PUWER: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 explained

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, also known as PUWER, ensures equipment is safe to use in the UK, when in the workplace and on-site, ranging from hand tools through to machinery. 

In this blog, we’ll distinguish what it means, how it slightly differs from LOLER, why it’s important when working on-site – especially when dealing with heavy, dangerous equipment in the construction industry – what to look out for during a PUWER inspection and who is responsible. We also include recommendations for buyers and suppliers working in the facilities management space, and what they can do to align with PUWER regulations. 

Plus, you can download our free PUWER inspection checklist to help you record your inspection findings!

 

What is PUWER? 

It applies within the office and on-site, by making sure equipment safe and legal to use. This means carrying out regular: 

1. Inspections (take a look at our checklist below) 
2. Maintenance 
3. Competence and Training 

 

What equipment is covered by PUWER? 

If it’s used for work, it falls under PUWER. 

Some of the equipment covered by PUWER includes, but is not at all limited to: 

• All machinery, including heavy, mobile and complex machinery 
• Forklifts 
• Trucks 
• Conveyors 
• Medical equipment 
• Hand tools 
• Heavy machinery 
• Photocopiers 
• Ladders 
• Required use of safety devices eg machine guards and interlocks 

Please note, this is NOT an exhaustive list. 

Equipment needs to be fit for purpose and manufactured to the right standard, with an appropriate CE or EN number, helpful when recording items down on an inspection checklist.  

Take the necessary steps to ensure it is safe to operate by carrying out regular inspections by competent, trained personnel, even if it appears brand new and is well looked after.

 

Who does PUWER apply to? 

PUWER applies to anyone who operates equipment, whether that’s in the office or on-site. 

Competent persons should be assigned to carry out inspections and maintenance to prevent problems from happening.  

The legal duty is on the employer to ensure they train their staff. But also, individuals should not use equipment unless they are trained to do so and have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others.

 

PUWER inspection checklist 

When to inspect equipment under PUWER 

• After installation: after being newly installed or reassembled at a new site 
• At intervals 
• After incidents 

Who does a PUWER inspection? 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)¹ states: 

‘An inspection should concentrate on those safety-related parts which are necessary for the safe operation of work equipment and, in some cases, this may require testing or dismantling. However, not all safety-critical features on a particular item of work equipment may require inspection at the same intervals.’ 

A PUWER inspection should be carried out be a ‘competent person’ with the necessary knowledge and experience. This means they: 

• understand the risk with certain equipment 
• know what to look at and look for 
• know what to do if they find something wrong. 

This can be an experienced team member who has completed and passed necessary training, so they can execute smart risk management to ensure equipment is safe to operate.  

How often should equipment be inspected under PUWER? 

‘You only need to inspect what is necessary for safety. (HSE)’ 

The HSE² continues to state that inspections can vary, with some checks ranging between: 

 

Type of check	Examples
Quick checks before use	Electric cable condition on hand-held power tools; Functional testing of brakes and lights on mobile machinery
Weekly checks	Presence of guarding; Function of safety devices; Tyre pressures; Condition of windows, mirrors and CCTV on mobile plant
More extensive examinations (e.g. every few months or longer)	General condition of ladders; Close examination of safety harnesses; Portable appliance testing

 

Not sure how to record your inspection findings? 

Download our free PUWER inspection checklist – includes some examples to help you get started! 

 

Are LOLER and PUWER regulations the same? 

Even though they both fall under health and safety regulations, LOLER and PUWER are slightly different. 

The main difference between the two is the type of equipment involved: 

LOLER: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations	LOLER applies just to lifting equipment and lifting operations focusing on lifting risks, planning lifts, stability etc.
PUWER: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations	PUWER applies to almost all work equipment focusing on safe selection, use, maintenance, training, guarding. It covers machines, tools, vehicles, hand tools, etc.

Read our full LOLER blog to learn more.

 

Why is training on equipment important? 

Under PUWER, it’s crucial that the assigned ‘competent person’ has had the necessary training to assess risks and ensure equipment is safe to operate. This means spotting the early warning signs if something doesn’t seem right, to protect the operator and everyone around them. 

Older equipment might need to be upgraded or amended to be safe to operate with the latest guidelines, along with workers being trained and competent so they understand safe equipment operation. 

How can you safeguard on-site under PUWER? 

• On-site guarding must be provided, such as preventing danger zone access with relevant signage, and emergency stops to safety shut off equipment 
• Safety interlocks can prevent contact with moving equipment parts 
• Operators must have full visibility of the danger zone from the control position eg. mirrors on a forklift truck 

 

PUWER compliance 

Compliance with PUWER regulations is required from both sides: it’s not just down to the supplier’s compliance, but making sure the equipment they are using is compliant in the first place, which in turn affects the buyer’s supply chain. 

So how can you be sure you’re operating with compliant equipment and competent people? 

Suppliers: How to check equipment is compliant under PUWER 

If you’re a supplier working on-site, make sure the equipment you’re operating is safe to use. This means a competent, trained person needs to carry out an inspection – use our checklist for inspiration. 

For audit purposes, you may want to consider a way of keeping information together, as a credible way of complying with ISO 19650 information management too. By showing you have a way of tracking inspections and have trained responsible persons, you can stand out to more buyers and clients, and prove you’re their next supplier of choice.. 

Want to pre-qualify for work with top UK buyers, faster? 

Buyers: How can you check PUWER compliance for your supply chain? 

As a buyer with an extensive supply chain, you want to make sure the suppliers you’re working with are competent and reliable, but above all, compliant. 

By using our existing network of pre-qualified suppliers, you can save time and money sourcing and verifying suppliers – we do it for you! We check their certificates are valid and in date, and align with your stated supply chain requirements. 

Looking for an easier way to find reliable suppliers?

 

Key takeaways 

• Consider a way of keeping an audit trail 
• Make sure ‘competent people’ are trained, know what to look for when inspecting equipment, and what to do if it needs fixing 
• Suppliers: Make a record of your equipment inspections – download our free checklist! And consider a compliance membership to pre-qualify for work, faster! 
• Buyers: Easily find safe, reliable suppliers, and keep track of their credentials with our effective facilities management supply chain solution

 

FAQs 

What does PUWER stand for? 

PUWER stands for Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. 

What do the PUWER Regulations cover? 

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 covers equipment in the workplace, by making sure it is safe to operate, and that safety measures are put in place when there are faults.