Ensuring Workplace Safety: The Importance of PUWER Inspection and Audit Reporting Services
Workplace safety is a crucial aspect of any organization's operations. Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe working environment and routinely inspect their machinery and work equipment to minimize the risk of accidents.
This obligation extends to storage equipment as well, including shelves, racking, and mezzanines. To help businesses meet these requirements, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) BS.EN15635:2008 was introduced.
PUWER inspection and audit reporting services play a vital role in ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulations. Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe working environment and routinely inspect all work equipment, including storage systems, to minimize the risk of accidents.
By availing services like the one provided by OfficeSTOR, businesses can safeguard their employees, minimize the likelihood of accidents, and protect themselves from potential legal liabilities resulting from negligence. Regular inspections and audits not only promote a culture of safety but also contribute to the overall efficiency and productivity of the organization.
Understanding PUWER Inspection and Audit Reporting
PUWER is a set of regulations that aim to ensure the safe use of work equipment and minimize risks to employees. Among its provisions is the requirement for employers to conduct regular inspections and audits of their equipment, including storage systems. These inspections are essential to verify that the equipment meets specific criteria, which include:
Suitability for Intended Purpose
The equipment provided must be appropriate and fit for the intended use.
Condition and Regular Inspections
Work equipment should be maintained in a safe condition and regularly inspected by a competent person.
Proper Use and Training
Employees using the equipment should receive adequate instruction and training on its proper use.
Compliance with Approved Code of Practice
The installation and inspection of the equipment must adhere to the guidelines set out in the approved code of practice (BS.EN.15635:2008).
The Role of PUWER Inspection and Audit Reporting Services
To ensure compliance with PUWER regulations and maintain a safe working environment, businesses can opt for PUWER Inspection and Audit Reporting Services. One such service is offered by OfficeSTOR, which provides an annual audit service for storage equipment at a cost of approximately £600 for up to 50 bays (subject to location). Training is also available at an additional cost to allow staff to perform in-house inspections.
During the inspection, a qualified surveyor from OfficeSTOR conducts a thorough assessment of the storage equipment, including shelves, racking, and mezzanines. The surveyor's evaluation helps identify any potential risks or damages that could compromise the safety of employees and operations.
Frequency of Inspections
The frequency of inspections is determined by an initial risk assessment, considering factors such as the type of equipment, its usage, and its likelihood of being damaged. Based on this assessment, an audit plan is devised, outlining the required frequency of damage checking.
For example, pallet racking may require monthly inspections, while equipment not frequently approached by forklift trucks might be inspected less frequently. High-risk areas, determined by factors like stock, location, or loading frequency, may demand more frequent inspections
Damage Evaluation Criteria
During the PUWER inspection, the surveyor assesses the equipment based on specific damage evaluation criteria:
Frame Uprights
Frame uprights should not have more than a 3 to 5mm maximum bend per 1 meter of each upright.
Bracings
Bracings must not have more than a 10mm bend in any member in either plane.
Beams
Beams are checked for impact damage, usually caused by forks denting the face of the beam during loading. Any damage to the beam connection to the frame must be addressed immediately.
Beam Deflection
The maximum permissible deflection for a loaded beam is L/200. If a beam exceeds this deflection, the bay should be off-loaded, and a thorough check for damage and load capacity should be conducted.
Maintaining a PUWER Audit Register
To ensure a comprehensive audit process, every item of storage equipment provided should be listed in a PUWER audit register. Each item should be assigned a unique asset number, along with a brief description and its location. This register helps track and manage the inspection and maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment.
