as any machinery, apparatus, appliance
or tool which is installed for use at work.
The installation need not be permanent
and does include temporary installations.
The scope therefore is as wide ranging
as is the manner in which the legislation
is interpreted. For example, the use of
this work equipment means any activity
including starting, stopping, programming,
setting, transporting, repairing, modifying,
maintaining, servicing and cleaning. When
you put this into the context of a large or
small company you will quickly see that
this has applications across the board and
requires understanding at a sta level and
managerial level.”
HSE’s Approved Code of Practice and
Guidance (see box) further explains that
the regulations apply to work activities
throughout the whole of Great Britain and
also apply to o shore installations such as
oil rigs and gas supply platforms.
The groups covered by PUWER, it adds,
are employers, the self-employed and the
equipment they control or use, and those
who are employed to supervise or manage
the use of equipment operated by others.
It is also incorrect to believe that
PUWER only applies to large businesses
and big organisations. Anyone who uses
or controls work equipment has to follow
the regulations. They do not, however,
EQUIPMENT & TOOLS – PUWER REGULATIONS
apply to those who have supplied or
sold equipment. Instead, it’s up to the
equipment purchaser to ensure that it is
speci ed, installed and used so that it does
not present a risk to those at work.
PUWER PURPOSE?
The overall aim of the regulations is to
make working life safer for everyone using
and coming into contact with equipment.
This includes employees and employers,
contractors and suppliers.
PUWER requires that equipment is
used only by people who have adequate
information and training; accompanied
by suitable health and safety measures,
such as protective devices and controls;
and used in accordance with any speci c
requirements.
Some work equipment is subject to
other legislation in addition to PUWER, the
HSE notes – for example, lifting equipment
must also meet the requirements of the
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
Regulations (LOLER).
“Returning to work post-lockdown is
amplifying all health and safety legislation
and obligations,” states Thomas.
“However, it is likely that the HSE will
focus more than ever on compliance with
PUWER as many machines and equipment
will have lain dormant for months. It is
important that companies and those in
management roles adequately test, risk
assess and if necessary, re-train sta on
machinery and equipment to ensure their
employees’ safety, but also to safeguard
against liability.”
McDonnell echoes these words: “Many
organisations ceased working on or around
23 March, and employees spending the last
few months in their ‘new normal’ distanced
from the hazards and risks associated
with work equipment. Work equipment
mothballed for months is now being
brought back into operation, likely involving
a re-design of the workplace to allow for
social distancing.
“While starting with a blank sheet
of paper might not be an option, there
is an opportunity for employers to
reconsider the suitability of the work
equipment they provide and their
maintenance and inspection regimes, and
refresh procedures underpinned by risk
assessment.
“And given that we are being asked
to risk-assess in consultation with
employees,” she concludes, “now’s a
great time to have a fresh conversation
with them about work equipment as they
re-familiarise themselves with the world
of work.”
Additional information
Legislation.gov.uk – PUWER 1998 (www.is.gd/tapapu)
HSE: PUWER 1998 – Approved Code of Practice and Guidance
(www.is.gd/samaqu)
HSE: Using work equipment safely (www.is.gd/ebixok)
RoSPA: A dummy’s guide to PUWER (www.is.gd/ocerak)
Autumn 2020 www.operationsengineer.org.uk 55
/Legislation.gov.uk
/tapapu)
/samaqu)
/ebixok)
/ocerak)
/www.operationsengineer.org.uk