What Does PUWER Mean?
PUWER stands for Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It is often referred to as the PUWER Regs or PUWER 98 regulations. These regulations came into force on 5 December 1998.
If you’ve been wondering what exactly PUWER is and how these regulations affect your business, read on for more information.
What Are the PUWER Regulations?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 have been replaced by PUWER. It carries forward the existing requirements with a few modifications and additional requirements. For example, the inspection of work equipment and specific new requirements for mobile work equipment. Many aspects of PUWER should therefore be familiar to you.
These regulations relate to preventing and controlling risks to people’s safety at work when using any qualifying equipment. Lifting equipment must comply with the requirements of PUWER and LOLER. LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
What Is a PUWER Inspection?
Generally, the PUWER Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is regularly inspected to ensure that it is:
- Maintained safe for use
- In a safe condition
- Suitable for the intended use
A PUWER inspection is necessary for the above and must be completed by a suitable competent person such as ISI. We will ensure that only people who have received proper instruction and training use the equipment. Additionally, suitable safety measures must be in place. For example, protective devices, markings, and warnings.
Visit our PUWER regulations pdf for more information. Download a copy, if needed. Contact our PUWER specialist team on 01675 481779.