Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Full title: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Statutory Instrument: SI 1998/2306
Made: 1998
Came into force: 5 December 1998
PUWER applies to a broad range of work equipment used at work.
Work equipment can include machinery, appliances, apparatus, tools and installations.
PUWER places duties on employers and others who have control over work equipment.
The regulations address matters including:
- Suitability
- Maintenance
- Information and instruction
- Training
- Protection against specified hazards
- Controls
- Isolation
- Stability
- Lighting
- Warning markings
- Emergency stop controls
- Inspection
HSE confirms that PUWER replaced the original PUWER regulations introduced in 1992 and significantly expanded the scope of the earlier requirements.
Where is the inspection requirement?
The principal statutory provision is:
PUWER Regulation 6 – Inspection
Regulation 6 establishes when work equipment must be inspected.
It requires inspection where necessary to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained and that deterioration can be identified before it creates a dangerous situation.
This includes inspection:
After installation
Where the safety of the equipment depends on installation conditions, it should be inspected after installation and before first use.
After relocation
Where applicable, equipment should be inspected following reassembly at a new location.
At suitable intervals
Where equipment is exposed to conditions liable to cause deterioration which could result in a dangerous situation, appropriate inspections must be carried out at suitable intervals.
Following exceptional circumstances
Inspection is also required where exceptional circumstances have occurred that could have jeopardised the safety of the equipment.
Examples can include:
- Major modification
- Significant repair
- Serious damage
- Substantial change in use
- Other circumstances capable of affecting the safety of the equipment
These requirements are specifically set out in Regulation 6. HSE confirms that there is no universal PUWER inspection interval applicable to all work equipment.
What does a PUWER inspection involve?
The extent of the inspection depends upon the equipment and the risks involved.
The HSE PUWER guidance explains that inspection may include:
- Visual examination
- Functional checks
- Testing
- Examination of safety-related components
- Assessment of deterioration
- Assessment of installation conditions
The inspection should be appropriate to the equipment and the risks associated with its use.
The HSE ACOP states that those determining the nature of inspections and those carrying them out should be competent and possess the necessary knowledge and experience.
Where are inspection records covered?
The requirement to record inspection results is contained within Regulation 6.
The regulations also establish requirements concerning evidence of inspection where equipment is supplied to or obtained from another undertaking.
This is particularly relevant to equipment hire and rental businesses.
What supports PUWER?
The principal HSE Approved Code of Practice and guidance is:
L22 – Safe use of work equipment
The ACOP provides practical guidance on how the requirements of PUWER can be met.
HSE confirms that the PUWER ACOP has special legal status: following the ACOP is not compulsory, but if the guidance is followed it will normally be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the law. Alternative methods can be used where they provide an equivalent or better standard of health and safety.
What does a PUWER inspection involve?
The extent of the inspection depends upon the equipment and the risks involved.
The HSE PUWER guidance explains that inspection may include:
- Visual examination
- Functional checks
- Testing
- Examination of safety-related components
- Assessment of deterioration
- Assessment of installation conditions
The inspection should be appropriate to the equipment and the risks associated with its use.
The HSE ACOP states that those determining the nature of inspections and those carrying them out should be competent and possess the necessary knowledge and experience.
Where are inspection records covered?
The requirement to record inspection results is contained within Regulation 6.
The regulations also establish requirements concerning evidence of inspection where equipment is supplied to or obtained from another undertaking.
This is particularly relevant to equipment hire and rental businesses.
What supports PUWER?
The principal HSE Approved Code of Practice and guidance is:
L22 – Safe use of work equipment
The ACOP provides practical guidance on how the requirements of PUWER can be met.
HSE confirms that the PUWER ACOP has special legal status: following the ACOP is not compulsory, but if the guidance is followed it will normally be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the law. Alternative methods can be used where they provide an equivalent or better standard of health and safety.