Do you use work equipment or machinery in your business?
Quick check to point you in the right direction
Why machinery safety matters
Machinery and work equipment are involved in thousands of workplace accidents every year. Crushing injuries, entanglement, amputations, burns, and electrocution are among the most serious consequences of poorly managed equipment.
The law is clear: if you provide equipment for people to use at work, you must ensure it's safe.
Under PUWER 1998, employers must ensure work equipment is suitable, properly maintained, inspected, and that users are adequately trained. LOLER 1998 adds specific requirements for lifting equipment. Failure to comply can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and imprisonment.
Who needs to comply with machinery safety law?
PUWER and LOLER apply to almost everyone who provides work equipment:
- Employers — responsible for equipment used by employees
- Self-employed — responsible for their own equipment
- Those in control of work equipment — even if not the owner
- Those in control of premises — where work equipment is used
PUWER applies to all work equipment, from hand tools to complex production machinery. LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations.
What counts as work equipment?
Work equipment is broader than you might think. It includes:
- Power tools and hand tools
- Machinery (lathes, presses, saws, drills)
- Lifting equipment (cranes, hoists, forklifts, lifting slings)
- Access equipment (ladders, scaffolds, mobile elevating work platforms)
- Vehicles used at work
- Office equipment (computers, printers, shredders)
- Medical equipment
- Mobile plant and agricultural machinery
If your employees use it for work, it's work equipment and PUWER applies. The regulations are scalable — risks from a stapler are different from risks from a metal press, and your precautions should be proportionate.
PUWER explained
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) set out your duties for work equipment safety.
Key PUWER requirements
1. Suitability of equipment (Regulation 4)
- Equipment must be suitable for the intended use
- Must be suitable for the conditions it will be used in
- Account for health and safety risks
2. Maintenance (Regulation 5)
- Equipment must be maintained in efficient working order
- Must be in good repair
- Maintenance log must be kept
3. Inspection (Regulation 6)
- Where safety depends on installation or assembly, equipment must be inspected
- After installation and before first use
- After assembly at a new location
- At suitable intervals
- After events that may affect safety (e.g., major repair, extreme weather)
- Results must be recorded and kept until the next inspection
4. Specific risks (Regulation 7)
- Where equipment poses specific risks (temperature, noise, vibration, etc.), measures must be taken
- Access should be restricted to authorised users
5. Information and instructions (Regulation 8)
- Written instructions must be available
- Equipment should be marked with health and safety warnings
6. Training (Regulation 9)
- Users must be adequately trained
- Training must cover safe use, risks, and precautions
7. Conformity with EU/UK requirements (Regulation 10)
- Equipment purchased after 1995 must conform to UK supply regulations
- CE/UKCA marking should be present
Dangerous parts of machinery (Regulation 11)
This is one of the most important parts of PUWER. Dangerous parts must be guarded or protected to prevent access.
Effective protection against dangerous parts should be achieved by:
- Fixed enclosing guards
- Other guards or protection devices (interlocked guards, pressure-sensitive mats)
- Protection appliances (jigs, push-sticks)
- Provision of information, instruction, training and supervision — but only where other methods aren't practical
Hierarchy of control for dangerous parts:
- Fixed guards — physical barriers permanently fixed in place (preferred)
- Interlocked guards — machine won't operate unless guard is closed
- Adjustable guards — for operations requiring different setups
- Self-adjusting guards — move to allow material through, close automatically
- Trip devices — sensors that stop the machine if access is detected
- Two-hand control — requires both hands on controls, keeping them away from danger
- Training and supervision — only acceptable where engineering controls aren't reasonably practicable
Never remove or disable guards. If a guard makes work difficult, the solution is to redesign the guard or the work process — not to remove the guard.
Controls and control systems (Regulation 14-18)
- Start and stop controls must be clearly identified
- Stop controls must be readily accessible and take priority over start controls
- Emergency stop controls must be provided where needed
- Controls must be visible and clearly marked
- Control systems must be safe and fail-safe where possible
LOLER explained
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) add specific requirements for lifting equipment.
What is lifting equipment?
