The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) applies to all work equipment, including mobile and lifting equipment. It applies to all workplaces and workstations where the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies.
The scope of "work equipment" is extremely wide. It covers almost any equipment used at work including meat cleavers, knives, photocopiers, hand held power tools, ladders and even combine harvesters! It does not include for example substances such as acids, cement or structural items such as walls and stairs.
"Use" means starting, stopping, programming, setting, using, transporting, repairing, modifying, maintaining, servicing and cleaning, and any related expressions.
In general terms, the Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is:
- Suitable for the intended use
- Safe for use
- Maintained in a safe condition and, in certain circumstances, inspected to ensure this remains the case
- Only used by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training
- Accompanied by suitable safety measures such as guards, markings and warning measures
Persons who use, supervise or manage the use of work equipment must be adequately trained.
Where the use of equipment poses a specific risk, employers must provide staff with adequate health and safety information and written instructions.
Equipment can only be repaired and serviced by a competent person who has been adequately trained.