PUWER Regulations: The Complete UK Guide to Work Equipment Safety for Construction and FM Professionals

Every year, contact with machinery and work equipment accounts for a significant proportion of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that contact with moving machinery alone causes around 20 fatalities and over 1,800 non-fatal injuries annually across British workplaces, with construction, manufacturing, and facilities management among the highest-risk sectors. Behind every one of those incidents is a piece of work equipment that was either unsuitable, poorly maintained, or used without proper safeguards.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) exist to prevent exactly these outcomes. If you provide work equipment for others to use, or if your employees use any equipment at work, PUWER compliance is a legal obligation, and one the HSE actively enforces through inspections, improvement notices, and prosecution.

This guide explains exactly what PUWER regulations require, what counts as work equipment, how to carry out a proper PUWER assessment, and how to integrate work equipment safety into your RAMS documents.

Key Takeaways

• PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, the primary UK legislation governing the safety of work equipment in the workplace.
• All UK employers and the self-employed must ensure that work equipment is suitable, maintained, inspected, and used safely. This applies across construction, security, facilities management, and every other sector.
• "Work equipment" is defined extremely broadly under PUWER. It covers everything from hand tools, ladders, and power drills to excavators, tower cranes, and industrial machinery.
• PUWER requires a systematic risk assessment before any equipment is put into use, covering suitability, condition, guarding, controls, and operator competence.
• Regular PUWER inspections are a legal requirement for equipment where there is a risk of deterioration that could lead to danger.
• Penalties are severe: unlimited fines, criminal prosecution, and imprisonment for serious breaches. Fines regularly reach six and seven figures for large organisations.
• PUWER works alongside other regulations including LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) for lifting equipment, and should be integrated into your RAMS documentation for every task involving work equipment.
• Proper documentation is essential: PUWER inspection records, maintenance logs, and training records are all evidence of compliance that the HSE expects to see.

What Are PUWER Regulations?

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The regulations were made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and replaced earlier, sector-specific equipment regulations to create a single, consistent framework for work equipment safety across all industries.

The full legislation is published as Statutory Instrument 1998 No. 2306 and is enforced by the HSE in England, Scotland, and Wales. The HSE also publishes detailed guidance on PUWER to help duty holders understand and meet their obligations.

In practical terms, PUWER regulations require employers and the self-employed to ensure that:

• All work equipment is suitable for its intended use
• Equipment is maintained in a safe condition and in good repair
• Equipment is inspected where there is a risk of deterioration leading to danger
• Adequate information, instruction, and training are provided to every person who uses or supervises the use of work equipment
• Equipment has appropriate safety measures including guards, protection devices, controls, and markings
• Specific hazards are addressed, including dangerous parts of machinery, high and very low temperatures, and equipment controls

PUWER applies from the moment equipment is first provided for use at work. It covers the entire lifecycle: selection, installation, use, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning.

What Counts as "Work Equipment" Under PUWER?

One of the most important things to understand about PUWER regulations is how broadly "work equipment" is defined. Regulation 2 defines it as "any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work". This is an intentionally wide definition.

Equipment Categories Covered by PUWER

Category: Hand tools — Examples: Hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, spanners, utility knives

Category: Power tools — Examples: Drills, angle grinders, circular saws, nail guns, jigsaws

Category: Portable equipment — Examples: Generators, compressors, pressure washers, portable heaters

Category: Ladders and access equipment — Examples: Step ladders, extension ladders, scaffold towers, podium steps

Category: Mobile plant — Examples: Excavators, dumpers, forklifts, telehandlers, ride-on mowers

Category: Fixed machinery — Examples: Lathes, milling machines, CNC machines, woodworking machinery

Category: Lifting equipment — Examples: Cranes, hoists, lifts, pallet trucks (also covered by LOLER)

Category: Vehicles used as work equipment — Examples: Company vehicles, agricultural vehicles used for work tasks

Category: Process plant — Examples: Boilers, pressure systems, chemical processing equipment

Category: Office equipment — Examples: Photocopiers, paper shredders, kettles (yes, even these)

Category: Electrical equipment — Examples: Portable appliances, extension leads, distribution boards

Category: Installations — Examples: Conveyor systems, escalators, ventilation systems

The key principle is that if something is provided for use at work, it is work equipment under PUWER, regardless of how simple or complex it is. A hammer is work equipment. So is a tower crane. Both require the duty holder to ensure they are suitable, maintained, and used safely.

