PUWER replaces the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 and carries forward these existing requirements with a few changes and additions, 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.

The Regulations require risks to people's health and safety, from equipment that they use at work, to be prevented or controlled. In addition to the requirements of PUWER, lifting equipment is also subject to the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.2

What does PUWER do?

In general terms, the Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is:
suitable for the intended use;

• safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and, in certain circumstances, 
• inspected to ensure this remains the case;
• used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training; and
• accompanied by suitable safety measures, eg protective devices, markings, warnings.