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Equipment Used At Work

Safety Policy Arrangement  33-2006 (Rev. 2010)

 

Policy Statement

The University of Dundee recognises that the correct selection, use and maintenance of work equipment is essential to minimise the risk of injuries to staff, students and visitors. 

Definition

Work equipment is defined in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 as installations, machines, appliances and tools for use at work.  This is an extremely broad definition that includes a wide range of equipment from simple hand tools to complex machines such as cars.  It includes furniture, IT equipment and disposable items. 

Arrangements

Deans/Directors must ensure that at the time of purchase all work equipment is fit for purpose, and complies with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992, as amended in 1994.

Deans/Directors must ensure that activities involving work equipment are risk assessed to manage the risk of injury to staff, students, and visitors. Activities include:

  1. installation and commissioning
  2. adjustments
  3. normal use
  4. maintenance
  5. breakdown
  6. dismantling/removal

The risk assessment should consider:

  1. suitability of work equipment  (ie used for its intended purpose in an appropriate environment)
  2. inspection regime and maintenance schedule of work equipment
  3. mechanical, electrical, radiation, thermal, noise, vibration, materials and substances, and ergonomic hazards of work equipment and control measures
  4. training and supervision requirements of staff and students
  5. instruction and information given to staff and students
  6. monitoring procedures
  7. statutory inspections necessary and records of maintenance, test and repair

Deans/Directors can delegate this task to their line managers who should ensure work equipment is inspected and maintained by competent individuals.  They should provide appropriate training, information and instruction to staff and students, and ensure work equipment is used correctly through adequate supervision.

The risk assessment must be recorded to the relevant extent wherever there is a significant risk of injury identified or there is need for training, instruction, maintenance or statutory inspection

Deans/Directors must ensure that risk assessments, inspection records and maintenance logs are kept for a minimum of 5 years. 

Staff and students must use work equipment according to instructions and training, and must report defects in work equipment to their line manager.

The School/Directorate Safety Representative should co-ordinate risk assessments, and report non-compliance to Deans/Directors. 

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