Q. Client has a brand new item of plant - does this require an inspection prior to being put into service?

If pressure plant ie air receiver, steam boiler etc - YES

If lifting plant - when the declaration of conformity initial period has expired - normally twelve months after being purchased.

Q. What responsibilities do businesses have for electrical systems? What services can VIS provide?

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 contain a comprehensive list of legal requirements designed to prevent the risk of death or personal injury from the use of electricity from all places of work, regardless of size or number of employees.

The regulations require “all systems to be maintained so as to prevent danger”. Furthermore HSE Guidance states “regular inspection and testing is an essential part of any maintenance programme”.

The main purpose of the examination service offered by Vulcan Inspection Services is to identify serious defects likely to create an imminent risk of injury to any person.

The extent of our examination covers the accessible parts of the low voltage distribution system including power and mains lighting installations.

Our service does not normally include the fixed electrical plant or portable appliances but we can quote for these separately.

The examination frequency is dependant on the type of business and the risks presented but is typically once every three or five years but some trades may require annual examination (e.g. places of entertainment, petrol stations, nursing homes etc).

Q. Do power presses and press brakes need an examination? What are my responsibilities as a user?

These machines are used to work metal in a variety of industries from small metal fabrication companies to major car and engine manufacturers. Their capacity can range from small “bench” type presses at half ton to presses which impart 4,000 tons of pressure.

They are mechanically driven and, in the case of a power press, operate using a clutch and flywheel. A power press clutch is a device designed to impart the movement of the flywheel to any tool when required.

An important aspect related to power presses and press brakes is the guarding employed to protect the user. The type of guards can vary from fixed to movable to electronic or photoelectric devices and the type of guard determines how often presses are examined.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) stipulate the type of examinations and tests required. The regulations place responsibilities on owners and users of power presses and press brakes to undertake a risk assessment of their operations and put in place measures to remove or reduce risk.

Users of these machines have significant responsibilities in the areas of training, maintenance and competence of users.

Regulation 32 of PUWER requires power presses and press brakes to be examined by a “competent person” and this examination should be completed at intervals dependant on the type of guards fitted to the press.

e.g. as a general rule the frequency is typically every 12 months for presses with fixed guards and at six monthly intervals for all others.

The examination and tests completed primarily seek to identify serious defects likely to cause an injury to persons using the machine or working in the close vicinity. They will also pick up on less serious defects which left unchecked could create a danger, along with a series of observations and comments.

Q. Does Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment need an examination?

Local Exhaust Ventilation Equipment (LEV) is designed to remove the harmful vapour, dust or fumes from the work area identified after a COSHH assessment.

LEV equipment is defined as “equipment which controls captures or contains airborne releases at or close to the point of emission by means of ventilation and then conveys them to a point of collection of release”.

LEVs are found in a range of trades from small garages and paint shops to major woodworking and metalworking risks.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) apply to all work activities where substances hazardous to health are used or produced. The regulations state that “every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health shall be prevented or where it is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled”.

Where a control needs to be applied – LEVs are employed.

The COSHH regulations require that LEV plant is examined by a “competent person” and this examination should be completed at intervals dependant on the trade/business and the application of the equipment.

e.g. metal/shot blasting – exam required every month non-ferrous metal working – exam required every six months all other applications – exam every fourteen months.