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PUWER FAQs

Our experts answer frequently asked questions such as, ‘What does PUWER stand for?’, ‘What do PUWER regulations cover?’ and more.

What does PUWER stand for?

PUWER stands for Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

These UK regulations ensure that work equipment is safe to use, maintained in good condition, and operated by trained personnel.

What equipment is covered by PUWER?

PUWER applies to all types of work equipment, including:

  • Hand tools (e.g., hammers, drills)
  • Machinery (e.g., conveyors, saws, presses)
  • Vehicles used at work (e.g., forklifts, tractors)
  • Lifting equipment (though LOLER — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations — also applies here).

When was PUWER introduced?

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) was introduced in 1992 under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was later updated in 1998 to align with European health and safety directives.

The current version, PUWER 1998, came into force on 5th December 1998 and remains the applicable regulation today.

The 1998 update expanded requirements, particularly around risk assessment, training, and maintenance, making it clearer that employers must ensure work equipment is safe and used properly.

Are abrasive wheels covered by PUWER?

Yes, abrasive wheels are covered by PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998). PUWER applies to all work equipment, including abrasive wheels, to ensure they are safe to use, properly maintained, and used by trained personnel.

The Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1970 (now incorporated into PUWER) provide further specific guidance, particularly regarding wheel selection and mounting procedures, speed markings, and wheel inspections before use.

Does PUWER apply to hire equipment?

Yes, PUWER applies to hire equipment used in the workplace. If you hire, lease, or loan equipment, you have legal responsibilities under PUWER to ensure that the equipment is safe to use, properly maintained, and suitable for the intended task.

Both the equipment hire company and the hirer (employer or end-user) share responsibility for PUWER compliance. The supplier must provide safe, well-maintained equipment with clear instructions, while the hirer must inspect the equipment before use, ensure workers are trained, follow safe procedures, and report any defects.

How often should a PUWER inspection be carried out?

The frequency of PUWER inspections depends on the type of equipment, its use, and the level of risk involved. However, PUWER requires that inspections be carried out:

  • Before first use – when new or hired equipment is introduced.
  • After installation or relocation – to ensure it is set up correctly and safe to use.
  • At regular intervals – based on risk assessments, manufacturer guidelines, and industry best practices. High-risk equipment (e.g., abrasive wheels, woodworking machinery) may need daily or weekly checks, while lower-risk equipment may require monthly or annual inspections.
  • After significant repairs or modifications – to confirm continued safety and compliance.

Employers should keep inspection records to demonstrate compliance with PUWER.

Is PUWER a legal requirement?

Yes, PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) is a legal requirement in the UK. It is enforced under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, meaning employers, the self-employed, and anyone responsible for work equipment must comply with it.

What are the main requirements of PUWER?

The main requirements of PUWER are:

  1. Suitability – equipment must be appropriate for its intended use.
  2. Maintenance – regular checks and servicing to keep equipment safe.
  3. Inspection – routine inspections, especially for high-risk equipment.
  4. Training and supervision – workers must be trained and competent.
  5. Safety measures – equipment must have guards, controls, and emergency stops.
  6. Markings and warnings – clear safety signs and instructions must be provided.
  7. Control systems – safe start/stop mechanisms and emergency controls.
  8. Ergonomics – equipment should be designed for safe and easy use.

What is PUWER training?

PUWER training educates employees on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, ensuring they understand how to safely use, inspect, and maintain workplace equipment.

It covers legal requirements, risk assessments, inspections, and control measures to prevent accidents. Training is essential for anyone responsible for using, managing, or maintaining work equipment.

What responsibilities do all employees have under PUWER?

Under PUWER, all employees have the responsibility to:

  1. Use equipment safely. Follow training, instructions, and workplace procedures.
  2. Inspect before use. Check for defects or hazards and report issues.
  3. Follow safety measures. Use guards, emergency stops, and protective devices correctly.
  4. Wear PPE if required. Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment.
  5. Report faults and hazards. Notify supervisors of unsafe equipment or conditions.
  6. Avoid misuse. Do not modify, tamper with, or use equipment beyond its intended purpose.

Can anyone do a PUWER assessment?

No, a PUWER assessment must be conducted by a competent person, meaning someone with:

  1. Sufficient knowledge – Understanding of PUWER regulations and equipment risks.
  2. Relevant experience – Practical expertise in inspecting and assessing work equipment.
  3. Training and qualifications – Formal PUWER training or health and safety competence.

Employers should ensure that those performing PUWER assessments are qualified and capable of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and recommending control measures.

Are laptops covered under PUWER?

No, laptops are not generally covered under PUWER because they are considered display screen equipment (DSE) rather than work equipment posing significant risk. Instead, they fall under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, which focus on ergonomics, posture, and screen use.

However, if a laptop is used as part of machinery control, testing, or specialised work equipment, then PUWER may apply to ensure safe use.

 

Who is exempt from PUWER?

PUWER applies to most workplaces, but there are some limited exemptions, including:

  1. Public transport vehicles. Vehicles such as buses, trains, and taxis while on public roads (these are covered by separate transport regulations).
  2. Work equipment used by the public. Equipment provided for public use, like gym machines or vending machines, unless employees use them for work.
  3. Ships and seagoing vessels. Covered under Merchant Shipping Regulations instead of PUWER.
  4. Self-employed individuals using equipment for private use only. If the equipment is not used as part of a business activity, PUWER does not apply.

Most workplaces and industries must comply with PUWER, particularly where equipment is used by employees.

Does PUWER include hand tools?

Yes, PUWER applies to hand tools, including manual and powered tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, drills, and saws. Employers must ensure that hand tools are:

  • Suitable for the task and safe to use.
  • Maintained in good condition and inspected regularly.
  • Used by trained and competent workers.
  • Stored properly to prevent damage or misuse.

