PUWER – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998

The PUWER regulation aims to ensure the safety of people as well as companies operating, maintaining and having control over their equipment and machinery used in their workplaces. This regulation holds responsibility on organisations and businesses’ employees who use work equipment whether it is owned by them or not. It is important for the business as well as the people who work under the company to know about this regulation and to expand their awareness of any new existing version of this regulation as well as to be wary of linked regulations to PUWER.

What is PUWER?

Regulation 6 of PUWER specifies the requirement to complete suitable inspection and maintenance on all work equipment. A PUWER inspection can be either a visual inspection or a thorough examination with an element of testing. It must be carried out by a competent person and a record made and maintained, highlighting any defects found and the remedial actions required and subsequently taken.

Equipment must be fully inspected and tested at installation and prior to first use in order to ensure it has been installed correctly and is safe to use. A schedule of future inspection and maintenance must then be put in place in accordance with PUWER and any other applicable legislation, taking into consideration your risk assessment findings and the manufacturer’s recommendations in terms of equipment inspection and maintenance intervals.

How do I know if this regulation applies to me?

If you are an employer or self-employed and provide equipment at work
If you supervise or even manage the use of the equipment
PUWER is an active regulation as long as the Health and Safety at Work Act is in effect
The regulation covers people using equipment whilst working from home
It does not apply to those who are a seller of the equipment but mainly the end user is held
responsible and it applies to them

Employers’ duties under PUWER

To comply with the PUWER regulations an employer who owns, operates or has control over work equipment has a duty to control any risks by:

Ensuring that work equipment is suitable for use, and is used for the purpose and conditions
in which it is intended to be used.

Properly installing any fixed work equipment or machinery, including ensuring that any
safeguards are in place.

Producing a safe system of work for using and maintaining machinery and work equipment.

Ensuring that, where necessary, work equipment is regularly inspected by a suitably
competent person so it continues to be safe for use.

Maintaining work equipment in good condition.
Ensuring that people using, supervising or managing equipment are provided with
appropriate information and training on use and safety.
Taking account of working conditions and health and safety risks when selecting work
equipment, for example flooring conditions, stairs and space.
Keeping appropriate records.

A combination of these measures may be necessary depending on the requirements of the work, the assessment of the risks involved, and the practicability of these measures.

Employers and management must be aware of the requirements of PUWER and understand that this is an absolute duty. They must ensure that PUWER inspections are undertaken at suitable intervals and ensure that a management system is in place for this as an integral part of other Health and Safety management practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PUWER a legal requirement?

No, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) is an approved code of practice and guidance. Although it is not law, regular inspections and certifications are usually sufficient for legal compliance for workplace Health and Safety.

What is the purpose of a PUWER inspection?

The inspection of work equipment under PUWER ensures that all equipment and machinery in the workplace are safe for employees to use and for anyone else to be around. Compliance with PUWER significantly reduces the risk of operational failure, accidents, and severe injury.

What equipment is covered under PUWER?

Any equipment that is used in a workplace and could pose a risk to the health and safety of employees or the surrounding public require regular inspections

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