Featured FAQ
What is defined as work equipment?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) (Formally known as PUWER98) lay down important health and safety laws for the provision and use of work equipment. The primary objective of PUWER is to ensure the provision of safe work equipment and its safe use. Work equipment should not give rise to risks to health and safety irrespective of its age or place of origin.
The scope of “work equipment” is very broad. It covers almost any equipment used at work, and also affects second hand, hired and leased equipment.
Equipment used at work includes the following;
Hand tools - drills, hammers, handsaws, meat cleavers, knifes, sharpening tools, riveters etc
Single stand alone machines – workshop equipment, CNC machines, circular saws, grinders, pillar drills, lathes, band saws, hydraulic press, milling machines etc.
Apparatus – laboratory apparatus, autoclaves, measuring devices, hot water baths, water distilling, fume extraction
Lifting equipment – elevating work platforms, cranes, lift trucks, hoists etc
Other equipment – pressure washers, ladders etc
Complex Installations - series of machines connected together to form Production lines.
The following are not classified as work equipment within the regulation;
Livestock
Substances – cement, acids, chemicals, water
Structural items – walls, stairs, fences, roof
Private cars
If you have equipment that is used at work you need a PUWER assessment Employers must ensure that all work equipment meets the essential requirements of the regulations laid down for the manufacture of that equipment, and that inspections are carried out in the right manner, by the appropriate person. Pilz assessors are fully trained and qualified to conduct a PUWER assessment, contact us today to see how we can help you meet your PUWER requirements.
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