What PUWER Does Not Cover

PUWER does not apply to:

• Livestock (animals used in agriculture)
• Substances (covered by COSHH regulations)
• Structural items that are not work equipment (such as walls, floors, and fences, unless they form part of an installation)
• Personal Protective Equipment (covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022)

If equipment is used for lifting operations, both PUWER and LOLER apply simultaneously. PUWER covers the general suitability, maintenance, and inspection requirements, while LOLER adds specific requirements for lifting operations, thorough examinations, and examination schemes.

Who Must Comply with PUWER?

PUWER regulations place duties on:

• All employers who provide work equipment for use by their employees
• Self-employed persons who use work equipment in their work
• Any person who has control over work equipment or the way it is used, including contractors, site managers, and facilities managers

Under Regulation 3, the duties extend to protecting not just employees but all persons who may be affected by the use of work equipment, including contractors, visitors, and members of the public.

In construction, the duty holder responsibilities under PUWER interact closely with roles defined by the CDM Regulations 2015. Principal contractors must ensure that all equipment used on site complies with PUWER, while individual contractors remain responsible for the equipment they bring to site. Clients also have obligations under CDM to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place for managing health and safety, which includes work equipment.

In facilities management, the duty holder is typically the employer or the organisation that controls the premises and the equipment within them. This can include everything from cleaning machinery and floor polishers to HVAC systems, lifts, and emergency generators.

In security, PUWER applies to equipment such as CCTV systems, access control barriers, communication devices, patrol vehicles, and any tools or equipment used by security officers in the course of their work.

Key Requirements of PUWER: Regulation by Regulation

PUWER contains 35 regulations. The following are the most critical for day-to-day compliance in construction, security, and facilities management.

Regulation 4: Suitability of Work Equipment

Every piece of work equipment must be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided. "Suitable" means:

• Suitable for the specific task it will be used for
• Suitable for the conditions in which it will be used (e.g. outdoor weather, confined spaces, wet environments)
• Suitable in terms of the health and safety of the persons using it

This requires a proper PUWER risk assessment before equipment is selected and put into use. You must consider the risks to the operator, to others in the vicinity, and any foreseeable misuse.

Practical example: Using a standard electric drill in a waterlogged trench would breach Regulation 4 because the equipment is not suitable for the conditions. A battery-powered or pneumatic drill, or one rated for wet environments, would be appropriate.

Regulation 5: Maintenance

All work equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Where a maintenance log is required, it must be kept up to date.

This is one of the most commonly breached PUWER requirements. The HSE expects to see:

• A planned preventive maintenance programme for all work equipment
• Records of maintenance activities, including what was done, by whom, and when
• Defect reporting systems so that faults are identified and addressed promptly

Regulation 6: Inspection

Work equipment must be inspected where there is a risk of deterioration that could lead to a dangerous situation. Inspections are required:

• After installation and before first use (to ensure it has been installed correctly)
• After assembly at a new site or location
• At suitable intervals thereafter
• After exceptional circumstances such as an accident, significant modification, or prolonged period out of use

The results of every PUWER inspection must be recorded and the record kept until the next inspection. Only competent persons should carry out inspections.

Regulation 8: Information and Instructions

Employers must ensure that all persons who use work equipment, and all persons who supervise or manage the use of work equipment, have available to them adequate health and safety information and, where appropriate, written instructions on:

• The conditions in which the equipment may be used
• Foreseeable abnormal situations and the actions to take
• Conclusions drawn from experience of using the equipment

This means manufacturers' manuals, operating instructions, and risk assessments must be available to operators and supervisors.