Lifting equipment means work equipment used for lifting or lowering loads. This includes:
- Cranes (mobile, tower, overhead)
- Hoists and lifting chains
- Forklifts and pallet trucks
- Lifting slings, ropes, and chains
- Shackles and eyebolts
- Vehicle inspection lifts
- Goods and passenger lifts
- Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
- Tail lifts on vehicles
- Patient hoists
Key LOLER requirements
1. Strength and stability (Regulation 4)
- Equipment must be strong and stable enough for the load
- Includes consideration of dynamic forces and weather
2. Lifting for carrying people (Regulation 5)
- Equipment for lifting people must be suitable for that purpose
- Must incorporate safety features to prevent falls and crushing
3. Positioning and installation (Regulation 6)
- Lifting equipment must be positioned or installed to minimise risks
- Reduce risks from striking people, loads drifting, or falling
4. Marking of lifting equipment (Regulation 7)
- Must be clearly marked with safe working load (SWL)
- Accessories (slings, shackles) must be marked with SWL or colour-coded
5. Organising lifting operations (Regulation 8)
- Every lifting operation must be properly planned by a competent person
- Appropriately supervised
- Carried out in a safe manner
6. Thorough examination and inspection (Regulation 9)
This is the most critical part of LOLER.
LOLER Examination Intervals
| Equipment Type | Initial Examination | In-service Examinations | Who? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting equipment for people | Before first use (unless EC/UK Declaration) | Every 6 months | Competent person |
| Other lifting equipment | Before first use (unless EC/UK Declaration) | Every 12 months (or as per examination scheme) | Competent person |
| Accessories (slings, chains, shackles) | Before first use | Every 6 months | Competent person |
| Equipment subject to exceptional circumstances | After installation, after assembly at new site | After events likely to jeopardise safety (e.g., damage, extreme weather) | Competent person |
A competent person is someone with the necessary knowledge, experience, and qualifications. For many equipment types, this means a qualified engineer or specialist inspector.
What is a thorough examination?
A thorough examination is more than a visual check. It's a detailed inspection to identify whether equipment can continue to be used safely, and identify any defects that could pose a danger.
The examiner must issue a report stating:
- Whether the equipment is safe to operate
- Any defects found and their severity
- Any repairs or actions needed
- Date of next examination
Thorough examination is not the same as routine inspection or maintenance. It must be carried out by a competent person — usually an independent qualified engineer. You can't just do it yourself unless you have the required competence.
Differences between PUWER and LOLER
PUWER vs LOLER
PUWER 1998
- •Applies to all work equipment
- •Requires maintenance and inspection
- •Inspection records kept until next inspection
- •Frequency: based on risk assessment
- •Can be inspected by competent employee
- •Covers guarding, training, suitability
LOLER 1998
- •Applies to lifting equipment only
- •Requires thorough examination
- •Records kept for at least 2 years
- •Frequency: 6 or 12 months (statutory)
- •Must be examined by competent person (usually independent)
- •Covers planning, SWL marking, stability
Bottom line: If you have lifting equipment, both PUWER and LOLER apply. LOLER adds specific requirements on top of PUWER's general duties.
Guarding requirements
Proper guarding is essential for preventing contact with dangerous parts of machinery.
Types of guards
Fixed guards
- Permanently attached to the machine (screws, bolts)
- Can only be removed with tools
- Preferred option where access is rarely needed
- Examples: mesh panels around rotating parts, covers over drive belts
Interlocked guards
- Linked to the machine control system
- Machine can't operate unless guard is closed
- Machine stops when guard is opened
- Used where access is needed regularly (e.g., feeding material)
Adjustable guards
- Can be adjusted to suit different operations
- Must be adjusted by the operator for each setup
- Examples: circular saw guards that adjust for depth
Self-adjusting guards
- Movable part pushed open by material, closes after
- Examples: table saw blade guards
Guarding design principles
Guards must:
- Prevent access to dangerous parts
- Be robust and not easily bypassed
- Not create additional hazards (sharp edges, pinch points)
- Allow safe maintenance when needed
- Not unduly restrict visibility of the work process
If you find employees have removed or disabled guards, don't just tell them off. Investigate why. Often, guards are removed because they make the work difficult or slow. The solution is better guard design, not disciplinary action.
