Mobile Work Equipment Requirements Come into Effect

The HSE is reminding users of mobile work equipment - including forklift trucks, dumper trucks and tractors - that safety regulations are extended to all such equipment from today.

For new equipment, the requirement to comply with Part III of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) has been in effect since 5 December 1998. But, for equipment in use before that date, a four-year transitional period was included. That transition period expires today, 5 December 2002.

The safety risks involved in the use of mobile equipment include: being struck by the vehicle; the vehicle rolling over; the driver or passengers falling from the vehicle or being struck by a falling object; unauthorised start up of the vehicle; inadequate devices for braking and stopping; and restricted driver visibility.

Part III of PUWER addresses these risks by requiring duty holders to ensure their equipment is safe to use. Duty holders may have to take measures such as retrofitting roll-over protective structures (ROPS), falling object protective structures (FOPS), operator restraints (seat belts, lap belts, etc) and driver visibility aids such as mirrors. For instance, if under the particular conditions of use, mobile plant is likely to overturn, the user must provide a ROPS and operator restraint.

The HSE is also reminding duty holders of the need to ensure that when mobile plant is used in conditions where overturn is likely, the operator restraint must be worn. ROPS and restraints can be rendered useless if the driver of an overturning vehicle is not wearing the seat belt provided. Supervisors should regularly check drivers are wearing seat belts where necessary.

Timothy Walker, HSE's Director General, commented: "Last year 99 people were killed and over 8,000 people were injured in accidents involving workplace transport. The coming into effect of Part III of PUWER 98 will contribute to reducing the unacceptable level of deaths and injuries."

Copies of Safe Use of Work Equipment – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998: Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L22), ISBN 0-7176-1626-6, price £8.00, and Fitting and Use of Restraining Systems on Lift Trucks (MISC 241) are available from HSE Books, tel. 01787 881165.
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