ESPE inspection service

摘要

Many employers are unaware that carrying out regular PUWER inspections may not be enough for them to meet their legal obligations in respect of machinery safety, warns Gary Trewhitt of Safety Systems Technology. Special requirements apply to machines that incorporate electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) such a light curtains. To address the increasing use of ESPE in modern machines, where it often takes the place of traditional guarding, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published HSG180, 'Application of electro-sensitive equipment using light curtains and light beam devices to machinery'. This publication is for guidance only but, because of the safety critical nature of the use of ESPE, employers are advised to follow its provisions unless they can demonstrate good reasons for doing otherwise.