Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

check to see if they 
think that it is safe
.
Figure 11.3
Typical certifi cate of conformity.
Before buying new equip-
ment the buyer will need 
to think about:
➤
where and how it will 
be used
➤
what it will be used 
for
➤
who will use it (skilled 
employees, trainees)
➤
what risks to health 
and safety might 
result
➤
how well health and 
safety risks are con-
trolled by different 
manufacturers.

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Work equipment hazards and control
161
11.3 
Use and maintenance of equipment 
with specifi c risks
Some pieces of work equipment involve specifi c risks 
to health and safety where it is not possible to control 
adequately the hazards by physical measures alone, for 
example, the use of a bench-mounted circular saw or 
an abrasive wheel. In all cases the hierarchy of controls 
should be adopted to reduce the risks by:
➤
eliminating the risks or, if this is not possible
➤
taking physical measures to control the risks such 
as guards, but if the risks cannot be adequately 
controlled
➤
taking appropriate software measures, such as a 
safe system of work.
reduced by physical means, require enough information, 
instruction and training to operate safely.
The information and instructions are likely to come 
from the manufacturer in the form of operating and 
maintenance manuals. It is up to the employer to ensure 
that what is provided is easily understood, set out 
logically with illustrations and standard symbols where 
appropriate. The information should normally be in good 
plain English but other languages may be necessary in 
some cases.
The extent of the information and instructions will 
depend on the complexity of the equipment and the 
specifi c risks associated with its use. They should cover:
➤
all safety and health aspects
➤
any limitations on the use of the equipment
➤
any foreseeable problems that could occur
➤
safe methods to deal with the problems
➤
any relevant experience with the equipment that 
would reduce the risks or help others to work more 
safely, should be recorded and circulated to everyone 
concerned.
Everyone who uses and maintains work equipment 
needs to be adequately trained. The amount of training 
required will depend on:
➤
the complexity and level of risk involved in using or 
maintaining the equipment
➤
the experience and skills of the person doing the 
work, whether it is normal use or maintenance.
Training needs will be greatest when a person is fi rst 
recruited but will also need to be considered:
➤
when working tasks are changed, particularly if the 
level of risk changes
➤
if new technology or new equipment is introduced
➤
where a system of work changes
➤
when legal requirements change
➤
periodically to update and refresh peoples’ know-
ledge and skills.
Supervisors and managers also require adequate train-
ing to carry out their function, particularly if they only 
supervise a particular task occasionally. The training 
and supervision of young persons is particularly import-
ant because of their relative immaturity, unfamiliarity 
with a working environment and awareness of existing 
or potential risks. Some Approved Codes of Practice, 
for example on the 
Safe Use of Woodworking Machinery
restrict the use of high-risk machinery, so that only 
young persons with suffi cient maturity and competence, 
who have fi nished their training, may use the equipment 
unsupervised.