PUWER 98 Inspection 

Mobile Work Equipment is required to be properly  maintained and inspected in order to comply with Regulations 5 and 6 of PUWER 1998. An approved, Competent Thorough Examiner can carry out Thorough Inspections, complying with PUWER 98.

The Regulations and what they mean
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998 (PUWER 98) are the regulations that apply specifically to employers, self-employed and people in control of work equipment.

PUWER 98 is aimed at ensuring that all work equipment is properly installed and planned maintenance is carried out; that work equipment is used in a safe manner and operators are trained to use the equipment and that, where necessary, inspected/checked at regular intervals by a Competent Person.

Wheel fixings and pressures are inspected on trailers. Trailer brakes can also be tested using the BAGMA brake testing device.

What is meant by Work Equipment?
Generally, any equipment which is used by any person at work is covered, for example hammers, knives, ladders, drilling machines, power presses, circular saws, photocopiers, dumper trucks, tractors, quad bikes, utility vehicles, self propelled mowers, self propelled vehicles (combines, foragers, sprayers etc), trailers, slurry tankers, power harrows, verti drainers, bailers etc. Similarly, if you allow employees or contractors to provide their own equipment, it too will be covered by PUWER 98 and the employer is responsible for ensuring it complies.

What's included in the course
Day 1
City & Guilds NVQ Unit / ROLO Introduction

• BAGMA Code of Practice
• Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations
• Areas of responsibility under BAGMA Scheme
• Risk Assessments
• NVQ Risk Assessment Practical
• Outline of PUWER Regulations
• Outline of LOLER Regulations
• Unit Assessment Theory and Practical Tests

Day 2
Inspections of Agricultural Tractors Mobile Work Equipment Theory & Practical Exercises

• Duties for Carrying out Inspections
• Reporting defects and weaknesses
• Recording process of Inspection & Certification
• PUWER Unit assessment theory test

Day 3
Inspections of Agricultural Tractors, Mobile Work Equipment Theory & Practical Exercises

• Practical Assessment of brake performance testing

 Groundcare machinery is inspected as well on the standard forms provided by BAGMA

PUWER 98 covers all machinery including ATVs. An Inspection takes less time than a tractor, but provides valuable evidence for the buyer of its condition. The BrakeSafe can also be on an ATV

Testing of brake performance is a key part of the inspection. A reliable method of testing brakes which also provides a print out of their performance.