PUWER

PUWER

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998, often abbreviated to PUWER place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. It requires owners to ensure that the equipment provided is suitable for the intended use, safe to use, maintained correctly and inspected regularly.  

PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is: 

  • Suitable for the intended use 
  • Safe for use. Ensure equipment is correctly installed and regularly inspected 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 
PUWER
Image courtesy Stakapal Ltd

The HSE classes work equipment as any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work. As such, warehouse racking is classed as work equipment. Therefore, it is the role of the owner to construct the equipment or adapt it suitably for its intended purpose. You must assess risks when using the equipment within the workplace and ensure its use only for suitable purposes.  

You are also responsible for maintaining the work equipment in good working order with any maintenance or repair work recorded. Any employees using the work equipment must have adequate training with clear health and safety information provided.  

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. 

Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you follow the guidance, you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to comply with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice.   

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