Health and Safety Regulations Overview

Key Organizations and Regulations

• LEEA: Lifting Equipment Engineers Association
• HSE: Health and Safety Executive
• HSWA 1974: Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974
• MHSWR 1999: Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations, 1999
• SM(S)R 2008: Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, 2008
• EEA: European Economic Area
• EHSRs: Essential Health and Safety Requirements
• PUWER 1998: Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998
• LOLER 1998: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, 1998
• COP: Code of Practice
• COPSULE: Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment

Main Purposes of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA 1974)

• Secure the health, safety, and welfare of people at work
• Protect others from hazards arising from work
• Control the use of dangerous substances/materials (e.g., explosives, flammable substances)
• Control emissions of harmful substances from certain premises

Key Sections

• Section 2: Employers' general duties to employees
• Section 6: Specific duties for designers, manufacturers, and suppliers
• Section 7: Duties of employees at work

Static and Dynamic Testing

• Static Test:
  • Manually operated machines: 1.5 x WLL (Working Load Limit)
  • Other machines: 1.25 x WLL
  • Lifting accessories: 1.5 x WLL
• Dynamic Test:
  • Machinery: 1.1 x WLL

Competency Definition (LEEA)

• A Competent Person can make informed decisions, seek expert advice when necessary, and confidently certify equipment as defect-free and fit for intended use.

Employer's Duty of Care

• Employers must provide information, instruction, training, and supervision.

PUWER vs LOLER

• PUWER applies to all work equipment
• LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and alongside PUWER
• Both apply to all industry sectors

Key Regulations under PUWER & LOLER

• Regulation 4: Suitability of work equipment
• Regulation 5: Maintenance
• Regulation 6: Inspection
• Regulation 7: Specific risks
• Regulation 8: Information & Instructions
• Regulation 9: Training
• LOLER Regulation 4: Strength and Stability (equipment load handling)
• LOLER Regulation 5: Lifting Equipment for Lifting Persons (additional safeguards)
• LOLER Regulation 6: Positioning & Installation (proper siting of equipment)
• LOLER Regulation 7: Marking of Equipment (SWL and other characteristics)
• LOLER Regulation 8: Organization of Lifting Operations (safe planning, supervision, and execution)
• LOLER Regulation 9: Thorough Examination & Inspection (equipment use and periodic checks)

Inspection Intervals

• Lifting Equipment: Every 12 months
• Lifting Accessories: Every 6 months
• Man-Riding Equipment: Every 6 months

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

• Employers must assess manual handling operation risks and implement solutions
• Consider Task (T), Individual (I), Load (L), and Environment (E)
• Use lifting appliances when risks are high

Work at Height Regulations 2005

• Avoid work at height when possible
• Use fall prevention measures and appropriate equipment if unavoidable
• Minimize fall risk if it cannot be eliminated

Standards

• Standards provide consistency and safety in materials, products, and services. Examples include ISO, BS, EN, ASME, and DIN standards.

Harmonised European Standards

• Lifting equipment standards are developed by CEN and adopted by national bodies like BSI (UK) and DIN (Germany)
• Harmonized standards are legally recognized and show compliance with European Directives.

Code of Practice (COP)

• Guidelines for professionals, including Approved (ACoP), Recommended (RCoP), Trade/Professional, Technical and Safety Information Sheets.

COSPULE (Code of Practice for Lifting Equipment)

• First Published: 1981
• 8th Edition (2015): Updated to reflect changes
• Covers manual and powered equipment, including jib cranes/mobile gantries, and lifting accessories

Key References

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Other regulations mentioned (e.g., Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006, and Working at Height Regulations 2005).

This quiz covers key organizations and regulations related to health and safety at work, including the HSWA 1974 and related codes. Learn about essential health and safety requirements, provisions for work equipment, and lifting regulations. Test your knowledge on the main purposes and key sections of these regulations.