NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 6 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the hierarchy of measures for protecting against dangerous parts of machinery under PUWER Regulation 11?
- Training first, then PPE, then guards
- Fixed guards, then other guards/protection devices, then jigs/holders/push-sticks, then information/instruction/training/supervision (Correct answer)
- Risk assessment only, no physical measures required
- PPE first, then administrative controls, then engineering controls
Correct answer: Fixed guards, then other guards/protection devices, then jigs/holders/push-sticks, then information/instruction/training/supervision
PUWER Regulation 11(2) sets out a specific hierarchy: (a) fixed enclosing guards, (b) other guards or protection devices such as interlocked guards, adjustable guards, or light curtains, (c) protection appliances such as jigs, holders or push-sticks, (d) provision of information, instruction, training and supervision. Measures must be applied in this order of priority.
Question 2: Under LOLER 1998, what must the appointed person ensure when selecting lifting equipment for a specific task?
- That the cheapest option is selected
- That the equipment has adequate strength, stability, and is positioned to minimise the risk of the load striking any person or drifting (Correct answer)
- That the equipment matches the company colour scheme
- That only the newest equipment is used
Correct answer: That the equipment has adequate strength, stability, and is positioned to minimise the risk of the load striking any person or drifting
The appointed person planning a lift under LOLER Regulation 8 must select equipment with adequate strength and stability for the load, consider positioning to minimise risks, ensure the load path avoids occupied areas, and account for factors such as wind, ground conditions, and the load's centre of gravity.
Question 3: What is the maximum interval for thorough examination of lifting equipment NOT used for lifting persons under LOLER 1998?
- Every 3 months
- Every 6 months
- Every 12 months (Correct answer)
- Every 24 months
Correct answer: Every 12 months
Under LOLER Regulation 9, lifting equipment not used for lifting persons must undergo thorough examination at least every 12 months, unless a written scheme of examination prepared by a competent person specifies different intervals based on risk assessment of the particular equipment and its use.
Question 4: A photoelectric (light curtain) safety device on a press is classified as what under the PUWER guarding hierarchy?
- A fixed guard
- A protection device falling under 'other guards or protection devices' (Correct answer)
- A protection appliance like a push-stick
- An administrative control
Correct answer: A protection device falling under 'other guards or protection devices'
A light curtain is a protection device under Regulation 11(2)(b) — 'other guards or protection devices.' It uses an array of infrared beams to detect intrusion into the danger zone and stops the machine. It sits at the second level of the hierarchy, used where fixed guards are not practicable.
Question 5: What does PUWER 1998 Regulation 5 require regarding the maintenance of work equipment?
- Maintenance is only required when equipment breaks down
- Work equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair (Correct answer)
- Maintenance records are not required
- Only electrical equipment requires maintenance
Correct answer: Work equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair
Regulation 5 requires that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Where a maintenance log is required, it must be kept up to date. 'Efficient' here relates to health and safety efficiency, not productivity.
Question 6: A mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) requires thorough examination under LOLER at what interval?
- Every 12 months only
- Every 6 months because it is used to lift persons (Correct answer)
- Every 24 months
- Only when a defect is reported
Correct answer: Every 6 months because it is used to lift persons
A MEWP (cherry picker, scissor lift) is lifting equipment used to lift persons and therefore must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months under LOLER Regulation 9. This reflects the higher risk to persons being elevated and the consequences of equipment failure at height.
NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 6
What is the hierarchy of measures for protecting against dangerous parts of machinery under PUWER Regulation 11?