August EWJ 24 - Flipbook - Page 10
them or not. As the title states, this is not just about
safe and suitable equipment it is also about how you
conduct lifting/lowering operations from a small chain
block in the garage to a heavy lift crane.
considered as a gold-plated stamp of compliance. A
report of Thorough Examination is only equivalent to
an MOT certificate for the next statutory period.
6. These basic things are only as good as the
documents and records that detail what you have done.
You must have robust, clear, and relevant documents
that are reviewed regularly, and understood and the
information communicated to the relevant parties to
which they affect. How? – training, toolbox talks, maintenance and inspection schedules, work equipment
procurement planning, policy and procedures etc.
The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 PSSR
PSSR covers the safe design and use of pressure
systems. The aim of PSSR is to prevent serious injury
from the hazard of the release of stored energy (pressure) as a result of the failure of a pressure system or
one of its components. It also considers the substance
type under pressure.
The aim of course is to mitigate the risk of an incident
happening but also to ensure that if there is an incident in the workplace and you have to ‘break the glass’,
you confidently know that you have done all you could
have done to prevent and mitigate as much risk as possible and robust documentation to support that can be
used for internal investigations and/or handed to the
enforcement authority for scrutinisation.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 2002 – COSHH
COSHH requires employers to assess the risks that
arise from the use of hazardous substances. This will
include any arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents, or emergencies, such as those resulting from serious spillages. Currently, the HSE is pushing hard on
those businesses that are at risk of exposure to Asbestos and dust created by operations (wood/MDF,
brick etc).
How can Finch assist?
Finch has over 500 years’ worth of combined
expertise and experience across an incredible range of
industries. Our consultants and experts cover all aspects of Health and Safety Legislation as well as recognised industry knowledge in Process Safety and Asset
Management.
Every employer, owner, or duty holder has a legal
responsibility under each of the applicable regulations
to ensure the safety of those persons in their employment, but also have a duty of care to those persons not
in their employment who may be affected by their
operations and incumbent responsibilities, this not
only extends to sub-contractors but also extends to
members of the public.
Senior Consultants Tom Leach and Richard Hoyle
both have 1st hand knowledge and experience in conducting post-incident investigations, both are time
served in the statutory inspection industry, having
both held senior positions in two of the largest Inspection providers in the UK covering LOLER, PSSR,
PUWER, and COSHH. They conduct machinery risk
assessments, document audits, and assist organisations
with technical and regulatory due diligence on policy,
procedures, and procurement. As a completely independent, impartial third-party pair of eyes, they are
adept at spotting gaps and risk exposure points to
bring assurance to your organisation, which is more
valuable than compliance alone.
REMEMBER: Compliance is only part of the story To get there and maintain a viable, relevant, and robust approach to health and safety you must also put
in place an assurance assessment and plan to keep on
top of changes to your operations, personnel, and
legislation.
What can you do?
1. Ensure you comply fully with the Health and Safety
at Work Act 1974 by ensuring your organisation has
robust policies and procedures.
2. Carry out and document regular Risk Assessments
in accordance with The Management of Health and
Safety at Work Regulations 1999, of work activities
and work equipment.
If you feel your organisation needs a regulatory
health check, please do not hesitate to reach out to
Tom and Richard to discuss your requirements.
tom.leach@finch-consulting.com
and richard.hoyle@finch-consulting.com
3. Make certain that wherever required, all equipment
complies with the Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations 2008. If in doubt ask a professional, like Finch,
for assistance.
Authors
Tom Leach
Senior Consultant
Richard Hoyle
Senior Consultant
4. Ensure you have effective management of work
equipment under the Provision and Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998. Ensure that equipment
is suitable for the work and that it is competently inspected and maintained in accordance with the level
of use, environment, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) instructions.
www.www.finch-consulting.com
5. Work closely with your Thorough Examination
Provider who, where appropriate carries out the
Thorough Examination under LOLER, PSSR, or
PUWER. Thorough Examinations are not to be
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
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AUGUST 2024
