PUWER 1998: HSE Work Equipment Rules

Regulatory citation: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306)

What Is PUWER?

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers and others who control work equipment in Great Britain to make sure it is suitable, safe to use and properly maintained. Work equipment covers almost any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation used at work.

Why PUWER Matters

Machinery and equipment incidents cause amputations, crush injuries and fatalities. PUWER sets a consistent framework for managing equipment risks from purchase through to disposal.

Core Requirements

1. Suitability

Work equipment must be suitable for its intended use and the conditions in which it is used.

2. Maintenance

Equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

3. Inspection

Where safety depends on installation conditions or equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration, it must be inspected by a competent person at suitable intervals, with results recorded.

4. Guarding Dangerous Parts

Measures must be taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery, following a hierarchy of fixed guards, other guards or protection devices, jigs and holders, and information, instruction and training.

5. Controls and Isolation

Equipment must have suitable controls, including stop and emergency stop controls where appropriate, and means of isolating it from energy sources.

6. Information and Training

People who use, supervise or manage work equipment must have adequate health and safety information and training.

7. Mobile Work Equipment

Additional requirements cover mobile equipment, such as protection against rollover and suitable arrangements for carrying people.

Common Compliance Approaches

Equipment Register

Keep a list of equipment with maintenance and inspection schedules.

Pre-Use Checks

Use simple pre-use checklists for high-risk equipment.

Check New Equipment

Don't assume new equipment is safe; check it's suitable and has appropriate markings and guarding.

Example: PUWER in Practice

A print works buys a second-hand guillotine. Before use, a competent engineer checks the guarding and controls, finds a faulty interlock, and repairs it. The company adds the machine to its maintenance schedule, trains operators on its safe use and checks the interlock daily.

Related regulations: HSE LOLER, OSHA Machine Guarding, OSHA Lockout/Tagout.

Note: This summary reflects the regulations as they apply in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities. Northern Ireland has equivalent but separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is work equipment under PUWER?

Work equipment includes almost any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation used at work, from hand tools and ladders to machines, vehicles and complex installations.

Does PUWER require equipment inspections?

Yes, where safety depends on installation conditions or where equipment is exposed to conditions that could cause deterioration and lead to dangerous situations. Inspections must be carried out by a competent person and recorded.

How does PUWER relate to LOLER?

PUWER applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment. LOLER adds specific requirements for lifting equipment and lifting operations, such as thorough examinations.