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PUWER
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations:
1998 – PUWER
Falling Object Protection and Rolling Over Protection
All fork lift trucks supplied since 5th December 1998 must have Falling Object Protection, (FOPS), i.e. Overhead Guard, and Roll Over Protection, (ROPS).
The Health and Safety Executive accepts that in the vast majority of cases the lift truck mast acts to prevent roll over of more than 90 degrees.
There is also a requirement for fork lift trucks most at risk from roll over, i.e. centre control, forward facing operator, counter balance trucks up to 10,000kg capacity, to be fitted with an Operator Restraint system.
Rating Plate
All fork lift trucks must be fitted with a rating plate that clearly shows the safe working load at relevant load centres and lift heights, and refers to the actual specification of the truck, lift height, attachment type, fork length etc.
If any of these features are changed, a new rating plate must be supplied showing the revised specification and safe working load.
The rating plate and instruction decals must be legible and clear.
Operator Training
All employers are obliged, under Regulation 9 of PUWER, to provide training for fork lift truck Operators. If more than one type of fork lift truck is used by the employer, i.e. reach and counter balance, then training on both types of Lift Truck must be given.
Documentary proof of satisfactory completion of training, and the employer’s authorisation to operate the fork lift lruck must be held.
Maintenance of Equipment
Employers are obligated, under Regulation 5 of PUWER, to ensure that all work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
The employer must hold documentary proof that maintenance has been carried out. To discharge this responsibility, employers should ensure that the maintenance provider selected is qualified and complies with the requirement of the Special Waste Regulations 1996 for the safe and environmental handling and disposal of waste generated, i.e. oils, filters, spark plugs, contaminated rags, tyres, etc.
Air Quality
Employers are obliged, under Regulation 4 of PUWER, to ensure that there is sufficient air of good quality in the workplace.
It maybe necessary to provide diesel and LPG powered fork lift trucks that operate indoors with catalytic exhaust systems / soot filters. Further information is provided in: HS (G) 187 Control of Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions in the Workplace.
How Rushlift can help:
Rushlift provide operator training and a wide variety of maintenance packages to ensure their customers comply with the maintenance provisions of PUWER, including online records of truck servicing and inspections. All equipment supplied on long term hire meets the necessary regulations regarding ROPS, FOPS, emissions and rating plates.
For more information on PUWER please visit www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/puwerind.htm