The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (PUWER-LOLER) came into effect on the 5th December 1998 and replaced PUWER 1992. They cover almost all equipment used at work, including tool box tools such as hammers, knives etc. They also cover machinery such as circular saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment; hoists, lift trucks, and installations such as ladders and scaffolding.

 

Items not included are private cars, structural items, livestock and substances like cement acids and alkalines. The Regulations have been extended to include those people who control equipment but may not use it i.e. hire companies.

 

If work equipment is to be used by a member of the public for instance, a garage tyre inflator or a lift in a shopping mall then PUWER is not applicable, but other legislation applies.

 

 

 

Work equipment

Work equipment must comply with legislation implementing any relevant EC directives e.g. on CE marking. It must be constructed or adapted so as to be suitable for the work undertaken. It must also be used in accordance with the manufacturers specification and instructions.

Mobile work equipment

New requirements have been introduced specifically for mobile work equipment, by definition equipment that undertakes work whilst travelling e.g. a lift truck.

Self propelled work equipment

 

Self propelled work equipment must be prevented from unauthorised use and have brakes to slow down or stop in a safe distance. Where the driver's field of vision is inadequate then visibility aids should be provided such as mirrors or close circuit television.