MACHINERY
Engineering expert
warns against machinery
inspection complacency
during COVID-19
pandemic, as construction
industry gets PM go-ahead
» AS WORK RESUMES ON MANY
shut-down construction sites this week,
Keith Short, machinery inspection engineer
at UK Risk Management & Engineering
Services (UKRMES), is issuing a warning that
certificates on lifting machinery may have
expired on many sites during the lockdown;
and that engineering inspections should
remain a top priority for fully operational,
reopening and closed sites.
“The construction industry is essential for
both growing the economy and catering for
the country’s growing population but, like
other industries, it has been forced to pause
many projects due the pandemic,” Keith
says.
“Whilst some sites have stayed opened
during the coronavirus shutdown, many are
just starting to resume operations, and many
more will follow, after the Prime Minister’s
address.
“During this period of readjustment, it can
be difficult to grasp what is ‘essential’ and
what is ‘non-essential’ but when it comes to
thorough examination and testing (TE&T) of
plant and equipment, the law is clear.
“In order for sites to hit the ground running
when they reopen, duty holders need to have
met their statutory obligation to ensure that
work plant and equipment is maintained and
is safe to use.
“TE&T is critical to ensure the safe
operation of equipment and continues to be a
fundamental part of the management process.
Failure of machinery through deterioration
can create dangerous situations, physical harm
and business disruption – which is the last
thing that businesses want or need when they
are trying to get back on their feet.”
PUWER and LOLER regulations require
equipment used at work to be suitable and safe
for use, correctly installed, maintained and
used, and to have suitable health and safety
controls and markings. PUWER applies to
all machinery, whilst LOLER only applies to
lifting equipment, including 360 excavators,
backhoe loaders, foreloaders, fork-lift trucks
and telescopic handlers to hoists, cranes on
machines, and lifting attachments. With
LOLER, some extra requirements apply.
Dutyholders must have PUWER and
LOLER inspections on machinery and
equipment to comply with HSE Regulations,
which are legal requirements.
If through an inspection or incident
investigation, HSE finds that the regulations
were breached or there was negligence, the
dutyholder faces prosecution or significant
fines.
PUWER and LOLER inspections should be
undertaken by an inspector with the relevant
engineering experience and knowledge.
“Construction is Britain’s second most
dangerous industry to work in, with 30 people
killed in 2018/19 – taking unnecessary risks is
simply not an option,” said Keith.
“During the period of lockdown, HSE has
said that dutyholders should ensure inspectors
have access to equipment in a timely manner,
that they should consider allowing inspectors
access to closed sites so that equipment is
ready for when the business reopens, and to
make reasonable attempts to source engineers
from another provider if their usual provider
cannot provide the service.
“HSE also said that dutyholders must be
able to demonstrate that they have made all
reasonable attempts to have the thorough
examination and testing (TE&T) carried out
within the required timescales.
“However, if equipment is to continue in
use without TE&T, then dutyholders must
assess the increased risk and take appropriate
action to manage it.
“Construction workers face potentially
fatal risks on a daily basis, and that is only
magnified during times of upheaval, such
as this. Now is certainly not the time for
complacency and protecting employee safety
should remain top priority.”
“In this climate, it is understandable that
other health and safety concerns are at the
forefront of dutyholders’ and site managers’
minds and that they are reluctant to welcome
visitors onsite, but our engineers remain
committed to their duties and will be taking
every care and precaution so that they can
continue to carry these out.
“The health and safety of our engineers
and our clients is paramount and enhanced
protective measures will be taken during
inspections, including the use of suitable
personal protective equipment (PPE), robust
cleaning procedures and social distancing.
“Managing risk is an integral part of this
industry and keeping construction workers
safe during this pandemic is our prime
concern.”
Anyone who wishes to enquire about a
PUWER or LOLER inspection should
contact Keith on 07590 444085.
68 » JUN 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM