Work equipment

"Work equipment" covers all equipment used within the Department. The definition of "equipment" in this context is very broad and would cover everything from, say, a photocopier through to a scalpel. Everyone who specifies, purchases, uses and/or is responsible for work equipment should:

• Ensure that it is safe, suitable for its task and for the environment in which it is to be used.
  
  
• Be sure that it complies with any appropriate E.U. regulations (e.g. does it carry a ‘CE’ mark where applicable?)
  
  
• Keep it in a state of good repair, operating a system of planned checks and maintenance where appropriate.
  
  
• Consider whether any hazards might arise in both normal use and during any foreseeable malfunction. If the equipment might post any significant risk to users or others, ensure that it is appropriately sited and guarded and that procedures are in place to eliminate or minimise that risk.
  
  
• Ensure that both users and supervisors of users receive appropriate instruction and training in the safe use of this equipment and are aware of any hazards which might arise from its use or its foreseeable malfunction. Complex instructions are better written down.

Guidance can be obtained from any member of the Safety Committee.