The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) play a vital role in promoting health and safety in workplaces across the UK. These regulations are designed to ensure that any equipment used by employees at work is safe, maintained properly, and fit for purpose.
Whether it’s machinery on a construction site, tools in a manufacturing plant, or medical devices in a healthcare setting, PUWER ensures that employers meet their legal obligations to safeguard employees from harm. Failure to comply can lead to serious consequences including legal action, fines, or injury to workers.
Kingfisher Professional Services helps businesses stay compliant with PUWER by offering expert consultancy, practical support, and employee training. With our 24/7 advice and bespoke solutions, you can confidently manage your health and safety responsibilities and ensure your equipment is safe and compliant.
Understanding PUWER
What is PUWER?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) are a key component of the UK’s health and safety legislation. These regulations place a legal duty on employers and other duty holders to ensure that work equipment provided to employees is:
- Suitable for the intended task and environment in which it will be used
- Maintained in a safe working condition through regular servicing and repairs
- Subject to routine inspections and testing to confirm ongoing compliance
- Operated only by individuals who have received adequate instruction, information, and training specific to the equipment
PUWER applies to a wide range of work environments and covers any equipment used at work, whether powered or manual. This includes machinery, tools, appliances, and even office equipment when used as part of an employee’s duties. The regulations apply not only to employers but also to self-employed individuals and those responsible for equipment management or supervision.
PUWER operates in tandem with other key regulations, such as LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), which applies specifically to lifting equipment. While LOLER focuses on the safe lifting and movement of loads, PUWER casts a wider net by covering all aspects of equipment use, from selection and maintenance to user competency and risk mitigation.
Together with broader health and safety laws such as the Health and Safety at Work, PUWER forms an essential part of the UK’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that workplaces are equipped to protect their employees from harm when using equipment of any kind.
Key Requirements of PUWER
To comply with PUWER, duty holders must:
- Ensure equipment is appropriate for the job
- Keep equipment well-maintained and carry out regular inspections
- Conduct workplace risk assessments to identify potential hazards
- Provide adequate training and supervision for employees using work equipment
- Introduce control measures such as machine guards, emergency stop mechanisms, and clear operational procedures
These responsibilities are ongoing and should be revisited regularly as equipment ages or working conditions change.
PUWER Compliance Checklist
Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance of work equipment are fundamental to PUWER compliance. Employers must implement a routine schedule for checking machinery to ensure it remains safe to use and free from faults that could pose a hazard.
A thorough PUWER inspection should include:
- Checking guards and safety features (e.g., interlocks, emergency stops)
- Inspecting for wear and tear, corrosion, and other signs of deterioration
- Ensuring safety signage is present and legible
- Verifying that controls are functioning correctly
- Assessing whether the equipment is still fit for its intended purpose
Common safety issues identified during inspections include:
- Damaged or missing guards
- Defective control switches or stop buttons
- Inadequate maintenance records
- Poor user instructions or labels
Addressing these issues promptly reduces the risk of accidents and reinforces a strong safety culture.
Employee Training and Responsibilities
Under PUWER, employers must ensure that anyone who uses, supervises, or manages work equipment is trained and competent. This includes both initial and ongoing training.
Training should cover:
- How to use equipment safely and effectively
- Recognising equipment-related hazards
- Proper maintenance and cleaning procedures
- Reporting faults or unsafe conditions
In addition, employers should keep detailed records of all training provided and implement refresher courses to ensure continued compliance. Encouraging employees to participate in safety reviews and report concerns helps build a more resilient and safety-conscious workforce.
Industry-Specific PUWER Applications
PUWER in Manufacturing & Engineering
These sectors often rely on high-risk machinery such as presses, lathes, milling machines, injection moulders, and conveyor systems. The nature of these environments means that a failure in equipment safety can result in serious injuries, production delays, or even legal action. Ensuring PUWER compliance in manufacturing and engineering requires a systematic and proactive approach.
Key measures include:
- Regular inspections of mechanical and electrical systems: Checks must be carried out to ensure components such as bearings, belts, wiring, and control panels are functioning correctly and free from wear or damage.
- Use of fixed and interlocked guards: Guards should be permanently attached where possible, and interlocks must be in place to stop machinery when access panels are opened. This helps prevent contact with dangerous moving parts.
- Emergency stop mechanisms and lock-off procedures: Machines should be fitted with clearly marked, easily accessible emergency stop buttons. Lock-off procedures must be followed during maintenance to prevent accidental start-up.