Regulation 9: Training

Every person who uses work equipment must receive adequate training for the purposes of health and safety, including training in:

• The methods of using the equipment
• Any risks from the equipment and how to manage them
• Precautions to be taken

Persons who supervise or manage the use of work equipment must also be adequately trained. Training records should be maintained as evidence of PUWER compliance.

Regulations 11-24: Specific Hazards and Protective Measures

These regulations address specific hazards associated with work equipment:

Regulation: Reg 11 — Requirement: Dangerous parts of machinery must be guarded or protected

Regulation: Reg 12 — Requirement: Protection against specified hazards (falling articles, rupture, overheating, discharge of substances, explosion)

Regulation: Reg 13 — Requirement: High or very low temperature parts must be guarded to prevent burns

Regulation: Reg 14 — Requirement: Equipment controls must be clearly visible and identifiable

Regulation: Reg 15 — Requirement: Start controls must require deliberate action

Regulation: Reg 16 — Requirement: Stop controls must bring equipment to a safe condition

Regulation: Reg 17 — Requirement: Emergency stop controls must be provided where necessary

Regulation: Reg 18 — Requirement: Equipment must be stabilised (e.g. by clamping or bolting) where necessary

Regulation: Reg 19 — Requirement: Adequate lighting must be provided for equipment use

Regulation: Reg 20 — Requirement: Maintenance must be possible while equipment is shut down, or adequate protection must be provided

Regulation: Reg 21 — Requirement: Equipment must be marked with appropriate health and safety markings

Regulation: Reg 22 — Requirement: Appropriate warnings and warning devices must be provided

Regulations 25-30: Mobile Work Equipment

These regulations apply specifically to mobile work equipment, including construction plant, site vehicles, and self-propelled machines:

• Mobile equipment carrying persons must be designed to reduce risks to their safety, including risks from rolling over (Reg 25-26)
• Self-propelled equipment must have facilities for preventing unauthorised start-up, adequate braking, and emergency stop controls (Reg 28-29)
• Equipment with a driver must minimise the risk of the driver being crushed by rolling over (roll-over protective structures - ROPS) (Reg 26)

PUWER Assessment: How to Assess Work Equipment Risks

A PUWER assessment (sometimes called a PUWER risk assessment) is the process of evaluating whether work equipment meets the requirements of the regulations before it is put into use. While PUWER does not use the exact phrase "PUWER assessment," the combined effect of Regulations 4, 5, 6, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 means that a systematic assessment of work equipment risks is a legal necessity.

What a PUWER Assessment Should Cover

A thorough PUWER assessment should address:

1. Suitability: Is the equipment appropriate for the task, the environment, and the operator?
2. Condition: Is the equipment in good repair with no visible defects, damage, or wear?
3. Guarding: Are all dangerous parts adequately guarded? Are guards in place and functioning correctly?
4. Controls: Are start, stop, and emergency stop controls clearly marked, accessible, and functioning?
5. Stability: Is the equipment stable during use? Does it need to be secured, clamped, or anchored?
6. Markings and warnings: Are all safety markings visible and legible? Are warning devices operational?
7. Maintenance history: Has the equipment been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations and a planned programme?
8. Inspection records: Is the equipment due for inspection? Has the last inspection been recorded?
9. Operator competence: Is the operator trained and competent to use this specific equipment?
10. Environmental conditions: Is the equipment suitable for the conditions at the point of use (weather, lighting, confined space, proximity to others)?

PUWER Assessment in Practice

On a construction site, a PUWER risk assessment might be carried out for:

• An angle grinder being used for cutting steel reinforcement: checking the guard is in place, the disc is correct for the material, the operator has been trained, and there is adequate space and PPE
• A tower crane arriving on site: verifying the crane has a current thorough examination certificate (under LOLER), the operator holds the correct CPCS card, the ground conditions are suitable, and the lifting plan has been prepared
• A portable generator powering tools in a temporary compound: confirming it is suitable for outdoor use, has been PAT tested, the electrical connections are safe, and it is positioned away from combustible materials

The results of PUWER assessments should be documented and cross-referenced in your RAMS documentation for the relevant tasks.

