What is L22?
L22 is the HSE's Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, commonly known as PUWER. These regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in a safe condition, and used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction, and training.
The term "work equipment" covers an enormous range of items, from a simple hand tool like a hammer to complex machinery such as a CNC lathe, and includes vehicles, lifting equipment, and office equipment like photocopiers.
Who Needs This Document?
L22 is relevant to any employer or self-employed person who provides or uses work equipment:
- Manufacturing businesses using machinery and production equipment
- Construction companies using power tools and plant
- Offices using computers, printers, and other equipment
- Retail businesses using tills, display equipment, and storage systems
- Property managers responsible for building equipment and maintenance
- Agricultural businesses using farm machinery
- Healthcare providers using medical equipment
- Anyone who provides equipment for workers to use
Key Topics Covered
Suitability of Work Equipment
Equipment must be suitable by design, construction, or adaptation for the actual work it will be used for. This includes considering the working conditions and specific risks in the workplace.
Maintenance
Equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Where a maintenance log is required, it must be kept up to date.
Specific Risks
Where equipment poses specific risks, its use must be restricted to designated persons who have received appropriate training.
Information, Instruction and Training
Users and supervisors must have adequate health and safety information and written instructions where appropriate. Training must cover the correct use of equipment, risks, and precautions.
Dangerous Parts of Machinery
The regulations set out a hierarchy of measures to protect against dangerous parts:
- Fixed enclosing guards
- Other guards or protection devices
- Jigs, holders, push-sticks, or similar tools
- Information, instruction, training, and supervision
Controls and Control Systems
Requirements for starting, stopping, and emergency stop controls. Control systems must be safe and designed to fail safely.
Stability, Lighting, Warnings and Markings
Equipment must be stabilised where necessary, have adequate lighting for operations, and carry appropriate warnings and markings.
Mobile Work Equipment
Additional requirements for mobile equipment including visibility, lighting, and roll-over protection.
Legal Status
L22 is an Approved Code of Practice with special legal status. If you are prosecuted for breaching PUWER and it can be shown you did not follow the ACOP, a court will find you at fault unless you can prove compliance by other means.
The regulations are enforced by the HSE and local authorities. Machinery-related injuries are often severe, and enforcement action following incidents can be significant.
Why It Matters
Work equipment is involved in a substantial proportion of workplace injuries. Proper compliance with PUWER:
- Prevents injuries from entanglement, crushing, cutting, and other machinery hazards
- Reduces equipment failures through proper maintenance regimes
- Ensures competence of equipment operators through training requirements
- Provides legal protection through documented risk assessments and safety measures
- Extends equipment life through proper maintenance
- Improves productivity by reducing downtime from equipment failures and incidents
For SMEs, PUWER applies to everyday equipment that might not seem hazardous at first glance. Even a paper shredder or a ladder is work equipment that must comply with these regulations. Understanding L22 helps ensure all equipment in your workplace is properly managed.
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
- INDG229 - Using Work Equipment Safely - HSE summary of PUWER requirements
- INDG291 - Providing and Using Work Equipment Safely - Employer duties under PUWER