Even simple tools can cause injuries if defective or used incorrectly, so risk assessments and proper training are essential for compliance.

What are the maintenance requirements for PUWER?

The maintenance requirements under PUWER ensure that work equipment remains safe and fit for use. Key requirements include:

  1. Regular maintenance. Equipment must be kept in efficient working order and in good repair.
  2. Planned inspections. Scheduled checks based on risk, manufacturer guidelines, and usage levels.
  3. Fault reporting and repairs. Any defects must be reported immediately, and unsafe equipment should not be used until fixed.
  4. Record keeping. Maintenance logs should be kept for compliance and audit purposes.
  5. Competent personnel. Maintenance and repairs must be carried out by trained individuals.

What counts as work equipment?

Under PUWER, work equipment includes any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool, or installation used at work. This covers a broad range of items, including:

  1. Hand tools. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches.
  2. Power tools. Drills, saws, grinders.
  3. Machinery. Conveyor belts, CNC machines, presses.
  4. Office equipment. Printers, shredders (but not laptops or display screen equipment – DSE).
  5. Lifting equipment. Forklifts, hoists (also covered by Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations – LOLER).
  6. Work vehicles. Forklifts, tractors (but not public road vehicles).
  7. Temporary installations. Scaffolding, ladders.

Does PUWER cover vehicles?

Yes, PUWER covers work vehicles, but only when they are used off public roads in a workplace setting, such as:

  • Forklifts in warehouses.
  • Tractors on farms.
  • Construction vehicles on sites.
  • Work buggies and plant machinery in factories or yards.

PUWER does not cover vehicles used on public roads, such as cars, lorries, and buses. These are regulated by road traffic laws instead.

For lifting equipment on vehicles (e.g., crane-mounted lorries), LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) may also apply.

What happens if you don’t follow PUWER?

Failure to meet PUWER requirements can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including fines, prosecutions, and even imprisonment in serious cases. Compliance is essential to ensure workplace safety and prevent accidents related to work equipment.

What should be inspected under PUWER?

PUWER inspections should check that equipment is safe, suitable, and well-maintained. Key areas include:

  • Condition and suitability. No defects, fit for purpose, used correctly.
  • Safety features. Guards, emergency stops, and warning systems are functional.
  • Maintenance and records. Regular servicing and up-to-date inspection logs.
  • Operator training. Workers are trained and competent to use the equipment.
  • Work environment. Equipment is used in a safe, stable setting.

Does PUWER apply to equipment provided for working from home?

Yes. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) applies to any work equipment provided by an employer, including equipment supplied for use at home.

If an employer provides equipment for home working (such as laptops, monitors, printers or other devices) they must ensure it is:

  • Suitable for its intended use

  • Maintained in a safe condition

  • Accompanied by appropriate information and instruction

Employers remain responsible for ensuring the equipment is safe, even when it is used off-site. However, PUWER only applies to equipment provided for work purposes, not to an employee’s own personal items unless the employer permits or requires their use for work.

Do I need to keep a maintenance log for work equipment?

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), employers must ensure work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

PUWER does not explicitly require a “maintenance log” for all equipment. However, where equipment inspection is required and there is a significant risk to health and safety, records of inspection must be kept.

Keeping a maintenance log is strongly recommended because it:

  • Demonstrates compliance

  • Provides evidence during audits or investigations

  • Helps track servicing, repairs and defects

For higher-risk machinery, a documented maintenance and inspection record is essential to show the equipment is being properly managed.

What are the requirements for emergency stop controls under PUWER?

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), work equipment must be fitted with appropriate control systems, including emergency stop controls where necessary.

An emergency stop is required where it is appropriate to reduce risk. It must:

  • Be clearly identifiable and easily accessible

  • Bring the equipment to a safe condition as quickly as possible

  • Take priority over other controls (e.g. normal stop/start controls)

  • Not create additional hazards when activated

Not all equipment requires an emergency stop. The need depends on the risk assessment and the nature of the machinery. Where fitted, it must be maintained in effective working order and tested regularly.

Does PUWER cover lighting and space around machinery?

Yes. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) includes specific requirements for the environment in which work equipment is used.

  • Regulation 21 (Lighting) requires that suitable and sufficient lighting is provided where work equipment is used, maintained or inspected.

  • Regulation 22 (Maintenance operations) requires that equipment can be maintained safely, which includes ensuring adequate space for access.

  • Regulation 23 (Markings) and Regulation 24 (Warnings) may also apply where visibility and safety information are needed.

Machinery must be positioned so that operators have enough space to work safely, carry out maintenance and avoid foreseeable risks caused by poor layout or inadequate lighting.

Who is responsible for PUWER compliance when equipment is hired?

The responsibility for compliance under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) rests with the employer using the equipment, even if it is hired.

While the hire company is generally responsible for supplying equipment that is safe and properly maintained, the employer must ensure that:

  • The equipment is suitable for the intended task

  • It is in a safe condition before use

  • Required inspections have been carried out and are in date

  • Employees receive appropriate information, instruction and training

Hiring equipment does not transfer legal responsibility. The duty holder is the organisation in control of the work activity.

What is the link between PUWER and LOLER?

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) applies to all work equipment, ensuring it is suitable, maintained, inspected and used safely.

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations, placing additional and more detailed duties on employers.

The key relationship is:

  • All lifting equipment is work equipment, so it must comply with PUWER.

  • LOLER adds extra requirements for lifting equipment, such as thorough examinations at set intervals, planning of lifting operations and ensuring they are supervised and carried out safely.

Lifting equipment must meet both sets of regulations, with LOLER imposing stricter, specialist controls on top of PUWER’s general safety duties.