Maintenance and inspection
PUWER maintenance (Regulation 5)
You must:
- Keep equipment in efficient working order and good repair
- Maintain a maintenance log
A maintenance log should record:
- Date of maintenance
- Who carried it out
- What was done
- Any defects found and how they were rectified
"Efficient working order" means the equipment is functioning correctly and protective devices are working. "Good repair" means wear and tear is managed and equipment is structurally sound.
PUWER inspection (Regulation 6)
Regular inspections are required where:
- Safety depends on installation conditions, or
- Equipment is subject to conditions causing deterioration that could create danger
Inspections must be:
- Carried out at suitable intervals (based on risk)
- Carried out after exceptional circumstances (damage, major repair)
- Recorded in writing
LOLER thorough examination (Regulation 9)
Much more formal than PUWER inspection:
- Must be by a competent person (usually independent)
- Fixed intervals (6 or 12 months)
- Written report required
- Records kept for at least 2 years
Typical Inspection Schedule for Machinery
Operator visual check before use — guards in place, no obvious defects
More detailed check by supervisor or maintenance team, recorded
Test emergency stop function, record result
Preventive maintenance by qualified technician
Thorough examination by competent person for lifting equipment
Formal inspection for critical machinery, recorded
After damage, near miss, or exceptional event
Training requirements
PUWER Regulation 9 requires users of work equipment to receive adequate training.
What training is needed?
Training must cover:
- How to use the equipment safely
- Risks associated with the equipment
- Precautions to be taken
- Emergency procedures (e.g., emergency stops)
- What to do if equipment malfunctions
Who needs training?
- Anyone who uses the equipment
- Anyone who supervises or manages its use
- Maintenance personnel
- Managers responsible for purchasing or specifying equipment
Training records
You should keep records of:
- Who was trained
- When they were trained
- What they were trained on
- Who provided the training
- Any assessments of competence
Training isn't a one-off event. Refresher training should be provided periodically, when equipment changes, or when accidents or near-misses indicate training gaps.
Formal qualifications
Some equipment requires formal certification:
- Forklift operators (accredited training required)
- Crane operators (CPCS or equivalent)
- MEWPs (IPAF or equivalent)
- Abrasive wheels (competency certificate)
- Chainsaw operators (NPTC or equivalent)
Common questions
PUWER applies to all work equipment and sets general duties around suitability, maintenance, inspection, training, and guarding. LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and adds requirements for thorough examination by a competent person at set intervals (6 or 12 months), safe working load marking, and planning of lifting operations. If you have lifting equipment, both apply.
A competent person with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience. For most lifting equipment, this means an independent qualified engineer or specialist inspector from an accredited company. You can't just inspect your own equipment unless you have formal qualifications and experience in lifting equipment inspection.
It depends on the type: equipment for lifting people must be examined every 6 months. Other lifting equipment must be examined every 12 months (or according to an examination scheme if one is in place). Accessories like slings and chains must be examined every 6 months. Equipment must also be examined after installation, assembly at a new site, or after events likely to affect safety.
No. PUWER Regulation 9 requires that users receive adequate information, instruction, and training before using work equipment. Using untrained workers on machinery is illegal and extremely dangerous. Training must be sufficient for them to use the equipment safely and understand the risks.
You cannot simply remove the guard. Regulation 11 requires dangerous parts to be protected. If a guard is causing problems, you need to redesign the guard, modify the work process, or find alternative protection methods. Removing guards to make work easier is illegal and one of the most common causes of serious machinery accidents.
Yes. PUWER Regulation 5 requires a maintenance log to be kept. For inspections under Regulation 6, records must be kept until the next inspection. For LOLER thorough examinations, records must be kept for at least 2 years (and often longer if the equipment is moved). Good practice is to keep all records for the life of the equipment.
Yes, but you must ensure it complies with PUWER and relevant supply regulations. If bought from within the UK or EU after 1995, it should have CE/UKCA marking. Older equipment, or equipment from outside the EU, may need assessment to ensure it meets current safety standards. You may need to retrofit guards or safety devices. A competent person should assess it before use.
The safe working load is the maximum load that lifting equipment is designed to lift safely. Under LOLER Regulation 7, all lifting equipment must be clearly marked with its SWL. Never exceed the SWL — doing so risks catastrophic failure. Remember to account for the weight of slings, chains, and lifting accessories when calculating the load.
