PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
Category: Loss control & prevention · Reviewed by Simon Temme, Account Executive · Last reviewed
PUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306), known as PUWER, impose duties on employers, self-employed and persons in control of work equipment to ensure equipment is suitable, safe and used by competent people.
Scope
“Work equipment” is defined broadly — any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work. From a single hand tool to a multi-million-pound process plant.
Key requirements
Regulation 4 — suitability for the purpose.
Regulation 5 — maintenance in efficient state and good repair.
Regulation 6 — inspection at suitable intervals and after exceptional circumstances.
Regulation 7–9 — specific risks, information and instructions, training.
Regulation 11 — dangerous parts of machinery to be safeguarded.
Regulations 25–30 — additional requirements for mobile work equipment.
Companion regulations
PUWER sits alongside:
LOLER 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.
PSSR 2000 — Pressure Systems Safety Regulations.
EAWR 1989 — Electricity at Work Regulations.
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 — for manufacturers and importers.
Insurance relevance
For manufacturing, engineering, agricultural, construction, processing and warehousing risks, PUWER and LOLER compliance evidence (statutory examination reports, planned maintenance records) is a standard input to engineering surveys and EL/PL underwriting.
References
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/2306).
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