info@invictusinspections.co.uk 07772 281042
Get A Quote

Work Equipment

Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

P.U.W.E.R

L.O.L.E.R.

PUWER- Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 places duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. PUWER also places responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees use work equipment, whether owned by them or not. The regulations aim to make working life safer for everyone using and coming into contact with equipment: employers and employees, contractors, suppliers, and others.

PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is:

  • suitable for the intended use
  • safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate
  • used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training
  • accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include guarding, emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices
  • used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses


Some work equipment is subject to other health and safety legislation in addition to PUWER. For example, lifting equipment must also meet the requirements of LOLER, pressure equipment must meet the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations and personal protective equipment must meet the PPE Regulations.

Risk assessments are necessary due to the legal obligations of protecting yourself and your employees when using equipment and/or machinery. The risk assessments include:

  • Recognising potential hazards and making a record of them
  • Considering the possible harm caused by any outcomes of a risk assessment in order to identify the necessary actions to lessen or eradicate these risks
  • Identifying an alternative way of doing things in order to reduce or eliminate risks


PUWER 98 implies that a PUWER register is required, that identifies which assets require inspection and when. For anyone trying to achieve accreditation for ISO 18001 this is an absolute requirement. The PUWER 98 Inspection register and services related to creating and managing it are covered further under PUWER 98 Inspection Planning and Prioritisation (PIPP).

Competency for PUWER 98, Machine Risk Assessment and current best practice such as BS EN standards is essential. People with the right knowledge and experience in proportion to the risk and complexity of the task at hand, will provide the best results. You must be able to demonstrate the competency of whomever you are using to complete them.

GET IN TOUCH NOW

Let us quote you on all your P.U.W.E.R. needs
Click Here