What arrangements should I have in place to manage PUWER Inspections?
1) PUWER 98 Register
PUWER 98 implies that a PUWER register is required, that identifies which assets require inspection and when. For anyone trying to achieve accreditation for ISO 18001 this is an absolute requirement. The PUWER 98 Inspection register and services related to creating and managing it are covered further under PUWER 98 Inspection Planning and Prioritisation (PIPP).
2) Competency
Competency for PUWER 98, Machine Risk Assessment and current best practice such as BS EN standards is essential. People with the right knowledge and experience in proportion to the risk and complexity of the task at hand, will provide the best results. You must be able to demonstrate their competency, whomever you are using to complete them.
3) Records of PUWER Inspection
You should have a record of some sort as evidence that inspections are completed. These records may include or link to supporting records such as a PUWER checklist but this is not a legal requirement.
It is recommended that at least the following information is included in the records of an inspection:
- (a) information on the type and model of equipment;
- (b) any identification mark or number that it has;
- (c) its normal location;
- (d) the date that the inspection was carried out;
- (e) who carried out the inspection;
- *(f) any faults; and/or
- (g) any action taken;
- (h) to whom the faults have been reported;
- (i) the date when repairs or other necessary actions were carried out.
* The faults and proposed actions are included as a part of a proper risk assessment. If you would like to learn more about Machine Risk Assessment then get in touch.