PUWER Explained: Ensuring Safety in the Use of Work Equipment

What is PUWER?

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) are a set of health and safety regulations in the United Kingdom that require employers and the self-employed to ensure that any equipment used at work is suitable, safe, and properly maintained. It mandates regular inspections, adequate training for users, and the implementation of safeguards where necessary.

Importance

Introduced in its current form in 1998 after replacing the 1992 version, PUWER incorporated new requirements to reflect advances in machinery and workplace safety needs and to align with the European Use of Work Equipment Directive. PUWER 1998 was strengthened for these reasons:

• Prevention of workplace injuries and fatalities - Contact with moving machinery is one of the major causes of deaths across industries, especially in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. PUWER reduces high incidences related to machinery by ensuring equipment is safe and used correctly.

• Ensures comprehensive safety controls and training - The law mandates that equipment must have suitable safety measures, such as machine guards and emergency stops, and be operated by trained individuals. This approach minimizes hazards from malfunction and misuse.

• Improves legal compliance and employee responsibility - The legislation places clear legal duties on the duty holder, promoting personnel accountability that grows into a culture of safety and protects the organization from liabilities and legal penalties.

Roles and Duties

PUWER compliance isn’t just the job of a single individual. This is a coordinated effort that involves multiple people across the organization. Each function demands different expertise, levels of access, and day-to-day involvement. These are the most crucial roles and their responsibilities:

Work Equipment Regulated by the Legislation

PUWER applies to all work equipment used by employees at work, regardless of whether it’s owned, leased, or hired. The scope is intended to be broad because any equipment can pose a risk if it’s inappropriate, rundown, or used erroneously.

Equipment Covered by PUWER

Machinery

Moving parts can cause entanglement, crushing, or cutting injuries. Here are some examples of heavy machinery and light equipment:

• Excavators

• Bulldozers

• Wheelbarrows

• Post-hole diggers

• Chainsaws

Hand tools

Poor condition or improper use can lead to electric shock and hand injuries. These hand tools have caused a lot of injuries:

• Hand saws

• Hammers

• Screwdrivers

Power tools

These pose risks from electricity and high-speed moving parts. Prolonged use of these vibrating power tools can also lead to Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS):

• Drills

• Grinders

• Nail guns

Lifting and accessing equipment

Manual or mechanical height access equipment can fail, causing musculoskeletal injuries. While most of these may be under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), there may be some overlap to ensure proper maintenance:

• Pallet jacks

• Forklift trucks

• Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs)

Medical apparatus

Misuse of medical equipment can lead to chemical exposure, electrical issues, or mechanical failure. Here are some examples:

• Centrifuge

• Autoclaves

• Fume cupboards

Office appliances

Many continue to underestimate the hazards of office appliances because the setting isn’t considered high-risk. But these pose electrical, fire, and ergonomic risks, jeopardizing office safety:

• Photocopiers

• Shredders

• Electric sit-stand desks

Fixed installation

Immobile systems can still pose electrical or mechanical risks if they’re not properly managed or maintained:

• Conveyors

• Ventilation systems

• Automated packaging lines

Key Requirements and Best Practices

Achieving and sustaining a safe and legally compliant workplace warrants a comprehensive understanding of PUWER requirements, each contributing to effective risk mitigation and prevention of incidents:

Equipment suitability assessment

Unsuitable equipment can lead to inefficiency, accidents, or catastrophic failure. PUWER risk assessments ensure work equipment is appropriate for its intended use. Take note of the following best practices:

• Conduct pre-purchase risk assessments and compatibility checks.

• Match equipment capability with job needs and site conditions.

• Consider the operator’s needs, ergonomics, and environmental factors.

Preventive maintenance and servicing program

Deterioration through wear, damage, or time can introduce hazards. Keeping equipment in a condition where it remains safe and efficient is crucial.

• Develop maintenance schedules based on manufacturer guidance and operational intensity.

• Carry out planned servicing, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts.

• Maintain logs to track servicing history and identify recurring issues.

Planned and reactive equipment inspections

Identify early faults before they lead to incidents by conducting regular and event-driven inspections. Consider the following:

• Assign inspection responsibilities to trained, competent individuals.

• Use digital tools to capture, flag, and escalate issues in real time.

• Document findings and follow up with corrective actions.

Operator training and competency assurance

Lack of training is a leading cause of equipment-related injuries. Ensure that only competent individuals operate work equipment. Take note of these tried and tested workplace training tips:

• Provide task-specific and equipment-specific training, including refreshers.

• Use certified external trainers for high-risk equipment (e.g., forklifts, MEWPs).

• Implement a training matrix to track qualifications, expirations, and needs.

Integrated safety control measures

All work equipment should be fitted with appropriate safety features, such as guards, emergency stops, and warning devices. These controls are essential in preventing injuries during normal and abnormal use.

• Install and regularly test built-in protective devices.

• Ensure that safety mechanisms are not bypassed by implementing a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) system during servicing and repairs.

• Train staff to recognize and report missing or damaged safety features.