- Control system checks: Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other automated control systems should be tested regularly to verify that safety protocols respond appropriately to faults or unexpected inputs.
- Vibration and noise assessment: Equipment should be monitored for levels of vibration and noise that could cause harm or affect the usability and safety of the machinery.
- Documentation and signage: Maintenance logs, inspection records, and warning signs must be visible, up to date, and stored in an accessible format.
Manufacturers must be especially vigilant with automated systems, robotic arms, and CNC machines, ensuring that all safety controls, light guards, and safety mats are correctly installed and tested regularly. Investing in staff training, clear operating procedures, and detailed maintenance schedules will significantly reduce the risk of PUWER breaches and workplace accidents.
PUWER in Construction
Construction sites involve a wide variety of equipment, from hand-held power tools to large excavators and mobile elevated work platforms. With constantly changing environments and multiple contractors on-site, enforcing PUWER compliance is both essential and challenging.
Key PUWER considerations include:
- Safe operation of portable tools, generators, and site machinery: Tools and machinery must be maintained in safe working condition, with guards and safety features intact and operational.
- Preventing unauthorised use through control measures: Equipment should be clearly labelled, securely stored, and accessible only to trained and authorised personnel. Key control systems and lock-off procedures help reduce misuse.
- Ensuring that equipment is stored and transported safely: Equipment should be handled and moved using appropriate lifting techniques and vehicles, with risk assessments carried out before transport or deployment.
Site supervisors must ensure that all machinery is inspected regularly, documented checks are conducted, and only competent, trained individuals operate high-risk equipment. This structured approach to PUWER ensures a safer construction site and minimises the risk of injury and regulatory breaches.
PUWER in Healthcare & Laboratories
In clinical and laboratory environments, PUWER compliance is critical due to the precision, sensitivity, and potential risks associated with the equipment used. Equipment such as centrifuges, autoclaves, diagnostic machines, incubators, and chemical testing apparatus must be maintained to a high standard to ensure both employee and patient safety.
Compliance requires:
- Routine testing and calibration of equipment: Equipment must be tested and calibrated regularly to maintain accuracy and reliability, especially for diagnostic or analytical tools that impact patient care or research outcomes.
- Clear operational instructions and training for users: Staff must be thoroughly trained on how to operate equipment safely, interpret outputs correctly, and follow protocols in the event of a malfunction.
- Adequate PPE for tasks involving chemicals or biohazards: Employees must be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, lab coats, eye protection, and respiratory gear, depending on the substances or biological agents being handled.
- Safe storage and labelling: Equipment must be stored in clean, hazard-free areas with clear labelling, including warnings and user instructions.
- Maintenance documentation: All servicing and calibration activities should be logged to provide traceability and demonstrate compliance during audits.
By integrating PUWER into daily safety routines, healthcare providers and laboratories can reduce the risk of injury, safeguard sensitive operations, and ensure compliance with broader health and safety legislation.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with PUWER can have serious legal and financial consequences. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the authority to carry out inspections and investigations. If breaches are identified, businesses may face:
- Prohibition or improvement notices
- Fines of up to hundreds of thousands of pounds
- Criminal prosecution in severe cases
- Reputational damage and loss of client trust
Case Example: A manufacturer in the Midlands was fined £150,000 after an employee suffered hand injuries due to a missing machine guard. Investigators found that the company had not conducted a PUWER inspection in over a year. This highlights the real-world implications of neglecting compliance.
How Kingfisher Professional Services Can Help
Kingfisher Professional Services offers comprehensive support to help businesses navigate PUWER compliance effectively. Our services include:
- Expert Consultancy: Tailored advice on implementing PUWER regulations, conducting risk assessments, and identifying workplace equipment hazards.
- 24/7 Support: Immediate assistance with any health and safety concerns related to work equipment, ensuring your business remains protected at all times.
- Bespoke Training: Customised training solutions to upskill employees and managers in PUWER compliance, workplace inspections, and equipment operation protocols.
With Kingfisher’s proactive approach, businesses can enhance their workplace safety, reduce legal risks, and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
PUWER compliance is not just a legal requirement, it’s an essential part of maintaining a safe, efficient, and productive workplace. From manufacturing and construction to healthcare, all sectors must take equipment safety seriously to protect their employees and reputations.
By following the key steps outlined in this guide – conducting inspections, training employees, and applying industry-specific controls – organisations can build a strong culture of health and safety.
Kingfisher Professional Services is your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining PUWER compliance. With expert advice, practical support, and continuous guidance, we help you stay ahead of risks and keep your workplace safe.