Free workshop: End user machinery compliance

Posted to News on 31st May 2018, 15:39

Free workshop: End user machinery compliance - PUWER and EMF

TV SD Product Service is running a free half-day workshop to educate end users about two sets of Regulations that often get overlooked, namely PUWER and CEMFAW, the latter of which relates to electromagnetic fields.

PUWER

Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to implement the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) in their workplace; PUWER is derived from the European Use of Work Equipment Directive.

Attendees at the half-day workshop will learn why it is better to conduct an inspection under Regulation 6 to identify potentially unsafe equipment and formulate an action plan, rather than do nothing and claim ignorance. The management application of PUWER is covered under Regulations 4 to 10 and addresses the suitability of the work equipment, the frequency of inspections and training, and other requirements. Regulations 11 to 24 are what is more commonly applied to work equipment, as these refer to the physical installation of the equipment to ensure that it is safe for use.

PUWER applies to all work equipment, regardless of age, and new equipment must also be inspected prior to being put into use.

CEMFAW

EMF protection for employees was introduced in July 2016. The applicable law in the UK is the CEMFAW (Control of Electro Magnetic Fields at Work) Regulations 2016, which are derived from the European Physical Agents Directive.

The CEMFAW regulations require employers to conduct risk assessments at work on items capable of emitting EMF that could cause harm. It also requires employers to protect 'persons at risk' such as people with implanted medical devices, pregnant workers and others who may be affected by lower levels of radiation. While most ordinary equipment may be deemed to be safe, some equipment or electrical distribution networks are capable of emitting levels of radiation above allowable limits. Manufacturers' data can be used to determine the levels emitted by new equipment but this does not cover older equipment or equipment that has deteriorated through use. Attendees at the workshop will learn how identifying equipment with the potential to emit higher levels of EMF radiation enables a test plan to be formulated, accurate readings obtained and control measures put in place.

Even though the CEMFAW Regulations are relatively new, they apply to all equipment, regardless of age, and users are responsible for compliance.