Provision and Use of Work Equipment Inspections
What is PUWER?
PUWER, or the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 (Incorporating Power Presses), are general requirements for all types of work equipment. PUWER was outlined by the government in order to promote safety in professional engineering workplaces. These regulations place legal responsibility onto the companies or persons who own, operate or have control over such equipment.
Under PUWER regulations, any work equipment must be suitable and safe for use. It must be kept in an environment that will not cause any deterioration, as well as being correctly installed. Only people who are competently trained can use the equipment. As a hard and fast rule, work equipment must be:
- Suitable for its use.
- Maintained so that it continues to operate safely.
- Inspected following its individual inspections requirements.
What equipment requires inspection or Thorough examination under PUWER?
Work equipment refers to any machinery, appliance or tool used at work including and not limited to:
- Drilling Machines
- Bulldozers
- Woodworking Machines
- Dumper Trucks
- Guillotines
- Power Presses
- Guarding Systems
- Injection Moulding Machines
- Ladders
- Lighting Rigs
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 may also apply to certain types of work equipment, so read our LOLER guide for further information. If you require a plant Power Press Inspection, speak to PSI Ltd today – Thorough examinations are vital for high risk machinery.
Our PUWER Inspection Services
PUWER demands that working equipment is regularly inspected by a ‘competent person’. Equipment must be examined at suitable and outlined intervals, and following a negative incident or misdemeanour. PSI are experienced at providing such inspections, and have been established for over 30 years. We operate nationwide, but have hubs of activity around the Midlands – Coventry, Birmingham, Nottingham, Stoke-On-Trent and Hull.
Under the cover of PUWER, our engineering surveyors have an expert understanding of the specific Governmental regulations that relate to plant inspections. These include COSHH, PSSR and LOLER. PSI is also a founding members of INITA, the Independent National Inspection and Testing Association. This means that we have a hand in contributing to the creation of legislation that directly affects our field of work.
Working with PSI will guarantee you the expertise of market-leading engineering surveyors, who have the up-most respect for their client’s needs. Speak to our team about your requirements today.