HSE Survey On Access Platform Inspections & Examination

The safe operation and management of powered access platforms is regulated by a number of important pieces of UK legislation which are currently being reviewed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Powered access platform inspections are a legal requirement.

Powered access platforms are used by a diverse range of industries that work at height, from construction to tree surgery and utilities and all of these have different needs and requirements for how they use the machines. However, regardless of the business sector, all access platform operatives are bound by the legislation which is in place to ensure that jobs are completed safely and equipment is kept in prime working order throughout its lifetime.

Changes To Requirements For Access Platform Inspections

The HSE review covers the requirements set out within health and safety legislation for the access platform inspections. The key pieces of legislation are:

  • Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
  • Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
  • Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
  • Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAH)

All types of businesses that work with powered access platforms and lifting equipment are invited to share their views with the HSE on how the legislation supports or impacts on their business and if any improvements could be made to make access platform inspections even safer and more effective.

The survey will include all aspects of safety inspection including pre start checks and familiarisation and also the requirement to ensure that access equipment is serviced every six months by a fully competent person.

If you have experiences, views or suggestions related to complying with these requirements, HSE would like you to share them by completing the surgery which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk or by emailing examinationreview@hse.gov.uk

The survey will be open until at least the end of September. Responses received will be reviewed and a final closing date confirmed.