These regulations lay down requirements for employers regarding the safety and use of all work equipment including machinery. Work equipment should not give rise to risks to health and safety.
The primary objective of PUWER 98 is to ensure that work equipment should not result in health and safety risks, regardless of its age, condition or origin.
PUWER 98 applies to the provision and use of all work equipment, including mobile and lifting equipment.
The definition of ‘use’ is wide and includes all activities involving work equipment, such as stopping or starting the equipment, repair, modification, maintenance and servicing. Cleaning and transportation of the equipment is also included.
The scope of work equipment is extremely wide and covers almost any equipment used at work. Work equipment covers:
(a) hand tool, eg. hammers, knives, handsaws etc.
(b) single machines, eg. photocopiers, dumper trucks, circular saws
(c) lifting equipment eg. hoists, lift trucks
(d) other equipment such as ladders, pressure cleaners
(e) the installation of a series of machines
The equipment should be suitable for the use for which it is intended, be provided with correct guarding, proper lighting, clear marks and warning signs etc.
The need for training, maintenance and suitability assessment will apply to all equipment whether old or new.
For more information why not try:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/equipment/index.htm
Booklet L22 – Safe Use of Work Equipment (HSE).
Leaflet INDG291 – Simple Guide to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (HSE)