Report_on_Power_Tools_Havs

Powertool Survey and Checks TYK Limited requires a variety of power tools from everyday use of grinders to sporadic use of paddle mixers etc. Under the Provision Of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the associated Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPS) TYK have a duty to ensure that all equipment provided for use at work is: * suitable for the intended use * safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate * used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training * accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices * used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses The intention of this survey is to provide information on the current power tools in use, to determine the suitability, safe conditions, to standardise power tool types, introduce inspection, identify training requirements and to produce guidance and regulations to protect the safety and wellbeing of the TYK workforce. Suitability All power tools in use are of standard manufacturer and upon speaking to employees, all items in use carry out their related task to satisfactory standard. Safe Use As part of the suitability checks, all manufacturer information has been collated, to include vibration levels, noise levels, PPE requirements. Instructions for use are all available from the manufacturer, however, this information is not relayed to the workforce and should be in place by way of picture boards and/or method statements. Specifically, the investigation identified the following issues with regards to PPE. * All current power tools in use, require mandatory use of Safety Glasses.* * All current power tools in use, require mandatory hearing protection. * * All current power tools in use, require mandatory respiratory protection (RPE) * It is worth noting that all equipment over 80 dB(A) requires the use of hearing protection. Calculations can be made from the figures attached to determine daily exposure. With regards to the Virbration exposure levels, an explanation and calculations will be provided again based on the figures. A spreadsheet has been created to easily calculate exposure levels, please use the tabs in this file. Figures are manufacturers guidelines, surveys will be carried out by competent persons during October 2012 Maintenance and Inspection During the investigation, evidence of inspection and/or maintenance could not be found, as such, I re-called all equipment from both CC plant and Pre-Cast Plant for visual inspection for damage. From this a regular inspection sheet has been created and will be implemented upon speaking to Chris, this system needs to be discussed but at a minimum I suggest a monthly check from Maintenance, and daily operator checks for visual damage such as flex damages, guarding, case damage etc A breakdown of the findings can be seen here:   |   |   |   |   | Inspection | September | Item |   |   | Serial Nº | New Issue | Issued To | Date | State | Grinder | Makita | 9554NB 240v | 2011 168477R | NA | CC PLANT | 26th | OK | Grinder | Makita | 9554NB 240v | 2011 153404R |   | CC PLANT | 26th | NO | Grinder | Makita | 9554NB 240v | 2012 207568R | 26th Jan | ROF | 26th | New | Grinder | Makita | 9554NB 240v | 2011 168513R |   | CC PLANT | 26TH | OK | Power Drill | Erbauer | EB226DRL | R11W06 |   | CC PLANT | 26th | OK | Die Grinder | Makita | GD0800C | 2010 85606 |   | CC PLANT | 26th | OK | Paddle Mixer | Sparky | BM2 1060CE | 101202004 |   | CC PLANT | 26th | NO | Grinder | Makita | 9554NB 240v | 2011 153397R |   | PRECAST | 26th | OK | Grinder | Makita | 9554NB 240v | 2011 130729R |   | PRECAST | 26th | OK | Power Drill | Bosch | GSB 16 RE | UNKNOWN |   | PRECAST | 26th | OK | Power Drill | Bosch | GSB 16 RE | 2012 203000206 |   | PRECAST | 26th | OK | All Purpose Saw | Erbauer | ERB800RL | 05W48 |   | PRECAST | 26th | No | Transformer | Safe Site | 3.3kva | P30/2 |   | PRECAST | 26th | NO | The items that did not pass have all been removed from service, all damage found were electrical risks, ie damaged/cut flex, or no clamps on the plug. In particular the Safe Site transformer had insulating tape covering various parts of the flex and no clamping, wires were visible. Repairs may be carried out on these items, referring to manufacturer’s instructions and only carried out by a competent person. Results of Investigation. Taking into account the tasks that are involved and comments from operators, all equipment listed can be deemed as suitable and fit for purpose. Based on manufacturer’s recommendations, the use of PPE and RPE is not in line with the guidance. TYK Limited must provide and ensure the wearing of, whilst using the equipment: * Hearing protection should be provided and made mandatory with a protection level of 96dB (A) (Based on values of 84-96 across all equipment.) * Safety Glasses should be provided and made mandatory * Safety Gloves should be provided and made mandatory * Respiratory Protection – Local Exhaust Ventilation tests will be carried out in October to determine exposure. Until such time, I recommend the use of disposable RPE. * Hand Arm Vibration – Based on manufactures vibration levels and advice from HSE, vibration calculations for each tool has been carried out, although these are a guideline, I recommend that we obey the exposure times until we receive the full Vibration test in October. Investigation showed no signs of information or training for employees, this should be immediately rectified, initially by means of a notice board with information on safe methods of use, identification of PPE and instruction how to use and first aid/emergency procedures. All of the power tools in use are 240v, all guards are in place on grinders etc and manufacturers instruction to use have been obtained and stored. Management should consider converting to 110v to reduce risk. Inspection and maintenance was not available, a system should be put in place to confirm regular inspection, I have created a template and started the first inspection off for September 2012. Four items of equipment were removed due to electrical issues such as faulty/damaged/loose plugs or flexes. Otherwise the condition was fine. To control the use of items such as drills grinders etc, I recommend we only purchase the current equipment as “approved safe”, this will help control costs, and allow us to stabilise exposure levels such as HAV and Noise. To Do immediate * Create instruction and information sheet to include PPE, safe use, exposure times etc * Identify training * Implement inspection on regular basis (Operator Daily Visual) (Supervisor/Maintenance Weekly/Monthly) * Regulate purchase system for power tools To Do General * Investigate equipment that may reduce exposure (HAV, Noise) Please note that all figures are manufacturers information and until an accurate survey has been carried out, should be used as a guideline only.