Safe Use of

Work Equipment
Introduction
The purpose of this toolbox talk is to give an
awareness of the regulations and requirements
around the safe use of work equipment.

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LEGISLATION
• The duties of those people providing work equipment are outlined
in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
(PUWER) along with its Approved Code of Practice L22.

• Whilst employees do not have any duties under PUWER, they do

have general duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act and
the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
to take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be
affected by their actions and to co-operate with others who may
be affected by their acts or omissions.

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PUWER 1998

• PUWER 1998 requires, among other things, that all work

equipment is suitable for its intended use and is properly
maintained, and that employees are fully informed and properly
trained in their safe use.
What is work equipment
Any equipment used by any employee at work, for example…

• Hammers; • Cement mixers;

• Knives; • Welding sets;
• Ladders; • Bar benders;
• Drilling machines; • Generators;
• Photocopiers; • Portable power tools;
• Lifting equipment; • Saws;
• Dumper trucks; • Impact drills;
• Motor vehicles. • Static or mobile…..

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General Precautions
• Plant and equipment should only be used by those who have been trained in
their specific use and with authorisation;

• Consider the risks to other colleagues and members of the public who are
nearby when operating plant and equipment;

• Before use inspect the plant or equipment for obvious defects, bring any
defects to a supervisors attention;

• Use the correct tool correctly and only for its intended use.

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HAZARDS
• Most hazards with tools and equipment arise through improper use or
inadequate maintenance;

• Electrical appliances pose a higher risk when they are not used in the correct
way or have damaged plugs / flexes.

• All electrical appliances used on construction sites must be 110v or battery

powered to reduce the risk of electric shock when used in this type of
situation.

• All electrical tools and equipment must be identified and on a register, subject
to regular inspection / testing to maintain it in a safe condition.

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Mobile plant and equipment
• Never carry passengers unless the plant is designed to do so;

• Always wear seatbelts where fitted;

• Observe all speed limits and one-way systems;

• Use vehicle marshals for all manoeuvers;

• Carry out daily “BOLT” checks-(Brakes, Oil, Lights, Tyres);

• Vacate the drivers seat during loading/unloading.

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Static plant and equipment
• If fitted with wheels ensure barkes are on or wheels are chocked;

• If engine driven ensure exhaust fumes are adequately vented;

• If electrical ensure power cables and plugs are in good order;

• Ensure all guards are in position;

• Consider barriers and other engineering controls to protect

others.

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Controls
• All tools and equipment should be suitable for their intended use;

• Maintained in a safe condition;

• Inspected to ensure that this is the case;

• Used by competent people;

• Accompanied by suitable safety measures, devices, markings

and warnings.

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Inspections
Before you use any plant or equipment it is vital that it is inspected;

Types of inspections…

• Daily operator checks and inspections i.e. vehicle first use

checks;

• Weekly “supervisor” checks;

• Statutory inspections i.e. load bearing equipment.

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Brothers Keeper…

Be aware of other workers in your area; don’t put

them at risk by your actions or omissions.

REMEMBER: WORK EQUIPMENT MUST ONLY BE

USED BY A TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSON.

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Questions and answers…
Q. Who can use items of work equipment and tools?
A. Anyone who is competent.

Q. What measures competency?

B. A mixture of training, skills and experience.

Q. What should happen before anyone operates any plant or

equipment?
C. A suitable pre-use visual inspection should be carried out.

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Questions?