PUWER Inspection Requirements

PUWER inspections under Regulation 6 are distinct from maintenance activities. An inspection is a formal check of equipment condition carried out by a competent person to identify any deterioration that could create a dangerous situation.

When Inspections Are Required

PUWER inspections are mandatory:

• After installation or assembly at a new location
• At regular intervals appropriate to the type of equipment and the conditions of use
• Following exceptional circumstances (accidents, modifications, long periods out of use)
• Where equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration likely to result in dangerous situations

Who Can Carry Out PUWER Inspections?

A "competent person" is someone with sufficient training, knowledge, experience, and skill to carry out the inspection. The level of competence required depends on the complexity of the equipment:

• For simple hand tools: a trained supervisor or operator may be competent to carry out a visual inspection
• For power tools and portable equipment: someone with specific knowledge of the equipment type, often a trained technician or engineer
• For complex machinery and mobile plant: a qualified engineer or technician with specific knowledge of the equipment

Recording Inspections

Regulation 6(4) requires that the result of every PUWER inspection is recorded and the record kept until the next inspection under the regulation has been recorded. The record should include:

• The equipment inspected (type, make, model, serial number/asset reference)
• Date of inspection
• Identity of the competent person who carried out the inspection
• The matters inspected
• Any defects found and the action taken
• The condition of the equipment (safe to use / requires repair / removed from service)

PUWER vs LOLER: Understanding the Difference

A common area of confusion is the overlap between PUWER and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Both regulations were introduced on the same date and apply alongside each other.

PUWER: Full name — LOLER: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 — Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

PUWER: Legislation — LOLER: SI 1998/2306 — SI 1998/2307

PUWER: Scope — LOLER: All work equipment — Specifically lifting equipment used for lifting operations

PUWER: Equipment examples — LOLER: Hand tools, power tools, machinery, vehicles, plant — Cranes, hoists, lifts, goods lifts, patient hoists, lifting accessories (chains, slings, shackles)

PUWER: Inspection requirement — LOLER: Inspection by competent person where there is risk of deterioration (Reg 6) — Thorough examination by competent person at statutory intervals (typically 6 or 12 months) (Reg 9)

PUWER: Planning — LOLER: General suitability assessment (Reg 4) — Specific requirement for every lifting operation to be planned, supervised, and carried out safely (Reg 8)

PUWER: Examination scheme — LOLER: Not required — Written scheme of examination drawn up by a competent person (Reg 9)

PUWER: Reports — LOLER: Inspection record kept until next inspection — Report of thorough examination must be provided within 28 days (or immediately if defect is found posing imminent danger)

The Key Distinction

PUWER sets the baseline requirements for all work equipment: suitability, maintenance, inspection, information, and training.

LOLER adds specific, more stringent requirements for lifting equipment and lifting operations. If your equipment is used for lifting, both sets of regulations apply. You must comply with PUWER's general requirements AND LOLER's specific lifting requirements.

For example, a mobile crane on a construction site must:

• Be suitable for the task and conditions (PUWER Reg 4)
• Be maintained in good repair (PUWER Reg 5)
• Have been subject to a thorough examination within the last 12 months, or the last 6 months if it is used for lifting persons (LOLER Reg 9)
• Have a written scheme of examination (LOLER Reg 9)
• Be used under a lifting plan for each lifting operation (LOLER Reg 8)
• Be operated by a trained and competent operator (PUWER Reg 9)

Penalties for Breaching PUWER Regulations

Failure to comply with PUWER regulations is a criminal offence under UK law. The HSE enforces PUWER and has a range of powers to deal with non-compliance.

Enforcement Actions

Enforcement Action: Improvement Notice — Description: Requires the duty holder to remedy the contravention within a specified time period. Failure to comply is itself a criminal offence.

Enforcement Action: Prohibition Notice — Description: Immediately prohibits the use of equipment or the carrying out of an activity where there is a risk of serious personal injury. This can shut down an entire site operation.

Enforcement Action: Prosecution — Description: Criminal proceedings in the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court.

