Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

PUWER 1998 stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It is a set of UK regulations that aim to ensure the safe use of work equipment. These regulations place legal duties on employers and those who are responsible for the control of work equipment to ensure that it is safe to use and maintained in a safe condition.

PUWER 1998 applies to a wide range of work equipment, including machinery, vehicles, hand tools, and lifting equipment. Work equipment is normally defined as any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation provided for use at work. The regulations apply to any and all work equipment.

The regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments, provide adequate training, and ensure that equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

Employers must:

• Assess the locations where the work equipment is being used (particular circumstances);
• Assess the suitability of the equipment for the particular task;
• Consider ergonomic risks to operator (e.g. operating positions);
• Consider when to ventilate workplaces;
• Foresee any likely problems that might arise that could affect the health of the operator from the use of the equipment;
• Consider if the equipment will have to be adapted to ensure safety (add a guard or an emergency stop button);
• Consider who will use it and how it will be maintained.

The ultimate goal of PUWER 1998 is to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace that can result from the use of faulty or unsafe equipment. It is essential that employers comply with these regulations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees.

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