What Does PUWER Mean?
PUWER is an abbreviation for Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It is often referred to as the PUWER Regs or PUWER 98 regulations. PUWER regulations came into force on 5 December 1998.
If you’ve been wondering what exactly PUWER is and how these regulations affect your business, read on for more information.
What Are the PUWER Regulations?
PUWER replaces the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 and carries forward these existing requirements with a few changes and additions. For example, the inspection of work equipment and specific new requirements for mobile work equipment. Many aspects of PUWER should therefore be familiar to you.
These regulations relate to preventing and controlling risks to people’s safety at work when using any qualifying equipment. In addition to the requirements of PUWER, lifting equipment is also subject to the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
What Is a PUWER Inspection?
Generally, the PUWER Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is regularly inspected to ensure that it is:
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Maintained safe for use
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In a safe condition
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Suitable for the intended use
A PUWER inspection is necessary for the above and must be completed by a suitable competent person such as ISI. We would also ensure that the equipment is used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction, and training; and accompanied by suitable safety measures, e.g. protective devices, markings, and warnings.
Visit our PUWER regulations pdf for further information or to download a copy, or call our helpful PUWER specialist team on 01675 481779.