Fines and Sentences

Since the Sentencing Council's Health and Safety Offences guidelines came into force in February 2016, courts calculate fines based on the culpability of the offender, the seriousness of harm (or risk of harm), and the size and turnover of the organisation:

• Magistrates' Court: fines up to an unlimited amount per offence (the previous cap of GBP 20,000 was removed in 2015)
• Crown Court: unlimited fines and/or up to two years' imprisonment for certain offences
• Corporate manslaughter: where a gross breach of a duty of care causes death, organisations can face fines of millions of pounds
• Individual liability: directors and managers can be personally prosecuted under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 if the offence was committed with their consent, connivance, or neglect

Real-World PUWER Prosecution Examples

The HSE regularly prosecutes for PUWER breaches. Typical scenarios include:

• A construction company fined GBP 200,000 after a worker's hand was caught in an unguarded conveyor belt (breach of Regulation 11)
• A facilities management firm fined GBP 80,000 after a maintenance worker was injured by a machine that could not be safely isolated during maintenance (breach of Regulation 20)
• A demolition contractor fined GBP 150,000 after an excavator rolled over due to inadequate stability assessment (breach of Regulations 4 and 26)
• Individual directors prosecuted and receiving suspended prison sentences for repeated, wilful failures to guard dangerous machinery

Beyond Fines

The consequences of PUWER non-compliance extend well beyond financial penalties:

• Prohibition Notices can halt work on site, causing project delays costing thousands of pounds per day
• Civil claims: injured workers can bring personal injury claims, with compensation for serious machinery injuries frequently reaching six figures
• Insurance implications: insurers may refuse to pay claims or increase premiums where PUWER non-compliance is established
• Reputational damage: HSE prosecutions are published on a public register, and serious cases attract media coverage
• Loss of prequalification: non-compliance can lead to removal from approved contractor lists (CHAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline, Achilles)

How PUWER Relates to RAMS Documents

If you work in construction, security, or facilities management, RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements) are the standard documents you produce to plan and manage safe systems of work. PUWER compliance should be embedded in your RAMS for every task that involves work equipment, which in practice means almost every task.

Integrating PUWER Into Your RAMS

Your risk assessment (the "RA" in RAMS) should:

• Identify all work equipment that will be used for each task
• Assess the risks associated with each piece of equipment, including suitability for the task and conditions
• Reference the relevant PUWER regulations (particularly Regulations 4, 5, 6, 9, and 11)
• Record the control measures needed to manage equipment risks

Your method statement (the "MS" in RAMS) should:

• Specify the exact equipment to be used at each stage of the task
• Detail pre-use checks and PUWER inspection requirements
• Confirm operator competence requirements and training records
• Describe the sequence of operations, including any guarding, isolation, or stabilisation procedures
• Reference maintenance records and thorough examination certificates where relevant (e.g. for lifting equipment under LOLER)

Example: PUWER in a Construction RAMS

Consider a RAMS for "excavation work using a tracked excavator":

• Risk assessment identifies: risk of excavator rollover, risk of contact with underground services, risk to pedestrians from moving plant, risk from falling objects
• Equipment suitability (Reg 4): confirm the excavator is rated for the ground conditions, the size of dig, and the proximity of other structures
• Maintenance (Reg 5): attach or reference the excavator's maintenance log and most recent service record
• Inspection (Reg 6): record the pre-use inspection carried out by the operator, including a PUWER inspection checklist
• Training (Reg 9): confirm the operator holds a valid CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) card for the relevant category
• Stability (Reg 18): detail the ground preparation, mat placement, and exclusion zones
• Mobile equipment requirements (Regs 25-29): confirm ROPS/FOPS (roll-over/falling object protective structures) are fitted, brakes function correctly, and the machine has audible reverse warning

This level of integration ensures that PUWER compliance is a practical part of how work is planned and carried out, not just a paperwork exercise.

Producing comprehensive, regulation-compliant RAMS that properly address PUWER requirements for every piece of equipment is one of the most time-consuming tasks in construction health and safety management. AI-powered RAMS tools can significantly reduce this burden while ensuring that every regulation, from PUWER to LOLER, is properly covered.

