Aegis -
PUWER Risk Assessment Services

The assessor needs knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to the equipment and the risks involved. Complex machinery may require specialist engineering input. A course certificate alone does not demonstrate competence for every type of equipment or assessment.

PUWER covers work equipment more broadly. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, known as LOLER, add requirements for lifting equipment and lifting operations, including planning, supervision and thorough examination where applicable.

Equipment such as a lifting appliance can fall under both. A PUWER risk assessment does not replace a required LOLER thorough examination or the planning of a lifting operation.

A checklist can help organise an assessment, covering equipment suitability, safeguards, controls, isolation, maintenance, inspection and training. It should be adapted to the equipment and actual work activities. Completing a generic checklist does not, by itself, establish that equipment is safe or that all applicable requirements have been met.

For a contractor’s portable cutting tool, an assessment might consider whether the tool and cutting accessory suit the material, whether protective measures are appropriate, how the workpiece is supported, the operator’s training and the arrangements for safe adjustment and maintenance.

Associated dust, noise and vibration risks also need attention under the relevant requirements. This is an illustrative example, not an exhaustive checklist or an enevo case study.

Where available, provide an equipment list, site location, a description of the tasks and any particular concerns. Operating manuals, previous assessments, maintenance records and inspection reports can help explain the existing arrangements and the support you need.

Review the assessment where changes could affect the risks or existing controls are no longer effective. Relevant triggers include new equipment, modifications, different working methods, accidents, near misses or concerns raised by workers. An assessment review and an equipment inspection serve different purposes; arrange each according to the risks and applicable requirements.