3. Maintenance legislation
These are some of the principal pieces of legislation relating to maintenance of equipment.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 outlines the general responsibilities for employers to maintain a safe place of work, safe systems of work and safe work equipment.
Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations
The
Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 states that employers must maintain their workplace and equipment in an efficient state, good working order and in good repair.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
The
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 explain that employers must ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
The
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 require that all lifting equipment is fit for purpose, suitable for the task, appropriately marked and for many items a ‘thorough examination’ is undertaken periodically.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to do a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. This applies to maintenance work and must be carried out before maintenance work is undertaken, even when it is reactive and production demands requires a fast response.