Practical Steps for Achieving PUWER Compliance

Whether you are strengthening an existing system or building your PUWER compliance from the ground up, these steps provide a practical framework.

1. Create a Work Equipment Register

List every piece of work equipment used in your organisation or on your site. Include the equipment type, make, model, serial number or asset reference, location, and the responsible person. This register is the foundation of your PUWER compliance system.

2. Carry Out PUWER Risk Assessments for All Equipment

For every item on your register, carry out a PUWER assessment covering suitability, condition, guarding, controls, stability, and operator competence. Prioritise high-risk equipment first: mobile plant, power tools, lifting equipment, and machinery with dangerous moving parts.

3. Establish a Maintenance Programme

Implement a planned preventive maintenance programme based on manufacturers' recommendations and your own risk assessments. Record all maintenance activities. Ensure a defect reporting system is in place so that equipment faults are reported and acted on promptly.

4. Implement a PUWER Inspection Schedule

Determine the appropriate inspection frequency for each type of equipment based on the risk of deterioration. Assign competent persons to carry out inspections and ensure results are recorded. Use standardised PUWER inspection checklists for consistency.

5. Train All Equipment Users and Supervisors

Ensure every person who uses or supervises work equipment is adequately trained. Maintain training records that include the equipment types covered, the training provider, the date, and any renewal requirements. For construction plant, this typically means CPCS or NPORS certification.

6. Integrate PUWER Into Your RAMS Process

Make PUWER a standard part of every RAMS document you produce. Every task-specific RAMS should identify the equipment to be used, reference the relevant PUWER assessments, and specify the controls. Cross-reference maintenance records, inspection records, and training records.

7. Provide Information and Instructions

Ensure manufacturers' operating manuals, safety information, and your own written instructions are available to all equipment users. On construction sites, this often means including equipment-specific information in site inductions and toolbox talks.

8. Review and Update Regularly

Review your equipment register, risk assessments, maintenance programme, and inspection schedule whenever there is a significant change: new equipment, a change in how equipment is used, an incident or near-miss, or changes to the work environment. PUWER compliance is not a one-off task.

PUWER and Other Related Legislation

PUWER does not exist in isolation. It interacts with several other pieces of UK health and safety legislation. Understanding these relationships ensures comprehensive compliance.

Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 — Relationship to PUWER: The overarching framework under which PUWER is made. Sections 2 and 3 place general duties on employers.

Legislation: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 — Relationship to PUWER: Requires risk assessments for all work activities, including those involving work equipment.

Legislation: LOLER 1998 — Relationship to PUWER: Additional requirements for lifting equipment and lifting operations. Applies alongside PUWER.

Legislation: [CDM Regulations 2015](/blog/cdm-regulations-2015-complete-guide) — Relationship to PUWER: Governs the management of health and safety on construction projects. Equipment safety falls within the principal contractor's duties.

Legislation: [COSHH Regulations 2002](/blog/coshh-regulations) — Relationship to PUWER: Applies where work equipment produces or is used with hazardous substances (e.g. dust from cutting, fumes from welding).

Legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 — Relationship to PUWER: Applies to the electrical aspects of work equipment, including portable appliance testing (PAT).

Legislation: Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 — Relationship to PUWER: Requires that new machinery supplied in the UK meets essential health and safety requirements and carries a CE/UKCA mark.

Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 — Relationship to PUWER: Applies where work equipment is used for work at height (ladders, scaffolding, MEWPs).

The breadth of these interactions is precisely why a comprehensive, integrated approach to health and safety documentation is essential. A RAMS document that addresses PUWER in isolation without considering LOLER, CDM, or COSHH will not provide the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions About PUWER Regulations

What does PUWER stand for?

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It is the primary UK legislation that sets out requirements for the safety of work equipment in the workplace.

Does PUWER apply to hand tools?

Yes. PUWER applies to all work equipment, including hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, and knives. While the level of risk assessment and inspection required is proportionate to the risk, employers must still ensure hand tools are suitable, in good condition, and used by competent persons.

How often should PUWER inspections be carried out?

