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Unit 1 - P1
Explain the key features of relevant regulations on health and safety as applied to a
working environment in two selected or given engineering organisations.
The principles of health and safety are essential - especially for those who work and
depend upon it in the engineering industry, as it can help minimise what is known as
hazards and the risks that are associated with it. A hazard is defined as either a
situation, activity or an action that has the potential to cause harm to either the
employee or to someone else. A risk on the other hand is the likelihood of that harm
occurring, and also the severity of the harm that the hazard posses.
Listed below are two engineering industries and the regulations that apply to these
industries on the principles of health and safety.
Mechanical Engineering
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWAR) 1988
In mechanical and other related industries of engineering, different types of work
equipment are used extensively, which include heavy machinery and hand held
appliances.
The PUWAR regulation requires the employer to ensure that:
All work equipment must be suitable and fit for the purpose of carrying out a
relevant job by employees.
All work equipment must be properly maintained and has to work efficiently, by
carrying out inspections on a regular basis, so as to prevent employees from being
exposed to serious risks.
As a precaution it is essential that employees also carry out a quick inspection on the
machinery, before they start any work on them.
All employees must receive the adequate training and instruction by a more
competent and experienced engineer, before being allowed to use the work
equipment.
All the dangerous parts of a functional work equipment, must be well guarded and
protective to the user. This will ensure that when the machine is switched on, it can
be used correctly and safely for the intended purpose, and reducing any risk of injury
to the user at the same time.
The controls on the work equipment must be clearly marked and visible to the eye of
the user. This will ensure that anyone who operates the equipment, is confident and
is less likely to be prone towards injury.
All work equipment must be accessible and be able to be isolated from the electrical
supply, before investigating for faults within the equipment. This will ensure that
employees do not get electrocuted while working on the equipment, even if the
switch at the socket on the wall is already in the off position.
Warning signs must be fixed either on or close to the work equipment, as it essential
that employees be aware of the hazards and risks posed by the work equipment,
before using them.
By Shivan Perera
By Shivan Perera
Electrical Engineering
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
The regulation requires the employer to ensure that all employees are supplied with
the appropriate choice of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), based on the type of
hazard that their job posses in the workplace. For example in electrical and other
related industries of engineering, the provision of PPE includes anti-static footwear
which will prevent the build up of static electricity and eliminate the risks of a severe
and fatal electrical shock to the employee.
The regulation also requires the employer to ensure that all PPE is issued free of
charge and that adequate training and instruction are given to employees on how to
correctly use the PPE. In addition the PPE must be worn at all times by the person that
it was supplied to, and not only should it fit the person, but it should also be
comfortable to wear. As a result the PPE needs to be regularly cleaned, repaired or
replaced when it is no longer fit for use.
By Shivan Perera
possible. A technical documentation must also be provided for each of the new
electrical work equipment and include a list of all the relevant regulations that have
been met by the manufacturer, as well as test reports on the functionality of the work
equipment that have been established by either the manufacturer or a third party.