The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, requires work equipment to be suitable, maintained and inspected at suitable intervals.
PUWER applies to almost any machinery, appliance, tool or installation used at work, from hand tools and ladders to production machinery and workshop plant. The duty holder must ensure equipment is suitable, maintained in a safe condition, and inspected at suitable intervals by a competent person.
Unlike LOLER, PUWER does not fix examination intervals. The frequency is risk-based and set by the duty holder, taking account of the manufacturer guidance, the conditions of use and the rate of deterioration.