Maintenance Monday?

OK, so you don’t necessarily have to maintain your machinery on a Monday, but you should get into a routine with your checks and maintenance.

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) requires you to maintain all your work equipment in a safe and operable This is best done by following the manufacturer’s handbook.

You should also keep records of your regular checks and any maintenance carried out. Recording these checks means that should your machinery be involved in an incident you will need to be able to prove that you have carried out suitable and sufficient maintenance on your work equipment.

Tilhill has provided a series of maintenance check books for contractors to use for the main machine types to make keeping records easier. If you are a contractor, ask your Forest Works Manager to supply you with copies of the relevant versions.

Also consider the competence of the person carrying out the maintenance. Are they competent in what they are doing, especially if it is a safety critical system?

Remember:

• Work Equipment must be maintained in a safe and operable
• You must carry out regular checks of your work
• You should keep a record of the checks and
• Those carrying out maintenance must be