For employers, inspection firms, workshop managers and facilities teams managing work equipment suitability, maintenance, inspection and guarding records. It is UK-focused and not legal advice.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that work equipment is suitable for its purpose, maintained in a safe condition, and used only by people with adequate information, instruction and training.
What counts as work equipment?
Almost any machinery, appliance, tool or installation used at work, from hand tools, ladders and power tools to production machinery, conveyors and workshop plant.
The core duties
- Suitability for the intended use and conditions
- Maintenance in efficient working order
- Inspection at suitable intervals by a competent person
- Guarding of dangerous parts of machinery
- Information, instruction and training
PUWER and LOLER
PUWER covers all work equipment in general. LOLER adds specific duties for lifting equipment and lifting operations. Lifting equipment must satisfy both sets of regulations.
PUWER on CertFlow
CertFlow holds every machine as an asset with its own inspection and maintenance schedule, a defect-to-remedial workflow and a complete, timestamped history that proves the equipment was kept safe.