This regulation governs all work equipment used by employees during their work, from hammers to mechanical presses and vehicles. The "use" of work equipment also includes its maintenance, cleaning, transport, and commissioning.
PUWER not only requires that suitable work equipment be provided and properly maintained, but also provides for the prevention of risks arising from the use of work equipment.
 
What is PUWER?
The "Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations" (PUWER) was developed under the "Health and Safety at Work Act 1974" (HSW Act) and came into force on 5 December 1998. The main objective of PUWER is to ensure the availability of safe work equipment throughout its entire life cycle, regardless of its condition, age or origin.
 
Who is responsible?
All employers have an obligation to assess the health and safety risks to people in their workplaces. Regulations require employers not only to provide safe work equipment and machinery, but also to consider working conditions and risks to workers' health and safety, which includes implementing relevant training courses.
 
What does PUWER mean?
PUWER refers to the availability and utilization of all work equipment and machines, including mobile equipment and load lifting equipment, or simply put, from a single tool or machine to an assembly plant.

All about the Puwer Directive