What Does PUWER Mean?
PUWER stands for Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It is often referred to as the PUWER Regs or PUWER 98 regulations. These 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?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 have been replaced by PUWER. It carries forward the existing requirements with a few modifications and additional requirements. 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. Lifting equipment must comply with the requirements of PUWER and LOLER. LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
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:
- Maintained safe for use
- In a safe condition
- 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 will ensure that only people who have received proper instruction and training use the equipment. Additionally, suitable safety measures must be in place. For example, protective devices, markings, and warnings.
Visit our PUWER regulations pdf for more information. Download a copy, if needed. Contact our PUWER specialist team on 01675 481779.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of PUWER?
PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and defines the health and safety duties for owning, operating, or controlling work equipment. PUWER regulations aim to ensure all work equipment is fit for purpose, in good working order, and safe to use.
What responsibilities do all employees have under PUWER?
Employees are not directly responsible for ensuring compliance with PUWER regulations – this falls to the business owner or Chief Executive. However, they have a duty to comply with health and safety rules, report safety hazards and use work equipment as instructed by their employer.
What is a PUWER assessment?
A PUWER inspection can be carried out to ensure compliance with PUWER regulations. Compliance with PUWER offers peace of mind that all your equipment and machinery are suitable, operational, and safe.
When should a PUWER inspection be carried out?
Under PUWER regulations, the frequency of a PUWER inspection depends on the installation conditions. Specifically, the equipment should be inspected after installation (before its first use), after reassembly at a new site, and routinely every 12-120 months. See our guide for details.