Introduction to Fire Safety Management

3.6.2 The law relating to the supply chain
Section 6 of the HSWA places duties upon 
all
those 
who design, manufacture, import, or supply any article 
for use at work. The duty that is placed upon them is 
threefold:
1. To ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that 
any article used at work in the UK is designed 
and constructed as to be safe and without risks to 
health when properly used

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Introduction to Fire Safety Management
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2. To carry out or arrange for the carrying out any tests 
and examinations as may be necessary to ensure 
that work articles are safe and without health risks 
when used properly
3. Take steps to ensure that there will be information 
available relating to the design use and limitations 
of any article used at work. The information should 
include any instructions on how to use the article 
safely. It should also detail where applicable how 
to install, handle, erect and dispose of the items 
to ensure they remain safe and fi t for purpose and 
any residual risks inherent with the items have been 
reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable. 
This information must be provided to all persons 
those who may require it.
In addition to the duties placed on all those in the supply 
chain to reduce risks and provide information, specifi c 
polices and practices are required to ensure the safe 
supply, provision and use of:
➤
Work 
equipment
➤
Hazardous 
substances
➤
Buildings.
The following sections discuss the management of these 
subjects.
3.7
Work equipment
In addition to the duties placed on designers, manufac-
tures, importers and suppliers of articles used at work, 
there are further, specifi c duties placed on those who 
supply, provide and use 
work equipment.
The term work equipment covers a vast range of 
tools, vehicles and machinery. Those articles used 
at work that present a low risk are always covered by 
the general duties in section 6 of the HSWA; however, 
for work equipment and machinery there are additional 
requirements imposed by the Provision and Use of Work 
Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).