HSE can issue improvement or prohibition notices requiring immediate action. For serious breaches, they can prosecute. Penalties include unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment. Machinery safety breaches are taken very seriously, especially if someone is injured. In addition to criminal penalties, injured workers can claim compensation.
It depends on the risk. Simple hand tools (spanners, screwdrivers) don't usually need formal inspections, but they should still be maintained and checked for defects. Power tools should be inspected regularly — visually before each use, and more detailed inspections at intervals based on use and risk. Portable electrical tools should be PAT tested. Use common sense and proportionality.
Related sectors
Machinery safety requirements vary by sector. Select your sector for specific considerations:
Sector-Specific Machinery Risks
| Sector | Typical Equipment | Key Risks | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Lathes, presses, conveyor systems, robots | Entanglement, crushing, cutting, contact with moving parts | High risk — comprehensive guarding and lockout/tagout procedures essential |
| Construction | Excavators, cranes, hoists, power tools, MEWPs | Lifting operations, falls, electrocution, vehicle movement | LOLER critical — thorough examinations and lift planning required |
| Agriculture | Tractors, combine harvesters, balers, PTOs | Entanglement, rollovers, PTO shaft contact | High fatality rate — guarding often poor, vehicle safety critical |
| Warehousing | Forklifts, pallet trucks, conveyors, loading equipment | Vehicle/pedestrian interaction, loading/unloading, lifting | Forklift training essential, segregation of vehicles and people |
| Workshops | Bench grinders, pillar drills, saws, welding equipment | Contact with rotating parts, abrasive wheels, ejected material | Tool rests, eye protection, wheel guards critical |
| Facilities Management | Lifts, access platforms, maintenance tools | Lifts for people, working at height, confined spaces | LOLER 6-month examinations for passenger lifts |
This is general guidance. Always conduct a risk assessment specific to your equipment and operations.
Manufacturing
Specific guidance for production machinery and industrial equipment.
Agriculture
Farm machinery safety, including tractors, PTOs, and mobile plant.
Construction
Construction equipment, lifting operations, and site safety.
Real enforcement examples
Manufacturing company fined £600,000 after amputation
A worker suffered a partial hand amputation when his hand was drawn into an unguarded conveyor roller while clearing a blockage at a food processing plant.
- ✗Dangerous parts of conveyor were not adequately guarded
- ✗No isolation procedure for clearing blockages
- ✗Workers routinely accessed moving machinery
- ✗Risk assessment failed to identify access points as hazards
- ✗No formal training on safe blockage clearance
The company was fined £600,000 plus £40,000 costs. The worker lost three fingers and has permanent reduced hand function.
Guarding must prevent access to dangerous parts at all times, including during routine tasks like clearing blockages. Where access is needed, the machine must be isolated using lockout/tagout procedures. Convenience can never justify removing or bypassing guards.
Source: Based on HSE prosecution records
Construction firm prosecuted after crane collapse
A mobile crane collapsed during a lift, dropping a 3-tonne concrete panel. No one was injured, but workers were in the vicinity.
- ✗No LOLER thorough examination for over 18 months
- ✗Crane was overloaded beyond its safe working load
- ✗No written lifting plan for the operation
- ✗Operator not formally trained or certified
- ✗Ground conditions not assessed for stability
The construction company was fined £250,000 plus costs. A prohibition notice prevented further use of the crane until it was thoroughly examined and certified safe.
LOLER requirements exist for good reason. Thorough examinations must be completed on time by a competent person. Every lifting operation must be properly planned by someone competent to do so. Lifting equipment failures can be catastrophic.
Source: Based on HSE prosecution records
Related content
PUWER Regulations Guide
Plain-English guide to PUWER requirements with practical compliance advice and checklist.
Workplace Safety
Broader workplace safety guidance, including risk assessments and safety management systems.
Electrical Safety
Electrical safety for equipment and installations, including testing and inspection.
L22 - PUWER ACOP
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for PUWER.
Need help with PUWER or LOLER compliance? A qualified machinery safety consultant or competent person can assess your equipment, arrange thorough examinations, and help you put compliant systems in place.