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Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending regulations of:

23 November 2004 [shall come into force on 27 November 2004];
29 May 2007 [shall come into force on 2 June 2007];
21 January 2014 [shall come into force on 24 January 2014];
18 March 2014 [shall come into force on 1 September 2014].

If a whole or part of a paragraph has been amended, the date of the amending regulation appears in square brackets at the end of the paragraph. If a whole paragraph or sub-paragraph has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted paragraph or sub-paragraph.


Republic of Latvia

Cabinet
Regulation No. 526

Adopted 9 December 2002

Labour Protection Requirements when Using Work Equipment

[18 March 2014]

Issued pursuant to
Section 25, Clause 2
of the Labour Protection Law

[18 March 2014]

I. General Provisions

1. The Regulation prescribes labour protection requirements when using work equipment in order not to cause risk to the safety and health of workers, and also determines the obligations of the employer for the implementation of these requirements.

[18 March 2014]

2. The Regulation shall apply to any activity with work equipment - putting into operation (starting up), bringing to a halt, utilisation, movement, repair, modification, technical servicing (maintenance), servicing, cleaning - (hereinafter - the use) with the exception of specific operations with work equipment in the armed forces, the police, fire-fighting and emergency services, as well as in other similar fields, if the nature of the relevant specific activities is in conflict with the general principles of labour protection.

3. The employer shall be liable for compliance with this Regulation.

4. The compliance with this Regulation shall be controlled by the State Labour Inspectorate.

II. Requirements for Work Equipment

5. Work equipment control devices that affect the safety of its use shall be clearly visible, appropriately marked, and their meaning shall be readily comprehensible.

6. Work equipment control devices shall, as far as possible, be located outside danger zones (a zone within work equipment or surrounding it, where the safety or health of workers is endangered) so that the use of such control devices does not cause additional danger. Unintentional operations with control devices may not present any risk.

7. A worker who uses work equipment (hereinafter - the operator) shall ensure that there are no people in the danger zone.

8. If it is not possible to meet the requirements of Paragraph 7 of this Regulation, work equipment shall have a safety system with sound and/or light signals, which automatically signals the work equipment being put into operation (started up) in order that a worker who is fully or partially located in the danger zone may in sufficient time avoid the risk that arises when starting or shutting off the work equipment.

9. Work equipment control devices shall be safe. They shall be selected by assessing the likelihood of accidents, breakdowns and interference under intended conditions of use.

10. It shall only be possible to put work equipment into operation (started up) by a conscious action, utilising a control device intended for such purpose.

11. The requirements referred to in Paragraph 10 of this Regulation shall also apply to repeat putting into operation (starting up) after stopping thereof or changing the operation mode (for example, speed, pressure). Repeat putting into operation (starting up) and changing of operation mode may not cause risk to workers. These requirements shall not apply to equipment operating in an automatic mode.

12. Work equipment requires a safe stopping device for bringing the work equipment to a complete halt and - depending on the danger level of the work equipment - also a stopping device for bringing dangerous (for example, rotary, mobile) parts to a halt of such equipment.

13. The stopping device for work equipment shall prevail over the starting device. When work equipment or dangerous parts of such equipment have been brought to a halt, the power supply to the work equipment shall switch off.

14. Depending on the danger level and the normal time required for the stopping of work equipment, the work equipment shall also be equipped with an emergency stopping device.

15. Work equipment, which is dangerous because of falling objects or protuberances, shall be equipped with appropriate safety devices.

16. Work equipment, which is dangerous due to the release of gases, steam, liquids or dust, shall be equipped with appropriate collecting and/or suction devices near the relevant source of risk.

17. Work equipment and parts thereof shall be secured with special clamps or other means if such are required for the safety or health of workers.

18. If there exists a risk of coming into mechanical contact with moving parts of work equipment, which could cause an accident, such parts shall be equipped with protective or other safety devices in order to prevent access to the danger zone or to stop the movement of dangerous parts before reaching the danger zone. Protective and safety devices shall conform to the following requirements:

18.1. they shall be of durable construction;

18.2. shall not cause any additional risks;

18.3. shall not be easily removed or disconnected;

18.4. shall be located at a sufficient distance from the danger zone;

18.5. shall not restrict access more than is necessary to the moving parts taking into account the type of use of the work equipment;

18.6. shall allow the performance of necessary work in order to install or replace parts and to perform repairs, restricting access only to such zone in which the work is to be performed, and if possible - without moving the protective or safety devices.

[29 May 2007]

19. The working or technical servicing area at the work equipment or an area surrounding it shall be illuminated in accordance with the nature of the work.

