Businesses who use Plant Machinery in the work place must be able to provide a plant machinery certificate for every piece of equipment which falls under the provisions of PUWER 98 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, relating to items of safety, to include tyres, brakes, steering, visibility components, seat components etc) and LOLER 98 (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, which relates to all lifting components). These Certificates of Thorough Examination are issued to every piece of Machinery Equipment Falling within these criteria - after it has been ascertained by a competent person that the safety and health regulations of the machinery used in the business are good to go. Every piece of machinery equipment falling within the regulations has to be examined completely at least once a year; re-examination of machinery equipment is also required after it has undergone major repair or restoration or other exceptional circumstances. Any qualified examiner should be able to advise if these circumstances will result in the re-testing of the machine.
If the particular piece of equipment in question is used for lifting i.e. chains, shackles, straps, shrops, buckets etc then the regularity of the inspections is once every six months under LOLER 98. This is due to the fact that these pieces of equipment wear more quickly. Equipment used for lifting persons also require inspections every six months to include scissor lifts, mobile platforms, skyjacks etc. Again, all these inspections must be carried out by a competent person.
There are numerous reasons why you, if you are an employer who uses pieces of plant machinery at work on a routine basis, should ensure regular inspections are undertaken. Failure to realise the importance of these inspections may trigger the onset of consequences that would prove damaging to your business:
1. Legal requirements - You only have to read the phrase ‘mandated by the law’ to develop a mental idea of why every piece of machinery equipment that you use should receive a plant machinery certificate. They are a legal requirement and the repercussions of not ensuring your construction equipment is regularly checked and certificated can be damaging to a business, and in the most severe cases may have a devastating impact on you, your employees and their families. Prosecution from injuries caused as direct result of improper training and maintenance is a likely consequence which often results in large fines and, on occasions, imprisonment.
2. Reduction of risks for accidents and other injuries - Having your plant machinery regularly inspected for its plant machinery certificate will ensure any health and safety risks are uncovered and highlighted thus reassuring you and your employees that no one is likely to come to any harm while operating those equipment. This is obviously going to be instrumental in the overall management and running of your business. Your employees too, would feel more secured about working for you if they are reassured that you are taking the necessary steps and precautions to ensure their welfare - if you have made sure that you get plant machinery certificates for every piece of machinery that you work.
Today, there are a number of companies who can provide you with your Certificates of Thorough Examination. As these companies have been trained in the proper way to conduct examinations and are staffed with people who have the accreditation to perform those examinations - you would not have any cause for worry.
Some companies are under the impression that their examinations must be carried out by their insurance companies, this is not the case and insurers have no legal right to insist upon this. However, it is a requirement that the machines are tested by competent persons having had the appropriate training and experience.
Should you have any questions or queries with regards to Certificates of Thorough Examination then please contact Totallyplant.com who will be able to assist.
