Employers’ obligations under the Directive 2009/104/EC:
The employer shall take every measure to ensure the safety of the work equipment made available to workers. During the selection of the work equipment the employer shall pay attention to the specific working conditions which exist at the workplace, especially in relation of safety and health of the workers. If risks cannot be fully eliminated during the operation of the work equipment, the employer shall take appropriate measures to minimize them. Furthermore, the work equipment should comply with relevant Community directives and/or the minimum requirements.
Throughout its working life, the employer shall keep the work equipment compliant by means of adequate maintenance. The employer shall ensure that the work equipment is installed correctly and is operating properly by inspection/testing of the work equipment (initial, after assembly, periodic and special) by competent persons. The results of inspections shall be recorded and kept.
If the use
of work equipment is likely to involve a specific risk the employer shall
ensure restricted access to its use, and allows of any modification by expert
personnel only. Ergonomics and occupational health aspects shall be taken fully
into account by the employer.
The employer shall provide workers with adequate, comprehensible information (e.g. written instructions) on the work equipment, detailing: the conditions of use, foreseeable abnormal situations, any additional conclusion drawn from experience. Workers shall be made aware of dangers relevant to them. The employer shall ensure that workers receive adequate training, including risks and specific training on specific-risk equipments.