20. If rupture or disintegration of parts of the work equipment is possible, presenting a risk to the safety or health of a worker, the work equipment shall require special protective devices (for example, lattice, screen).

21. If during operation work equipment or separate parts of such equipment heat up or cool down to such temperatures as presents a risk to the safety or health of workers, such parts shall be isolated or enclosed.

22. Warning (alarm) systems for work equipment shall be easily visible and obvious, and their meaning shall be readily comprehensible and unambiguous.

23. Work equipment shall be appropriately marked and labelled with warning notices and warning signs. The warning signs and notices on the work equipment shall be sufficiently informative, readily obvious and comprehensible.

24. Technical servicing (maintenance) of work equipment shall be carried out when the equipment is shut off and disconnected from the power source. If the equipment cannot be shut off, the technical servicing (maintenance) shall be carried out outside the danger zone or by observing special protective measures.

25. The employer shall ensure regular technical servicing (maintenance) of machinery, apparatus and equipment. If the machinery, apparatus and equipment has a technical maintenance logbook, the workers assigned by the employer shall regularly document the results of technical servicing (maintenance). If necessary, data of technical servicing (maintenance) shall be presented to the State Labour Inspectorate.

[29 May 2007]

26. Work equipment may only be used under the conditions intended for it and for intended operations.

27. Work equipment requires clearly visible and easily accessible power supply cut-off devices. The isolation or disconnection of the work equipment from the source of power, as well as repeated connection to the source of power shall not present a risk to the safety or health of workers.

28. Workers shall be provided with safe access to work equipment, as well as a safe environment in all areas of production, assembly and technical servicing (maintenance).

29. Work equipment by means of which or in which chemical substances, chemical products or other inflammable and combustible products (materials), including production waste, are manufactured, utilised or accumulated shall be secured against the risk of explosion of the work equipment or of the relevant substances or products.

30. Work equipment shall be fireproof and secured against overheating, as well as equipped in such a way as to protect workers against the risks related to the release in the work environment of gases, liquids, steam, dust or other substances which are produced, used or stored by it or in it.

31. Workers shall not come into direct or indirect contact with such parts of work equipment as may present a risk of an electrical nature.

32. Work equipment shall be installed, located and used so that the risk presented to the safety or health of the operator and other workers (for example, mobile and fixed parts or mobile parts of the work equipment are sufficiently distant) is reduced to a minimum, and safe supply and relocation of power and substances or products utilised and manufactured is ensured.

33. Work equipment shall be installed or dismantled under safe conditions observing all the instructions indicated by the manufacturer.

34. Work equipment that may be struck by lightning shall be specifically protected against the effect thereof by grounding or by providing the work equipment with other protective devices.

III. Additional Requirements for Mobile Work Equipment

35. The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to mobile work equipment, also to self-propelled vehicles (hereinafter - the equipment), which may present a risk due to the mobility of the equipment.

36. The equipment on which workers are present shall be equipped so that, when moving, it does not present a risk to workers of coming into contact with or being crushed by parts (for example, wheels, track mechanisms) of the equipment.

37. The equipment shall be equipped or adapted so that the coupler between the equipment and its auxiliary devices and/or items that are being pulled do not become jammed (blocked). If these requirements cannot be met fully, relevant measures shall be taken in order to eliminate the risk to the safety or health of workers.

38. Power transmission mechanisms between mobile parts of equipment shall be secured and protected from sand, dirt and mechanical damage.

39. The equipment on which workers are present shall be so designed as to prevent the equipment from overturning, or it shall be equipped with one of the following safety devices:

39.1. safety structures that prevent the equipment from tilting more than one quarter;

39.2. a structure which ensures a sufficiently large free area around workers, if the tilting is more than one quarter;

39.3. other equivalent equipment.

[29 May 2007]

40. If it is not possible to entirely eliminate the risk of equipment overturning, the equipment shall be equipped with a safety structure, which prevents the risk of workers being crushed. Such safety structure may be a part of the equipment.

41. If the equipment is stabilised during operation or the equipment is so designed as to prevent it from overturning, safety structures shall not be necessary.

42. If it is possible that during the operation of equipment intended for lifting of weights - a fork-lift - may tilt, the equipment shall be adapted accordingly or equipped with one or several of the following safety devices:

42.1. a driver's cab;

42.2. a structure which prevents the equipment from tilting;

42.3. a structure which, when a platform tilts, ensures that for a worker present on the equipment there is a sufficiently large distance between the ground and parts of the equipment;

42.4. a protective structure which prevents the worker sitting in the driver's cab from being crushed by parts of the equipment.

