Industrial lifting equipment is capable of transporting heavy loads from one location to another. While superior strength and ability is what makes lifting equipment a valuable investment, there also comes increased risk to personnel to be mindful of when using the likes of cranes, forklifts, hoists and lifting slings.
PUWER is one of the various regulations that exist to keep workers safe while using industrial lifting equipment.
While not a substitute for a health and safety assessment, here is a general overview of what PUWER is to help ensure compliance within your lifting operations.
What Is PUWER?
PUWER is an acronym which stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
It is a UK regulation that specifies that work equipment (i.e. lifting equipment) must be safe to use, properly maintained and operated by trained personnel.
When PUWER is applied to lifting equipment, another regulation called LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) also applies. In combination, both PUWER and LOLER are designed to ensure the safe operation of machinery used for lifting tasks.
Who Does PUWER Apply To?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) applies to businesses whose employees own, operate or use work equipment in any capacity.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that equipment complies with PUWER. The self-employed are also required to comply.
PUWER Regulations For Lifting Equipment
PUWER outlines a set of obligations to ensure that work equipment including lifting equipment is safe to use.
Some of the top aspects include:
Suitable for use: Various types of lifting equipment exist. Therefore, the first aspect to check is whether the lifting equipment is appropriate for the task and the environment it will be used in.
Maintenance: Lifting equipment such as cranes should be inspected and maintained regularly. Employers must ensure the equipment is in good working order and free from safety defects.
Used by trained personnel: Only those who have received the necessary training (including to the most recent standards) should operate lifting equipment. While optional, refresher courses can also be beneficial to maintain the highest level of safety in the workplace.
Safe to operate: Does the equipment have features which minimise risk, such as emergency stop controls? The required safety measures must exist to be able to reduce the chances of injury from occurring. Personnel should also be aware of how to use these features based on their training.
Properly marked: Lifting equipment should have visible markings to denote aspects such as weight limits. For instance, safe working load (SWL) which we now refer to as working load limit (WLL).
As noted above, LOLER regulations also apply to lifting equipment. It covers aspects such as ensuring the equipment receives inspection at specific intervals and that lifting operations are properly planned and supervised to reduce the risk of injury.
Have A Question About Lifting Equipment And PUWER?
If your operations involve the use of lifting equipment, then you must ensure it is safe to use based on PUWER regulations.
At Metreel, we supply material handling equipment to businesses across the UK and beyond.
To find out more about how our lifting equipment confirms to various safety standards such as PUWER, please contact us.
Alternatively, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010.