Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations PUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1988), commonly known as PUWER, place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. Responsibilities are placed on businesses and organisations whose employees use work equipment, whether owned by them or not.
The regulation requires 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, e.g. protective devices, markings, warnings.
- Any equipment used by employees at work is covered by these regulations.
The Regulations also encompasses mobile work equipment and the use power presses. Information about which can be found at the links below.
In addition to the requirement of PUWER, lifting equipment is subject to the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
For more informaton visist the UK government HSE website directly.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?