[29 May 2007]

43. In order that the use of a self-propelled vehicle does not present a risk to the safety or health of workers, the following conditions shall be observed:

43.1. the equipment shall be so equipped as to prevent its unauthorised putting into operation (starting up);

43.2. if several self-propelled vehicles run on rails simultaneously, safety measures shall be taken in order to reduce the consequences of a possible collision;

43.3. the equipment shall be equipped with a braking and stopping device, and, if necessary, also with an emergency device with an automatic system, which brings the equipment to a halt if the main braking and stopping device is damaged;

43.4. if the direct field of vision of the driver is not sufficient for safe performance of work, appropriate accessories (mirrors or other optical or electronic devices) shall be fitted to improve visibility;

43.5. if the equipment is used at night or in dark places, sufficient lighting appropriate for the nature of the work shall be provided;

43.6. if the equipment or load transported by such equipment is flammable, fire extinguishing devices shall be placed near the location where the equipment is used. If it is not possible to ensure this, the equipment shall be provided with fire extinguishing devices;

43.7. remote control equipment, when leaving the area of control, shall stop automatically;

43.8. remote control equipment shall be so equipped as to prevent the risk of impact or collision when work is being performed. This condition shall not apply to remote control equipment that has already been equipped with adequate protective devices for preventing the risk of collision.

44. Only workers who have received training shall be permitted to drive self-propelled vehicles.

45. Workers shall observe the safety instructions formulated by the employer for the operation of self-propelled vehicles, which move in a work area.

46. Workers may not be present in an area where self-propelled vehicles are used. If the work cannot be done without the presence of workers, relevant measures are required in order that the self-propelled vehicles do not present a risk to the safety or health of the workers.

47. Workers may be carried on mechanically driven equipment only in cases where the equipment is specially equipped for the safe movement of people. The speed of movement of the equipment shall be regulated in conformity with the work to be done.

[29 May 2007]

48. The equipment with combustion engines may be operated and used only where a sufficient amount of air can be ensured in order that exhaust gases do not present a risk to the safety or health of workers.

IV. Additional Requirements for Work Equipment Intended for Lifting of Weights

49. The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to work equipment which is intended for the lifting of weights (hereinafter - the lifting equipment).

50. If the lifting equipment is permanently installed, its strength and stability during use shall be ensured by taking into account the size of the load to be lifted and the stress on the mounting or fixing points of the structure.

51. The nominal lifting capability and, if necessary, a table of the lifting capability for each configuration of the mechanism shall be clearly indicated on the lifting equipment mechanisms.

52. Capacities for the safe use of accessories shall be unambiguously indicated on the auxiliary devices of lifting equipment.

53. If the lifting equipment is not intended for lifting people, a clear notice of such prohibition shall appear on the equipment.

54. The lifting equipment to be installed permanently shall be installed so as to reduce the risk that the load may:

54.1. fall on workers or strike them;

54.2. slide dangerously or fall freely;

54.3. be released unintentionally.

55. People may only be lifted with the lifting equipment and accessories of such equipment intended for that purpose. In exceptional cases people may also be lifted with equipment, which is adapted to the lifting of people and which does not present a risk to their safety or health.

56. If the lifting equipment is provided for the lifting and movement of workers, it shall comply with the following requirements:

56.1. the equipment shall be equipped with a safety device that prevents the car from falling. If this cannot be ensured because of height or due to the specific nature of the work site but it is necessary to prevent a worker falling from a height, the worker shall be ensured with a safety system in combination with other equipment elements intended for preventing falls which shall be inspected before commencing the work;

56.2. the possibility of a worker falling from the car shall be prevented, and the worker shall also be ensured with the protective equipment referred to in Sub-paragraph 56.1 of this Regulation;

56.3. the crushing, trapping or getting stuck of a worker shall be prevented, in particular if unintentional contact with objects is possible;

56.4. the release of a worker from the car shall be ensured in case of an accident.

[18 March 2014]

57. If the lifting equipment is mobile or can be dismantled, the stability of the equipment during use in all intended working conditions shall be ensured by taking into consideration the specific nature of the base.

58. When lifting workers with the lifting equipment, the following requirements shall be complied with:

58.1. an operator shall be at the control panel throughout the performance of work;

58.2. workers who are being lifted shall be equipped with a quality means of communication;

58.3. if a dangerous situation arises, workers shall be provided with a safe means of evacuation.

