4. Maintenance - Inspection, Servicing and Repairs

Maintenance is about prevention – preventing problems arising, putting faults right and ensuring all equipment is working effectively. Maintenance can be planned (a set programme) and responsive (short notice repairs after a breakdown for example). Additional hazards arise when equipment becomes unreliable and develops faults; maintenance programmes allows these faults to be diagnosed early on and to manage the risks.

But beware unsafe maintenance e.g. using unqualified people to carry it out, doing an in-house “bodge job”, as this has caused many fatalities and life-changing injuries in the past.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require “work equipment and plant to be maintained so it remains safe and the maintenance operation is carried out safely”. Business owners/directors must be able to...

On this page

How planned and responsive maintenance can ensure the safety of your plant and equipment, and the different types of maintenance you will require.

Upgrade to continue reading this content and gain access to our Premium content