Workshop / Equipment Safety
Incorrect or unsafe use of workshop equipment can give rise to a risk of significant injury. Items such as band saws, abrasive wheels, etc. have the potential to cause serious injury.
The University has prepared a number of (opens in a new window)general risk assessments for workshop equipment to aid workers is addressing the hazards posed by workshop equipment. These documents must be reviewed by persons using workshop equipment in order to ensure that they adequately manage the risks posed by the equipment in question. In the event that a General Workshop / Equipment risk assessment is not sufficient to control the risk posed by the equipment in use then there are two options available:
- (opens in a new window)General equipment risk assessments can be modified to include additional risk control measures and more specific information on the equipment in question
- The user can complete a new risk assessment using a (opens in a new window)UCD Machinery - Equipment Risk Assessment Template.
It is essential that all users of University workshop equipment are competent to operate that equipment safely. At a minimum all equipment users must know how to safely start, safely stop and safely operate the equipment. In addition they must know how to deal with problems with the equipment such as blockages, broken components, etc.
Before using any piece of equipment, it must be visually inspected to ensure that it is not damaged. Damaged equipment must not be used – it must be removed immediately from service and the damage reported to a workshop manager / technical officer.
Equipment must only be used for the purpose for which it was designed/intended.
Statutory Plant Inspections
See Statutory Plant for further details on the periodic statutory examination and testing which is required for lifting equipment and lifting accessories, and on pressure systems.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
A PAT Tester is an electrical safety testing device that tests any appliance in which a plug top is fitted. PAT test equipment is used is to ensure that the electrical safety parameters i.e earth continuity/insulation resistance that were embedded by the product manufacturer have not been compromised while the equipment is in service.
PAT Testing equipment is available on loan from the UCD SIRC Office to UCD staff with a PAT training certificate. Please contact (opens in a new window)sirc@ucd.ie for further information.
