Work Equipment
Selection

All work equipment must be selected and maintained so that it is suitable for the purpose (fit for purpose) for which it is to be used. It must be designed for the task required and used within any operating constrictions defined by the manufacturer or competent person.   It must be;

 

All significant risks associated with its use must be assessed and adequately controlled. This should take account of who is to use the equipment and the environment in which it will be used.

 

There must be assessment and control of the risks from specific hazards such as hazardous substances, ejected articles/substances, fire, and electrical safety.

 

All equipment should be visually checked before use.  Where a defect is identified, for example; broken blade, missing guard, loose plug, frayed cable, the machinery should be taken out of service and reported to ensure that nobody else uses it and the problem is rectified.

 

 

Hired equipment should always be acquired from hire companies who supply properly maintained equipment that is safe to use and suitable for the job. The company should provide information on the safe use and operation of the equipment. Upon receipt the equipment must be checked to see that it has not been damaged in transit.

 

 

BBC staff should not borrow equipment from contractors or lend equipment to contractors unless there has been a formal documented agreement.

 

 

Privately owned equipment used for work is legally regarded as work equipment and must conform to the same rules. You must get your manager's permission before using private equipment for work - it may not be suitable.

 

 

There must be a safe system for bringing into service any stand-by generator. Those taking part must be suitably trained. The starting and switching routines should be tested and rehearsed at regular intervals. Contractors' generators may not be used indoors. If there may be hot re-fuelling, then diesel generators should be used.

 

Further information is provided on the Fire Safety on Locations and Vehicles in Production pages.