The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require risks to people's health and safety, from equipment that they use at work, to be prevented or controlled. A Simple Guide to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) can be found on the HSE website.
The Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance can be found at the Safe Use of Work Equipment: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
To gain an idea of how compliant your business is currently in this regard complete our brief self-assessment checklist on Work Equipment item i and Item LTraining.
The regulation requires that equipment provided for use at work is:
- suitable for the intended use;
- safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and, in certain circumstances, inspected to ensure this remains the case;
- used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training; and
- accompanied by suitable safety measures, e.g. protective devices, markings, warnings.
Any equipment used by employees at work is covered by these regulations.
The Regulations now encompass Mobile Work Equipment and Power Presses. Information about which can be found at the links below.
- The HSE Webpage on Mobile Work Equipment
- Safe Use of Power Presses: Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance
- Power Presses: A Summary of Guidance on Maintenance and Thorough Examination
- Managing Health and Safety in Construction: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Approved Codes of Practice
In addition to the requirement of PUWER, lifting equipment is subject to the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Information on this can be found on the Surrey Heath Borough Council webpage - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.