What does PUWER stand for?

Businesses use all kinds of equipment and machinery to help fulfil work duties. Whether you’re moving construction or making a cup of tea, it’s imperative that these devices are safe to use.

PUWER regulations outline the legal rules around using work equipment safely. Without compliance, you could end up facing monetary fines, negligence claims, and even company penalties.

In this guide, we’ll look at what PUWER stands for, who it applies to, and how to comply with these legal safety requirements.

What is PUWER?

PUWER stands for the ‘Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998’. This version is a replacement of the previous PUWER law introduced in 1992.

The bill outlines the right to use equipment and machinery safely during work. It covers any employer who owns, operates, or controls equipment in the workplace. 

Without the right guidance, employees could face serious manufacturing accidents and injuries. Some of the most common ones include burns from hot surfaces, injury by faulty equipment, and being struck by moving machinery.

Who does PUWER apply to?

The rules of PUWER apply to employers, self-employed people, and anyone who controls work equipment. 

These people have an in-depth understanding on what PUWER is and how to ensure machinery properly. From here, you’ll be able to comply with proper health and safety regulations. For example, how to report safety issues linked to a particular device.

What are the legal guidelines covered under PUWER?

PUWER covers particular guidelines when it comes to work equipment and machinery. They should be:

• Used for its actual purpose.
• Stored properly. 
• Inspected at relevant times (i.e., annually or after accidents).
• Used alongside related equipment (like, wearing safety goggles).
• Used by workers with the right knowledge, training, and qualifications.

What type of equipment falls under PUWER?

There are certain equipment that fall under PUWER regulations. These include, ‘any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether exclusively or not)’.

It also includes equipment that people bring in to do their work duties. However, there are relevant laws that may overlap. For example, safety helmets and eyewear come under PPE regulations, in relation to PUWER.

How often is equipment checked under PUWER?

Under PUWER, all work equipment and machinery should legally be checked:

• After it’s been installed (before it’s used for the first time).
• After it’s been moved to a new location.
• After suitable periods (like, annually, etc).
• Under suitable situations (like, after a recent accident).

How to comply with PUWER rules in your workplace

Anyone who owns, uses, or controls work machinery has a legal duty to ensure it’s safe to use. When everyone respects and complies with PUWER rules, it helps promote a safe working environment.

Let’s take a look at ways your workplace remains compliant with PUWER rules:

Use the right equipment for the right job

Employers should ensure the right equipment and machinery is being used for the right job. This might seem like an obvious statement; but one bad move could lead to serious accidents and injuries. 

Remember, this is the first requirement outlined under PUWER. Make sure your devices are specifically designed for the job in use. If you’re in doubt, contact the relevant manufacturers so you have all the relevant information needed.

Provide proper equipment training

Before an employee is allowed to use certain machinery, they should know how to use it safely. This is done by providing them with the proper training needed. 

With the right PUWER training, employees are able to apply safe working conditions – protecting themselves, as well as others. They should also know how to spot, reduce, and even eliminate safety risks when presented.

Hold regular inspections

The next step is to ensure all equipment and machinery go through regular inspections. There isn’t a specific law on how often these should be held. However, it’s advisable to hold them annually and after relevant events (like after a close or minor injury).

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for any guidance on holding regular inspections. Remember, these are preventive measures that help lower risks of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Use guards for dangerous equipment

Some equipment may include moving or rotating pieces which can lead to health and safety risks. It’s advisable to use guards on such equipment – helping to reduce the dangers.

Some guards are fixed, interlocked, and even automatic. Make sure your guards are suitable for your machinery. These should also be cleaned and maintained to further help reduce risks.

Perform risk assessments

All employers should know what health and safety risks come with certain work machinery. A great way to do this is through performing risk assessments.

Risk assessments help identify and minimise hazards, as well as outlines safe work procedures. These methods not only help protect the user, but also those around them (i.e., like colleagues or the general public).

Legally, a PUWER assessment should only be carried out by a ‘competent person’.  They should have the relevant knowledge, training, and certification to carry out inspections. 

Are there other laws linked to PUWER?

PUWER usually sits with other relevant laws when it comes to workplace health and safety. Some of the most common legal regulations include:

The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)

ACOP is mainly linked to employers, managers, and anyone who is responsible for using work equipment safely.  This means it could count against you in court if you have not followed ACOP’s recommendations which could have prevented an accident.

The Health and Safety Act at Work 1974 (HSWA)

HSWA outlines a legal duty for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people in your workplace. This relates to employees, but it also covers non-employees (like customers, clients, or sometimes, the general public).

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

LOLER looks at specific safety rules in relation to testing lifting machinery. The regulations aim to prevent and eliminate risks when using lifting equipment to perform work duties. 

Get expert advice on PUWER regulations with Peninsula

No matter what your industry is, every workplace comes with its own health and safety risks. The best way to minimise them is through complying with the proper regulations

Peninsula offers expert advice on PUWER regulations. We offer 24-hour H&S advice – ensuring your employees work in the most safe and secure manner. 

Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Health and Safety consultants today.