PUWER: A quick guide to work equipment safety and inspection

If you work with any kind of machinery or equipment in the United Kingdom, PUWER is something you need to know about. It stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998), and its purpose is to make sure all work equipment is used safely and maintained properly.

This guide gives an overview of the most important parts of PUWER and what it means for businesses.

Key terms and concepts

Work equipment
Any machinery, appliance, tool, or installation used at work — from hand tools to large industrial machines.

Competent person
Someone with the skills, knowledge, and experience to inspect, test, or maintain work equipment safely and effectively.

Danger zone
Any part of the equipment where there is a risk to health or safety, such as moving parts or points of contact with high temperatures or voltage.

Guarding
Physical barriers or systems that protect workers from dangerous parts of machinery.

PUWER vs LOLER

PUWER and LOLER are closely related regulations, but they serve different purposes:

PUWER applies to all work equipment — from hand tools to factory machines. It ensures equipment is safe to use, maintained, and used properly by trained people.

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) is more specific. It focuses only on equipment used for lifting — like cranes, hoists, and slings — and adds extra requirements for planning, inspection, and safe use.

Read our LOLER guide here.

Do I need to follow both PUWER and LOLER?
If your business uses lifting equipment, then yes — you’ll need to comply with both PUWER and LOLER. PUWER applies to the equipment in general, and LOLER adds extra rules for lifting safety.

PUWER applies to all work equipment, including tools.

Who does PUWER apply to?

PUWER applies to any employer or self-employed person who provides equipment to be used at work. This includes equipment used by employees, contractors, and temporary workers — whether it's owned, leased, or hired.

Who is responsible for PUWER compliance?
Employers and the self-employed are both responsible for making sure any work equipment they use or provide is safe and compliant with PUWER.

What equipment is covered by PUWER?

• Machinery
• Hand tools
• Power tools
• Presses
• Ladders
• Forklifts
• Conveyors
• Office equipment
  
  

Does PUWER apply to tools brought in by workers?
Yes — any equipment used at work must be safe and compliant, even if it belongs to the employee.

What does PUWER require?

Under PUWER, employers must make sure that all work equipment:

• Is suitable for the job it’s used for.
• Is safe to use and maintained in good condition.
• Is inspected regularly to identify and fix risks.
• Comes with appropriate safety measures, like guards or emergency stops.
• Is only used by people who have received proper training and instruction.
• Is accompanied by clear, easy-to-understand instructions.

Is training required under PUWER?
Yes — equipment must only be used by people who are properly trained and competent.

PUWER requires that work equipment is only used by people who have received proper training and instruction.

What about maintenance and inspection?

PUWER requires that work equipment is:

• Maintained in a safe condition at all times.
• Inspected regularly by a competent person.
• Checked after installation, relocation, or any event that might affect safety.
• Monitored for wear, damage, or changes in performance.
• Given special attention if it’s used in harsh environments (e.g. outdoors, near chemicals).

How often should equipment be inspected under PUWER? There’s no fixed rule — it depends on the equipment and how it’s used. Inspections should be frequent enough to keep equipment safe and functional.

What documentation does PUWER require?

You must keep:

• Maintenance and inspection records.
• Risk assessments.
• Instructions and safety information for each piece of equipment.
• Proof that users have been trained and informed.

Why is documentation important for PUWER compliance?
If there’s an accident or inspection, these records prove that equipment was properly managed and risks were controlled.

How can Onix help?

PUWER compliance means keeping track of a lot of equipment, schedules, and documentation. With Onix Work, this becomes much easier. You’ll have:

• Digital records of all inspections, maintenance, and user training.
• Automatic reminders when equipment needs checking.
• Clear audit trails in case you need to prove compliance.
• Secure storage for all your safety documents.

Want to stay on top of PUWER requirements with less hassle?