Work Equipment

Work equipment

Generally, any equipment which is used by employees at work (and volunteers completing tasks for an employer) is work equipment. This includes any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not). Depending on the type of work equipment, accidents can result in several ways. For example, from contact with moving parts, electrical failures or operator error.

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Legal requirements

If an employee or volunteer is injured on your premises, you may need to show that you have met your duty of care. You may also have to comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

Under these requirements, equipment must be:

Suitable for its intended use
Safe for use, being properly maintained and inspected (if appropriate)
Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction, and training in its use
Provided with any necessary safeguards and controls

Other regulations may also apply where work equipment is used in certain circumstances.

Common hazards

Here are examples of some hazards to be aware of:

Using equipment incorrectly e.g. using a chair to stand on
Broken or damaged equipment
Moving parts of machinery
Parts of equipment that become dangerously hot or cold

Electrical faults on powered equipment
Adjusting equipment when still in use or not switched off
Inadequate information or training for those operating or using equipment

Equipment left where anyone can access it
Unauthorised alterations to equipment
Inadequate lighting

Precautionary advice

Use equipment properly and not when there is adverse weather
Provide adequate lighting where work equipment is in use
Make sure all safeguards are in place
Carry-out checks before equipment is used

Enforce procedures to remove damaged work equipment quickly
Provide adequate training for anyone using work equipment
Remove keys from equipment when not being used
Store equipment securely

Inspect equipment for wear or damage before use
Keep equipment well-maintained
Provide PPE

Managing the risk

Identify and document what work equipment you have in your premises and for what it is used
Check the precautions you have taken are adequate. If not identify any additional ones that are needed and who will be responsible for implementing them
Ensure that the precautions you have identified are taken and remain effective, including any maintenance and servicing that may be required

Ensure that employees and volunteers know how to use work equipment safely. Document any information or training that is provided
Document all your arrangements and responsibilities for using work equipment and review them from time to time

Work equipment risk management

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