to be monitored by the supervisor or person in charge.
Note: Cartridge tools and nail guns also fit into this category but are to be controlled when used by
specific risk assessment and methodology.
Thorough Examinations & Service
Records
All items of mobile plant must be hold either a valid and in date Thorough Examination Certificate
which has been undertaken within the last 12 months or, if not applicable, a valid service record
sheet which has been undertaken within the last 6 months or within 500 hours operation from the
current displayed hours.

If any item of mobile plant shall be undertaking lifting operations a thorough examination certificate
will be required to be held with the dates within 6/12 months depending on the requirements of the
lift.

Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment - Mobile Plant
Risk Rating
Final Risk Rating
Task / Hazard Affected Control Measures (Rating of 8 or
Persons lower required)
Severity

Likelihood

Rating
Mobile Plant 5 3 15  Plant item only to be operated by suitably qualified person as outlined 5x1=5
Operation – within this document.
Mobile plant  Plant item to be fully inspected and any defects recorded on the POWRA,
related injury or all defects to reported to the respective line manager and rectified prior to
incident (e.g. the plant item being used.
crushing,  Certification to be in place prior to works commencing, relevant service
trapping, collision record or PDI and where necessary a thorough examination within 6/12
with plant or months depending on the requirements of the lifting operation.
machinery etc.)  Requirements of any traffic management plan to be followed.
 Site speed limits to be followed at all times.
 Where required suitably trained banksman to oversee/escort the item of
plant.
 Prior to movement area to be checked for proximity hazards, including use
of mirrors and banksman/supervisors where applicable.
 Mobile plant to be fitted with a beacon which is to be in operation during
use.
 Visibility aids are to be in place on all items of mobile plant where
practicable (mirrors, cameras, etc.) where not possible due to the nature
of the item of plant all operations are to supervised at all times by a
qualified plant and or vehicle marshal.
 When a pedestrian wants to enter a plant operations area, the pedestrian
must first get the attention of the plant operator(s), who must
acknowledge the pedestrian, stop plant movements and place arms /
booms / buckets, etc onto the ground, switch the engine off and isolate
the control. The plant operator must then confirm, with hand signals, the
pedestrian is safe to enter the plant operations area. Plant operations can
only commence when the pedestrian has left the plant operations area
and confirmed, through hand signals or radio to the plant operator, that
they are outside of the plant operations area.
 No mobile phones to be used whilst operating plant.
 Where present seatbelts are to be worn.
 Banksman to control all excavation operations.
Risk Assessment – Static Plant
Risk Rating
Final Risk Rating
Task / Hazard Affected Control Measures (Rating of 8 or
Persons lower required)
Severity

Likelihood

Rating

Static Plant Operator 4 3 12  Plant item only to be operated by suitably qualified person as outlined 4x1=4
Operation – Static within this document.
plant related Persons in  Plant item to be fully inspected and any defects recorded on the POWRA,
injury or incident the all defects to reported to the respective line manager and rectified prior to
(trapping, working the plant item being used.
collision, topple, area  Prior to movement area to be checked for proximity hazards for towing or
etc.) method of transport.
Persons  Training as outlined in this document to be in place where required.
within the  Where needed all outriggers and stability devices are to be deployed on
vicinity of sound and level ground.
“set up”  Where a plant item has vertical components exceeding 2m , all stability
plant devices are to be employed and an exclusion zone set (if required with
during appropriate fencing) to ensure that if the plant item topples no persons
open / can be struck by the item of plant.
closed  If vertical components need to be deployed for prolonged periods of time
times of (24hrs or more) regular weather checks to ensure the item is not impacted
site. by high winds, where needed the items vertical components are to be de-
rigged in the event of high winds.
 Refuelling operations in line with the criteria set in this document.
 Where required operations controlled by a method statement, pressure
washer, wheel wash, silo operation, etc. If operation does not require high
levels of operator interaction this assessment is satisfactory.
Risk Assessment – General Work Equipment
Risk Rating Control Measures Final Risk Rating
(Rating of 8 or
Task / Hazard lower required)
 Severity

Likelihood
Affected

Rating
Persons

General Work Operator 3 3 9  Work equipment only to be operated by suitably qualified person as outlined 3x3=9
Equipment – within this document.
work equipment Persons in  Work equipment to be fully inspected and any defects recorded on the
related injury or the POWRA, all defects to reported to the respective line manager and rectified
incident (cuts, working prior to the plant item being used.
abrasions, area  Training as outlined in this document to be in place where required.
equipment
failure, etc.)
Cumulative Risk Assessment: Mobile Plant
Pre Control Post Control

Key Likelihood(x) Severity(y) Key Likelihood(x) Severity(y)

5 10 15 20 25 1 Very Low Minor 5 10 15 20 25 1 Very Low Minor
4 8 12 16 20 2 Low First Aid 4 8 12 16 20 2 Low First Aid
3 6 9 12 15 3 Unlikely 7 Day 3 6 9 12 15 3 Unlikely 7 Day
2 4 6 8 10 4 Likely Serious 2 4 6 8 10 4 Likely Serious
1 2 3 4 5 5 High Fatal 1 2 3 4 5 5 High Fatal

Cumulative Risk Assessment: Static Plant

Pre Control Post Control

Key Likelihood(x) Severity(y) Key Likelihood(x) Severity(y)

5 10 15 20 25 1 Very Low Minor 5 10 15 20 25 1 Very Low Minor
4 8 12 16 20 2 Low First Aid 4 8 12 16 20 2 Low First Aid
3 6 9 12 15 3 Unlikely 7 Day 3 6 9 12 15 3 Unlikely 7 Day
2 4 6 8 10 4 Likely Serious 2 4 6 8 10 4 Likely Serious
1 2 3 4 5 5 High Fatal 1 2 3 4 5 5 High Fatal

Cumulative Risk Assessment: General Work Equipment

Pre Control Post Control

Key Likelihood(x) Severity(y) Key Likelihood(x) Severity(y)

5 10 15 20 25 1 Very Low Minor 5 10 15 20 25 1 Very Low Minor
4 8 12 16 20 2 Low First Aid 4 8 12 16 20 2 Low First Aid
3 6 9 12 15 3 Unlikely 7 Day 3 6 9 12 15 3 Unlikely 7 Day
2 4 6 8 10 4 Likely Serious 2 4 6 8 10 4 Likely Serious
1 2 3 4 5 5 High Fatal 1 2 3 4 5 5 High Fatal

Likelihood, severity & Risk Rating Key

Item Description
Likelihood (L)
1 Very Low
2 Low
3 Unlikely
4 Likely
5 High
Severity (S)
1 Minor Injury (cuts, bruise etc.)
2 Lost Time
3 Reportable (defined by RIDDOR)
4 Serious life changing injury / Major Accident (defined by RIDDOR)
5 Fatal Accident
Risk Rating (R)
1 to 8 Low Risk
9 to 16 Medium Risk
17 to 25 High Risk