The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) form the statutory backbone of equipment safety in the UK construction and plant sector. These regulations require that all work equipment—from hand tools and hydraulic excavators to mobile cranes and access platforms—be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. For equipment fitted with a maintenance log, that record must be kept up to date.

PUWER defines work equipment broadly as any machinery, appliance, apparatus or tool, assembly or components that work together to function as a whole. The scope includes vehicles supplied for use at work (cars, trucks, vans), lifting equipment, hand tools, portable electrical equipment, fixed machines, computers, ladders, mobile scaffold platforms and power tools. In plant operations, this translates to wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, crushing plants, screening equipment and concrete pumps. Lifting equipment is additionally governed by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

PUWER applies to employers, self-employed persons and anyone who supervises, manages or has control over work equipment. Hirers and lessors of equipment carry responsibilities under the regulations; end users are accountable even when equipment is supplied by third parties. All organisations using or controlling work equipment—regardless of size—face a legal obligation to comply. This includes construction sites, workshops, factories, quarries and recycling facilities. If an employer permits employees to provide and use their own equipment for work purposes, that equipment must also meet PUWER standards.

An effective maintenance programme reduces breakdown frequency and exposure to hazardous contact with machinery. Regular maintenance allows faults to be diagnosed early, managing risks before they escalate. PUWER mandates that maintenance operations themselves be carried out safely, and that only competent persons undertake the work. Regulations 8 and 9 specify that maintenance personnel receive sufficient information, instruction and competence training.

Before maintenance begins, employers must identify hazards that can arise if tools break during use, machinery starts unexpectedly or contact occurs with materials normally enclosed within the machine—for example leaks, breakages or ejection. Clear planning and communication of instructions are essential, particularly during maintenance concurrent with production work or where contractors unfamiliar with the site are involved. Extra precautions are required for maintenance involving work at height, access to unusual building areas, entry into vessels or confined spaces where toxic materials or oxygen deficiency may be present.

PUWER distinguishes between lower-risk equipment that can be visually inspected in-house by experienced, trained staff and high-risk equipment requiring thorough examination by a competent trained person. Simple items—such as hand tools, portable electrical equipment or small access equipment—may be visually checked by operators who have received the necessary training and demonstrated competence. High-risk plant demands formal thorough examination at defined intervals.

Competence lies at the heart of PUWER compliance. Maintenance work must only be carried out by those who possess the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to perform tasks safely. Employers must assess the competence demands of each piece of equipment and ensure personnel meet those standards before authorisation to work.