Brian

PUWER revoked the PP Regs but reinserted key requirements including the 4 hour rule.

See www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/l112.pdf

Hello Brian,

The pre-use checks (Initial Inspection) are separate checks to 4 hours checks. The 4 hour check (daily inspection and testing) is a simple functional one and is used to verify that the safety devices are working correctly, in effect a “fitness for work” test. All press guards and safety devices must be inspected and tested by a competent and appointed person within 4 hours of the work period and if the guards have been altered or disturbed. The press must not be used unless the inspection and test has been completed.

The initial Inspection is much more in-depth where Power Presses and safety devices (guards) have to be examined and tested by a “competent” person before they are first used in any factory. During this flywheel bearings, clutch and brake units are inspected. The competent person (training experience …etc) should be independent of production. In the factory where I work we use the original manufactures/suppliers and our insurance company to carry out the initial inspection and the 6 month statutory inspections.

The initial and statutory inspections are essential as on some old types of press (e.g. single stroke) if the mechanisms jam up, the crank will run continuously at flywheel speed with devastating results.

Hi Brian,

Power presses guards and safety devices should be checked on completion of the tooling set up before it is handed over to production, and if already running within 4 hours of the shift starting.

Checks of guards and safety devices must be carried out by a competent and appointed person, i.e. your trained setter, or a trainee setter who is under thier direct supervision.