What is this document?
INDG229, "Using Work Equipment Safely", is a free HSE leaflet that summarises the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). It provides practical advice on eliminating or reducing risks from work equipment.
Work equipment accidents remain a significant workplace hazard, with many incidents being serious or fatal. This guidance helps those responsible for equipment understand their duties and take practical steps to prevent harm.
Who needs to read this?
This document applies to you if you:
- Are an employer who provides equipment for workers to use
- Are a manager or supervisor responsible for work equipment
- Hire out equipment for use in the workplace
- Select or purchase work equipment for your business
- Are self-employed and use equipment in your work
- Maintain or modify work equipment
Key points covered
What counts as work equipment?
PUWER applies to a very wide range of equipment, including:
- Machinery (production machines, woodworking equipment, metalworking machinery)
- Power tools and hand tools
- Lifting equipment (though additional regulations apply)
- Ladders and access equipment
- Pressure systems
- Vehicles used as work equipment
- Laboratory apparatus
Essentially, any equipment provided for use at work falls within scope.
Main PUWER requirements
The regulations require employers to ensure that work equipment is:
- Suitable for the intended use and conditions
- Safe for use, maintained in safe condition, and inspected where appropriate
- Used only by trained people who have received adequate information and instruction
- Fitted with suitable safety measures including guards, protection devices, markings, and warnings
Key duties covered
- Suitability - Equipment must be suitable for its purpose and the conditions in which it will be used
- Maintenance - Equipment must be maintained in efficient working order and good repair
- Inspection - Where deterioration could lead to danger, equipment must be inspected at suitable intervals
- Information and instruction - Users must have adequate information about risks and precautions
- Training - Anyone using equipment must receive adequate training
- Dangerous parts - Measures must prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery
- Controls - Appropriate controls must be provided (start, stop, emergency stop)
- Stability - Equipment must be stabilised where necessary
- Lighting - Adequate lighting must be provided for equipment use
Changes in the 2012 revision
The revised leaflet (Rev2) incorporated updates on:
- Current practices for supply of new machinery
- Requirements when modifying existing equipment
- Maintenance safety considerations
How this applies to you
If you provide work equipment or are responsible for its safe use, you must:
- Assess the risks - Consider what could go wrong and who might be harmed
- Select suitable equipment - Choose equipment that's right for the job and the environment
- Maintain it properly - Keep equipment in safe working order with appropriate maintenance regimes
- Guard dangerous parts - Prevent access to moving parts, cutting edges, and other hazards
- Provide information and training - Ensure users know how to use equipment safely
- Inspect where necessary - Carry out inspections before first use and periodically thereafter
PUWER applies to all work equipment, not just dangerous machinery. Even seemingly simple equipment like office chairs, hand tools, and ladders must be suitable, maintained, and used safely.
Related Safety Clarity content
- PUWER Regulations Guide - Plain-English guide to PUWER requirements with practical compliance advice
- Machinery safety guidance - Detailed guidance on machine guarding and safety
- Workplace safety fundamentals - Core employer duties
- Manufacturing sector guidance - Equipment-intensive workplace requirements
- INDG291 - Providing and Using Work Equipment Safely - Employer duties under PUWER
- L22 - Safe Use of Work Equipment - The ACOP and guidance for PUWER
Source: HSE - INDG229
Disclaimer: This summary is for information only. PUWER has detailed requirements - refer to the full regulations and HSE guidance for complete information. For specific advice, consult a qualified health and safety professional.