Work Equipment Suitability and Selection Procedure

This procedure applies where [school name] provides or uses work equipment in classrooms, workshops, laboratories, kitchens, grounds or maintenance activities.

Before selecting or providing equipment

The person responsible for selecting or providing the equipment must identify the purpose for which it will be used and consider the working conditions and health and safety risks in the workplace.

Record the equipment, its intended use, the relevant workplace conditions and the health and safety risks considered in selection in [equipment record location].

Suitability decision

Provide or use the equipment only when it is constructed or adapted so that it is suitable for its intended purpose, taking account of the working conditions and health and safety risks in the workplace.

If the equipment is not suitable for the intended purpose, do not provide it or use it for that purpose. Refer the decision to [responsible role].

Controlling use

Ensure that work equipment is used only for suitable purposes. Set out the permitted purpose and any restrictions in the local instructions or controls for the equipment.

Make the relevant local instructions or controls available at [equipment use location] and follow them when the equipment is used.

Application to school activities

Apply this procedure to work equipment used or provided for the school's classrooms, workshops, laboratories, kitchens, grounds or maintenance activities, where those activities are undertaken.