Health and safety legislation places a duty on employers to ensure plant and equipment in the workplace is maintained. This refers to the process of regularly inspecting, repairing, and servicing the tools, machinery, vehicles, and other equipment used in a workplace to ensure its safe and efficient operation. Adequate maintenance of work equipment is essential to prevent breakdowns, prolong the lifespan of the equipment, and maintain a safe working environment. Below are some key aspects of maintaining work equipment: 

1. Regular Inspections: Inspections should be conducted by trained personnel who are knowledgeable about the specific equipment being used, to identify any signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunction. Any issues identified during inspections should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage or potential hazards. 
   
   
2. Scheduled Servicing: This is otherwise known as Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) and is vital to ensure optimal performance. This may include lubrication, cleaning, calibration, and adjustment of components. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing intervals and procedures, as outlined in the equipment’s user manual. 
   
   
3. Repairs and Replacements: Any required repairs or replacements should be carried out promptly. This may involve replacing worn-out parts, repairing damaged components, or addressing any other issues that may affect the safe and efficient operation of the equipment. It’s important to use genuine replacement parts and follow manufacturer’s repair guidelines.
    
4. Operator Training: Operators should be trained in the correct operation, handling, and maintenance procedures for the specific equipment they use. This includes understanding safety guidelines, operating instructions, and maintenance requirements. Ongoing training and refresher courses regarding the latest practices and techniques should be provided. 
   
   
5. Documentation: Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of all maintenance activities, including inspections, servicing, repairs, and replacements, is important for tracking the maintenance history of work equipment. This documentation can help identify patterns of issues, track warranties, and provide evidence of compliance with regulatory requirements.
    
6. Safety Checks: Ensure that work equipment is in compliance with relevant safety regulations and standards. This may include checking safety features such as guards, emergency stop buttons, and safety interlocks, as well as verifying that equipment is used in accordance with safety guidelines and procedures. 
   
   
7. Proper Storage: Equipment should be stored in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from corrosive materials, extreme temperatures, and other potential hazards. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for storage, including recommendations for disassembly, cleaning, and protective measures. 
   
   

Maintenance work should only be carried out by those who are competent to do the work. For some maintenance work, for example the changing of abrasive wheels, there are well-established industry training schemes. In other cases, such as for the use of small-scale scaffold towers, sufficient training may be provided by the equipment hirers.  

Plant and equipment must be made safe before maintenance starts i.e., through isolation / lock-out and any stored energy released. Formal systems of work, such as a permit to work, are required in some cases to safely manage high-risk maintenance operations.  

Adhering to proper maintenance practices can help ensure that work equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably, reducing the risk of breakdowns, accidents, and costly downtime. 

The iProtectU software contains an Asset Management system which has a designated register to file assets and equipment as well as log their inspection summary. The system allows the user to add / view, the serial number, location, condition and audit history of equipment within the organisation. The inspection summary feature gives the user a snapshot of the equipment condition, compliance status as well as past and future inspection dates.