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Charlie Peel
Member - 38 posts
We provide fitness equipment for free use by staff and families in a staff gym at the workplace. Maintenance work is undertaken by the in house maintenance fitter who has stated in a memo that although he is happy to undertake any repairs he does not feel competent to give assurances on the safety of the equipment for use. The equipment is the usual type of equipment found at any fitness club, e.g. rowing machines, cross trainers, running machines, multi gym, weights, exercise bikes etc.
Users of the gym are required to undertake an induction session with a trained PTI prior to being allowed to use the gym but after that the gym is unsupervised.
What maintenance is required? Is it necessary or advisable to have the equipment inspected periodically by an independent assessor such as an insurance assessor? Is the equipment covered by the PUWER Regs? Any other comments that might be applicable?
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Iain MacLeod
Member - 54 posts
PUWER is very vague on this matter as the equipment it refers to 'equipment used at work' and employee at work throughout the time when he/she is in the course of their employment.
If they are using the gym which is a leisure facility then it may be argued that PUWER doesn't apply. The HSW Act 1974 does though, therefore there is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of persons who use this equipment and the facilities you provide.
A risk assessment of the premises and the equipment should highlight any hazards to persons using the equipment. This would include Fire, First Aid, manual handling, rotating machinery, electrical equipment, users general health, fatigue, dehydration etc.
Maintenance should include regular inspections of the equipment to identify any potential defects, electrical testing and other maintenance as detailed in the manufacturers handbook. The wires and fittings on the weights should also be inspected for damage to coatings, wires etc.
Any emergency stops (possibly on treadmill) should be frrequently tested.
You don't say how you cover emergencies if the gym is being used by one person, if you have security etc a buddy check could be done or the person using the gym having access to a telephone should they need emergency assistance.
Your insurer need to be aware to ensure that your employer's and public liability policy covers this facility. They may wish then to review your set up.
Whilst PUWER is vague you should compare what you've got in place against the requirements as part of the risk assessment process and manage ay shortfall. I would ensure that a written record of induction is maintained which includes reading the risk assessment. Posting a copy in the gym is also useful.
Seems a lot but I would imagine you have already covered most of it.
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Ian Beddis
Member - 4 posts
You've raised some valid points Patrick, but PUWER does state that all maintenance work must be carried out and documented by a Compentent Person. If the maintenance chap has stated that he doesn't feel competent to do the inspections then I would suggest you seek a professional Gym Equipment Maintainer to do the work.
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Craig Turnbull - MacRoberts Solicitors
Online advisor - 8 posts
In terms of maintenance, you will require to ensure that the equipment is maintained to standard so as to ensure that it does not expose your employees / and those who are not employees are exposed to risks to their health and safety. I anticipate that the manufacturers will make recommendations in respect of maintenance - these should be adhered to.
A periodic inspection by an independent assessor would provide useful confirmation that you are properly maintaining the equipment. Any recommendations made by the assessor should be followed.
In respect of your employees (e.g the PTI you refer to), my view is that the equipment would be covered by the PUWER regs.
I hope this assists.
Craig Turnbull
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