The HSE PUWER Regulations have Changed
Posted on | Posted in General
Overview
The HSE PUWER Regulations changed from an annual requirement into a Risk Assessment based system on January 1st 2021. The implications of this are really quite interesting. Fundamentally, it confirms that safe use of the equipment entails regular service and repair, in addition to inspection. This change can be viewed on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website which we recommend you read.
Our View
This will make little difference to our regular customers who already benefit from regular preventative maintenance. We have always recommended that pallet trucks should be serviced annually, more often in arduous applications. Hopefully, it will also encourage other companies to join the growing list of satisfied clients.
Benefits of Compliance
- Ensuring that the regulations are followed leads to peace of mind.
- Regular service prolongs the life of the equipment and reduces downtime
- The trucks will last longer, saving money
Do I need to follow the Guidance?
The PUWER Regulations are an ACOP (Approved Code of Practice). To understand what this means we can do no better than to quote the HSE’s statement:
While the ACOPs are not law, they were made under section 16 of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act) and so have a special status, as outlined in the introduction to the PUWER ACOP:
‘Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice.’
Conclusion
Complying with PUWER for your pallet truck fleet ensures that you are following best practice, increasing uptime and reducing capital expenditure. Win, win as they say!