Inspection of Work Equipment & Machines

FISA Technical Note 003

This Technical Note will only focus on the requirements in relation to inspection of equipment and machines. But it is the responsibility of the employer to familiarise themselves with the other elements of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) / Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) (LOLER).

It has been written to highlight the requirements for inspection of machines and work equipment used within forestry. We hope to increase the knowledge of the reader and provide examples of recording inspections. This will not be an exhaustive list but enable you to gain an understanding of the requirements and provide reference for further reading.

January 2023 - Chainsaw PUWER Checklist added.

December 2022 - sample machine daily and weekly inspection records now available which can be adapted to your own situation.

What are the key considerations of these Regulations?
All Employers and the self-employed have a general duty of care, so far as reasonably practicable to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees and other persons who may be affected by his undertaking under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA).

Alongside the HSWA, PUWER and LOLER detail that employers, the self-employed and any person who has control of work equipment (supervisors / managers) must ensure the safety of employee’s and others who may be affected, when using work equipment. PUWER applies to all work equipment. LOLER applies to all lifting equipment and accessories provided as work equipment or the parts of a machine that are used for lifting. The requirements of LOLER are in addition to those of PUWER.