When I carry out site audits one of the questions I ask is, 'how do they manage maintenance.'
I am usually met with a blank stare or we fix it when it breaks!!
Some electrical equipment requires PAT testing – this is portable appliance testing. This involves getting a competent person usually an electrician to check the electrical wiring of the piece of equipment. When they are happy it is safe they will log it and add a sticker to the plug or appliance with dates. This is usually done on an annual basis.
All plant, equipment and machinery requires maintenance.
Some plant requires maintenance under PUWER – this is covered under provision of work equipment regulations.
This is to ensure that it is safe for your staff to use.
I would suggest having a 1 page document with the name of the appliance at the top maybe a serial number, sometimes you may need to number the equipment if you have a few eg. ladders.
Each month add the date and enter the information it maybe ok it maybe needed oiling or blade changed.
This ensures the piece of equipment has a log of all maintenance that has been carried out.
I also suggest having a maintenance log/diary and this is a place where any issues are logged. It also highlight’s any equipment that keeps breaking down, what the issues are. This also shows management what needs to be done. Some businesses add day/time and who is to fix it and again this shows as/when it has been fixed.
When I carry out accreditations for businesses they also for this confirmation.
