UK and Ireland
Power press
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PUWER inspection: Power presses and associated machinery

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    Manufacturers may use many types of presses and associated machinery. These can include power presses, hydraulic presses and friction presses, universal metalworkers and guillotines, rotary indexing machines, diecasting machines, and injection and blow moulding machines; to name a few.

    The UK's Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) places duties on employers, duty holders and anyone who has responsibility and/or control - directly or indirectly – for power presses and their use.

    Periodic engineering inspections of workplace plant, machinery and equipment form a vital part of an employers duty; ensuring the health, safety and welfare of their employees and workplace visitors. Inspections also ensure employer conformity to health and safety regulatory requirements and, ultimately, add value by helping the business to operate efficiently.

    A wide range of presses and associated machinery are covered by the Regulations which, in many cases, are subject to statutory, periodic 'thorough examinations' by a 'Competent Person'.

    What is a 'Competent Person'?

    The UK Health & Safety Executive defines a 'Competent Person' as "someone who has the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to manage health and safety".

    Depending on the particular legislation, the Competent Person can be either an individual or the body which employs the individual to provide inspection services.

    Our Engineer Surveyors can help businesses achieve regulatory compliance for the following classes of plant and equipment:
    Equipment category Legislation (1)
    Power presses and associated machinery Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998 (PUWER)
    Local exhaust ventilation The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
    Fixed electrical wiring Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)
    Electrical/mechanical Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998 (PUWER)
    Boiler/pressure Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
    Lifting Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
    (1) For Northern Ireland, similar statutory equipment legislation is applicable.
    We hold many accreditations, certificates and memberships in relation to the health and safety of our people, our customers and our inspection services.
    Explore the inspection frequencies for typical plant and equipment that you might expect to find across many industries, together with the applicable UK and Irish legislation for each item.

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    ...very professional, giving us great confidence that our equipment has been competently inspected.
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    HSB Inspection Services

    Throughout the UK and Ireland, our network of competent, multi-skilled Engineer Surveyors are focused on helping businesses, of all sizes and industry types, to maintain workplace equipment safety, optimise the efficiency of plant and equipment, and comply with applicable health and safety legislation.