59. Workers may not be present under equipment and raised weights, except in cases if such is provided for by the manufacturer of the lifting equipment and the safety and health protection of workers is ensured (for example, in performing work under raised vehicles in car repair undertakings). Weights may not be moved over unprotected workplaces where workers are normally present. If this cannot be ensured due to the specific nature of the work, the employer shall take appropriate measures to eliminate the risk to the safety or health of workers.

[23 November 2004]

60. Lifting accessories shall be selected by taking into consideration the specific nature of the load to be moved, the place of attachment, hoisting tackle and weather conditions, as well as the type and configuration of the movement.

61. If the reinforcing mechanism of auxiliary lifting devices is not dismantled after use, this shall be clearly indicated on the reinforcing mechanism of the auxiliary device, on which is also an indication of its characteristics.

62. Lifting accessories shall be so stored as to prevent such devices from being damaged.

63. When lifting directly non-guided loads (loads, which after being lifted could, due to wind or other conditions, start to move uncontrollably (for example, rotate, oscillate), and such movement cannot be stopped immediately), the following requirements shall be observed:

63.1. if two or more pieces of lifting equipment, the activity radius of which overlap, have been installed at a work site, the possibility of a collision between loads and/or parts of the lifting equipment shall be prevented;

63.2. if mobile lifting equipment is utilised, appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent the possibility of tilting, overturning, moving or sliding, and checks shall be carried out to determine whether such measures have been taken appropriately;

63.3. if the movement path of a load is not in full view, the operator shall communicate, directly or with the help of a means of communication, with a specially assigned worker (such worker assigned by the employer who has necessary knowledge and skills regarding labour protection matters), who shall give the operator instructions and shall take relevant measures to eliminate the collision of loads and risk to the safety or health of workers;

63.4. manual attachment and disengagement of weights shall not present a risk to the safety or health of workers; during the course of such actions the worker shall be directly or indirectly in control of the lifting equipment;

63.5. the work of lifting shall be planned in advance and appropriate supervision shall be provided for in order to prevent a risk to the safety or health of workers;

63.6. if the weight is lifted by two or more pieces of lifting equipment simultaneously, the operator, for better work co-ordination, shall observe the special safety rules for such work formulated by the employer;

63.7. if the lifting equipment does not ensure the holding of the load when the electricity supply is fully or partially interrupted, relevant measures shall be taken in order to prevent the risk to the safety or health of workers;

63.8. equipment and raised weight shall not be left without supervision, except in cases when the danger zone is enclosed and the weight is secured and held safely;

63.9. if weather conditions deteriorate and use of the lifting equipment is not completely safe, the use of the lifting equipment in the open air shall be discontinued and measures shall be taken to ensure that the lifting equipment does not overturn and present a risk to the safety or health of workers.

V. Requirements for Working at a Height

[18 March 2014]

64. [18 March 2014]

65. [18 March 2014]

66. [18 March 2014]

67. [18 March 2014]

68. [18 March 2014]

69. [18 March 2014]

70. [18 March 2014]

71. [18 March 2014]

72. [18 March 2014]

73. [18 March 2014]

74. [18 March 2014]

75. [18 March 2014]

76. [18 March 2014]

77. [18 March 2014]

78. [18 March 2014]

79. [18 March 2014]

VI. Obligations of the Employer

80. The employer shall observe instructions and the technical documentation provided by the manufacturer of the work equipment in order to ensure that use of the work equipment is without harm to the safety or health of workers.

81. The employer shall:

81.1. ensure conformity of work equipment to the work process and proper use of the work equipment in order to eliminate risk to the safety or health of workers. If it is impossible to eliminate the risk fully, the employer shall take measures to reduce the risk to a minimum;

81.2. select work equipment taking into account working conditions in the undertaking and at each workplace, and the risk to the safety and health of workers;

81.3. acquire only work equipment conforming to the requirements of laws and regulations;

81.4. ensure conformity of the work equipment to the requirements of this Regulation and appropriate technical servicing (maintenance) during the whole period of operation thereof;

81.5. ensure the inspection of work equipment after installation and before use, as well as after assembly in another place or another location if the safety of the work equipment is determined by the conditions of installation thereof;

81.6. ensure the following inspections of the work equipment, which is exposed to conditions that may cause its deterioration, presenting a risk to the safety or health of workers:

81.6.1. periodic inspections and also testing, if necessary;

81.6.2. special inspections if exceptional situations have arisen (for example, breakdowns, accidents, unfavourable weather conditions), as well as where work equipment has been modified or has not been used for a long time;

81.7. that for work with equipment, which may present an increased risk to the safety or health of workers (for example, dangerous equipment), only specially trained workers are designated;

81.8. if work equipment is used outside the undertaking, provide it with a certification (document, label, stamp) of the last safety inspection.

