Plant Operator Safety & PUWER Flashcards

Which regulation specifically requires that guards are fitted to dangerous parts of construction plant?

Answer: PUWER Regulation 11

PUWER Regulation 11 requires that dangerous parts of machinery are guarded to prevent contact, with a hierarchy of protective measures.

What is the hierarchy of measures for guarding dangerous parts under PUWER?

Answer: Fixed guard, then interlocked guard, then protection appliances, then information/training

PUWER sets a strict hierarchy: fixed guarding is preferred, followed by interlocked guards, then protection appliances such as trip devices, and finally information, instruction and training as a last resort.

A plant operator notices a guard is missing from the plant they have been asked to operate. What should they do?

Answer: Report it immediately and refuse to operate the plant until it is repaired

Missing guards are a PUWER non-compliance and a serious safety hazard. The operator must report immediately and must not operate the plant until the guard is properly replaced.

Under PUWER, what must accompany any construction plant that poses specific risks?

Answer: A written risk assessment addressing those specific risks

PUWER requires that where specific risks exist, a written risk assessment is produced and control measures are implemented and documented.

Which body enforces PUWER on construction sites in Great Britain?

Answer: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the primary enforcement authority for PUWER and other health and safety legislation on construction sites in Great Britain.

What does PUWER require regarding the stability of construction plant during use?

Answer: Plant must be positioned and stabilised to prevent unintended movement

PUWER requires that work equipment, including plant, is stabilised as necessary during use to prevent unintended movement that could create risk.