Need your Work Equipment inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Or need a full on site PUWER98 Assessment? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) is a key piece of UK health and safety legislation designed to ensure that equipment used at work is suitable, safe, and properly maintained. PUWER applies to employers, the self-employed, and anyone who has control over work equipment. The regulations cover a broad range of equipment, from simple hand tools to complex machinery, and apply in all work environments. The main aim of PUWER is to prevent injuries and accidents resulting from the improper use or maintenance of equipment.
Under PUWER, employers must ensure that work equipment is: suitable for its intended use; maintained in a safe condition; and inspected regularly to detect and remedy any deterioration or risk. Additionally, equipment must be used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction, and training. Where necessary, risks must be controlled by using guards, warning devices, and other protective measures. Employers are also required to consider ergonomic factors and the health and safety of workers during equipment selection and use.
Inspections under PUWER are a critical part of ensuring ongoing safety. These inspections must be carried out by a competent person, and the frequency will depend on factors such as the type of equipment, its use, and the level of risk involved. For example, high-risk equipment like power presses, or woodworking machinery may require more frequent checks. Inspections can be formal (documented, scheduled and a report of thorough examination produced) or informal (carried out by operators as part of routine checks, as long as they’re deemed competent), but any significant defects found must be recorded and acted upon promptly. Keeping clear records of inspections and maintenance is not only good practice—it is legally required in the event of an incident, or HSE investigation.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) apply to a wide range of work equipment used in workplaces across the UK. Work equipment under PUWER includes any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool, or installation used by an employee at work. This means the regulations cover everything from simple hand tools to complex industrial machinery. The main aim of PUWER is to ensure that equipment is safe for use, properly maintained, and only operated by people who have received adequate training.
Work EquipmentCommon examples of work equipment covered by PUWER include powered machinery such as lathes, milling machines, conveyors, forklifts, and packaging machines. These items often present significant risks due to moving parts, high speeds, or heavy loads. PUWER requires that such equipment is fitted with appropriate guards, emergency stop controls, and safety devices to prevent contact with dangerous parts. Regular inspections and servicing are also required to ensure continued safe operation.
PUWER also applies to hand-held and portable tools, including drills, grinders, saws, nail guns, and powered cutting tools. Even though these tools may appear low risk compared to large machinery, they can still cause serious injuries if poorly maintained or incorrectly used. Under PUWER, employers must ensure tools are suitable for the task, kept in good condition, and used according to manufacturers’ instructions. This includes managing risks from vibration, noise, and electrical faults.
Lifting and access equipment used at work also falls within PUWER’s scope. This includes items such as pallet trucks, lifting tables, hoists, ladders, and mobile work platforms. While some lifting equipment is also covered by LOLER, PUWER still applies to its general safety, suitability, and maintenance. Employers must ensure that equipment is stable, clearly marked, and used only within its safe working limits.
Finally, PUWER covers non-powered equipment and installations, such as racking systems, workbenches, fixed guards, and production lines. Even equipment without moving parts can present hazards if poorly designed or maintained. PUWER places a strong emphasis on training, supervision, and information, requiring employers to ensure workers understand the risks associated with the equipment they use and how to control them. Together, these requirements help reduce workplace accidents and promote a safer working environment.
It should also be noted that a lot of work equipment falls under multiple regulations, such as LOLER98, PSSR2000 or COSHH2002. If you’re ever in any doubt, simply reach out.
At SEIS, we can carry out a full on site assessment, and inform you on what regulations your equipment falls under, and whether you remain compliant with the PUWER98 regulations.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) is UK legislation that ensures all work equipment is safe to use, properly maintained, and suitable for its intended purpose. PUWER covers machinery, tools, and equipment used in workplaces, and applies to both manual and powered devices.
PUWER applies to a wide range of workplace equipment, including:
Industrial machinery such as CNC machines, lathes, bandsaws, and drills
Forklifts, pallet trucks, and lifting equipment (where not covered by LOLER)
Hand and power tools
Workbenches and jigs
Ladders, steps, and access platforms
Pressure systems when not covered by PSSR 2000
Any equipment used by employees must comply with PUWER safety requirements.
PUWER requires employers to ensure that equipment is:
Suitable for purpose: Appropriate for the task it is used for
Safe to use: Designed and maintained to prevent risk of injury
Maintained: Regularly inspected and serviced to ensure safety
Equipped with safeguards: Machines must have guards, emergency stops, and other protective devices
Accompanied by information: Operators must have clear instructions and safety guidance
Used by trained staff: Only competent employees should operate work equipment
The frequency of inspections depends on:
Equipment type and complexity
Usage intensity
Environmental conditions (e.g., dust, moisture, vibration)
Manufacturer guidance and risk assessment
Some high-risk machines require regular checks before use, while formal PUWER inspections are typically scheduled annually or as part of a documented maintenance plan.
A PUWER inspection is a detailed inspection of workplace equipment to ensure it is safe, maintained, and compliant with regulations. It may include:
Visual inspection of machine structure and components
Functional testing of safety devices and controls
Checking guards, emergency stops, and interlocks
Reviewing maintenance and repair records
Findings are documented in a report for compliance and audit purposes.
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring PUWER compliance. Responsibilities include:
Maintaining equipment in a safe condition
Scheduling inspections and thorough examinations
Providing operator training
Documenting inspections and maintenance
Acting immediately if defects or hazards are identified
Non-compliance can result in HSE enforcement action, fines, and increased workplace accident risk.
Yes. While PUWER focuses on general workplace equipment safety, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) applies specifically to lifting equipment such as cranes, hoists, and slings. Many workplaces operate under both PUWER and LOLER, depending on equipment type.
After inspections, employers should maintain:
Records of checks and maintenance
Written reports of any defects found
Evidence of remedial actions taken
Training records for operators
These records help demonstrate legal compliance and can be requested by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during audits.
Common breaches include:
Unguarded moving parts on machines
Lack of emergency stop devices
Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
Operators using equipment without adequate training
No records of inspection or maintenance
Addressing these issues reduces accidents and liability.
PUWER compliance ensures:
Workplace safety: Reduces risk of injury from machinery or tools
Legal protection: Demonstrates adherence to UK safety legislation
Operational efficiency: Prevents downtime caused by equipment failure
Employee confidence: Workers know the equipment is safe to use
Regular PUWER inspections are a key part of a proactive workplace safety strategy.
✅ Call our friendly team on 0330 043 8191
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✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule
We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.
Our network of multi-disciplined, and multi-skilled engineer surveyors are experienced, knowledgeable, competent and located throughout the UK
Our client inspection/ reporting portal provides instant access to your inspection reports, defect notifications, inspection due dates and graph data to highlight customer compliance.
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