82. The inspections referred to in Sub-paragraphs 81.5 and 81.6 of this Regulation shall be carried out by a specialist responsible for work equipment designated by the employer, or a competent inspection authority if this is prescribed by laws and regulations or if the employer is unable to ensure inspection.

83. Records of inspections shall be available to the employer and the inspection authority (if an inspection authority has carried out the inspection). The owner of the work equipment and the employer, as well as the inspection authority, shall keep records of inspections for 10 years, and shall thereafter deposit them in the archives.

84. The employer shall prepare and update a list of such work equipment as may cause an increased risk to the safety and health of workers (for example, dangerous equipment). The abovementioned list shall indicate:

84.1. the location where the relevant work equipment is situated in the undertaking indicating its identification;

84.2. the given name and surname of the worker who is responsible for the safe use and maintenance of the relevant work equipment;

84.3. the date when the last technical inspection was performed, the type (for example, complete, partial, exceptional) and the nature of the inspection (for example, static, dynamic, external), as well as the performers of the inspection;

84.4. the date of the next technical inspection and type of the relevant inspection (for example, complete, partial).

[23 November 2004]

85. In order to ensure the conformity of work equipment to the labour protection requirements, the employer shall take into account the specific nature of the workplace, distribution of workers, body position and principles of ergonomics, when using the work equipment.

86. The employer shall provide workers with comprehensible necessary information and written instructions regarding work equipment, as well as accessibility to these instruction by the workers.

[29 May 2007]

87. Information and written instructions on work equipment shall include labour protection requirements, regulations for the use of work equipment, a description of possible extraordinary and emergency situations and action in such situations in compliance with instructions and the technical documentation of the manufacturer, as well as experience in the use of the work equipment.

88. Workers shall be informed regarding the work equipment at or near the workplace and of any changes in the work equipment (even if workers do not use it), and an explanation shall be provided regarding the danger of the relevant work equipment.

89. The employer shall, in accordance with the procedures specified in laws and regulations, provide training and instruction of workers regarding matters related to the use of work equipment (also provision of information on any risk related to the use of work equipment).

90. [18 March 2014]

90.1 The employer ensures that workers who provide or are able to provide health care services and during work procedures come into contact or may come into contact with equipment (hereinafter - the medical sharps) the using of which poses a risk of cutting or pricking oneself and thus can lead to injury or infection are trained in the following matters in addition to the training and instructions referred to in Paragraph 89 of this Regulation:

90.1 1. safe use of such medical sharps which are equipped with safety mechanisms;

90.1 2. working environment risks associated with blood and other body fluid exposures;

90.1 3. labour protection measures in relation to the use and disposal of medical sharps;

90.1 4. importance of vaccination.

[21 January 2014]

90.2 The employer ensures labour protection measures in order to prevent or reduce risk for safety and health of those workers who provide or are able to provide health care services and during work procedures come into contact or may come into contact with the medical sharps, including such measures if they are appropriate for the relevant employer:

90.2 1. in cooperation with representatives of trade unions or trusted representatives promote an understanding of the risk that can be caused by work with medical sharps;

90.2 2. inform workers about support programmes if such are available;

90.2 3. promote the implementation of good practice in relation to prevention of accidents, as well as their registration and recording in accordance with the requirements of laws and regulations governing the labour protection sphere.

[21 January 2014]

91. The employer shall ensure that workers and their representatives are consulted and participate in all matters related to labour protection, especially in relation to work equipment.

VII. Closing Provisions

92. Work equipment the use of which has been commenced by the date of the coming into force of this Regulation shall be modified in conformity with the requirements of this Regulation by 1 July 2004.

93. [18 March 2014]

Informative Reference to European Union Directives

[23 November 2004; 21 January 2014; 18 March 2014]

The Regulation contains legal norms arising from:

1) Council Directive 89/655/EEC of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work;

2) Council Directive 95/63/EC of 5 December 1995 amending Directive 89/655/EEC concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work;

3) [18 March 2014];

4) Council Directive 2010/32/EU of 10 May 2010 implementing the Framework Agreement on prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector concluded by HOSPEEM and EPSU.

Prime Minister E. Repše

Minister for Welfare D. Staķe


Translation © 2021 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)

 
Document information
Title: Darba aizsardzības prasības, lietojot darba aprīkojumu Status:
In force
in force
Issuer: Cabinet of Ministers Type: regulation Document number: 526Adoption: 09.12.2002.Entry into force: 13.12.2002.Publication: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 182, 12.12.2002.
Language:
LVEN
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