Maintenance legislation
These are some of the principal pieces of legislation relating to the maintenance of equipment.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (external site) 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 (external site) state 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 (external site) explain that employers must ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (external site) require that all lifting equipment is fit for purpose, suitable for the task, is appropriately marked, and that 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 (external site) 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 require a fast response.