PUWER does not prescribe fixed inspection frequencies. The regulations require inspections at suitable intervals determined by the risk of deterioration and the consequences of failure. For high-risk equipment such as mobile plant and power tools on construction sites, daily pre-use checks and more detailed periodic inspections (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) are common practice.

Who is a "competent person" under PUWER?

A competent person is someone with sufficient training, knowledge, experience, and other qualities to carry out the task assigned to them. The level of competence required varies with the complexity of the equipment. For simple pre-use checks, a trained operator may be competent. For detailed inspections of complex machinery, a qualified engineer or technician is typically required.

Is a PUWER assessment the same as a risk assessment?

A PUWER assessment is a specific type of risk assessment focused on work equipment. It assesses suitability, condition, guarding, controls, and operator competence. It forms part of your broader risk assessment obligations under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and should be integrated into your RAMS documentation.

Does PUWER apply to hired or leased equipment?

Yes. PUWER applies to all work equipment provided for use at work, regardless of whether it is owned, hired, leased, or borrowed. The duty holder (the employer or person who controls the work) must ensure that hired equipment meets PUWER requirements before it is used. This includes checking maintenance records, inspection certificates, and operator training.

What is the difference between PUWER and LOLER?

PUWER applies to all work equipment. LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations. Where equipment is used for lifting, both sets of regulations apply. LOLER imposes additional requirements including thorough examinations at statutory intervals, written examination schemes, and specific planning requirements for lifting operations. See the comparison table earlier in this guide for a detailed breakdown.

Can I be imprisoned for a PUWER breach?

Yes. For serious offences tried in the Crown Court, individuals can face up to two years' imprisonment. Directors and managers can be personally prosecuted under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 if the offence was committed with their consent or connivance.

Do I need to keep records of PUWER inspections?

Yes. Regulation 6(4) requires that the result of every inspection is recorded and the record kept until the next inspection under the regulation. In practice, maintaining a full history of inspection records is strongly advisable as evidence of ongoing PUWER compliance.

How swiftRMS Helps with PUWER Compliance

Managing PUWER compliance alongside LOLER, CDM 2015, COSHH, Work at Height Regulations, and every other piece of legislation that applies to your work is a significant administrative challenge, especially when you are producing RAMS documents for every task on every project.

swiftRMS uses AI to generate comprehensive, regulation-compliant RAMS documents in minutes rather than hours. Every RAMS produced by swiftRMS automatically considers the relevant legislation, including PUWER 1998, and identifies work equipment risks specific to the task being assessed.

Here is how swiftRMS supports your PUWER compliance:

• Automatic equipment risk identification: The AI identifies PUWER-relevant hazards based on the task description, flagging equipment risks such as unguarded machinery, mobile plant hazards, and electrical dangers that need specific controls
• Regulation-specific controls: Every RAMS includes control measures mapped to the relevant PUWER regulations, including guarding requirements (Reg 11), operator competence (Reg 9), inspection requirements (Reg 6), and stability measures (Reg 18)
• LOLER integration: For tasks involving lifting equipment, the AI automatically includes LOLER requirements alongside PUWER, ensuring thorough examination certificates, lifting plans, and appointed person responsibilities are all addressed
• Consistency across teams: Whether it is your most experienced health and safety professional or a site supervisor producing the RAMS, the quality and PUWER compliance level remains the same
• Time savings: Teams using swiftRMS report cutting RAMS production time by up to 80%, freeing up time for the on-site inspections, equipment checks, and supervision that PUWER actually requires

PUWER compliance is ultimately about preventing people from being injured by work equipment. The documentation exists to support that goal, but it should not consume all of your time. By automating the documentation process, you can focus more energy on the practical controls, inspections, and training that keep people safe.

[Try swiftRMS free](https://app.swiftrms.co.uk/signup) and see how AI-powered RAMS generation handles PUWER compliance for your next project.

This guide was last updated in February 2026. PUWER regulations are subject to change, and you should always verify current requirements with the HSE's official PUWER guidance and the full text of the regulations. Seek professional advice for your specific circumstances.