Health and Safety Policies: PUWER Explained for Electricians
In the third part of our Health and Safety Policy series, we’re taking a closer look at PUWER — the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations set out the legal duties for anyone who owns, uses, or controls work equipment. If you’re an electrician, employer, or self-employed contractor, PUWER is one of the key frameworks that helps keep both people and equipment safe on site.
What Does PUWER Stand For?
PUWER stands for Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It places duties on individuals and businesses who use e quipment for work purposes, whether that equipment is owned, leased, or hired.
The five core requirements under PUWER are that:
- Equipment is suitable for the intended use.
- Equipment is safe for use, properly maintained, and inspected regularly.
- Only trained and informed people use the equipment.
- Appropriate safety measures are in place, such as isolation switches, emergency stops, and clear markings.
- Equipment is used in line with specific legal requirements, especially for mobile or power-press machinery.
In practice, this means almost every tool or piece of machinery you handle at work falls under PUWER.
How PUWER Relates to Electrical Work
For electricians, PUWER overlaps with other safety guidance like GS38 – Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage systems. While GS38 gives detailed technical guidance for testing and measurement equipment, PUWER provides the wider legal framework for all work equipment.
By following GS38 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, you’ll automatically meet many of the safety standards required under PUWER.
Other specialist legislation may also apply depending on your tools:
- LOLER – for lifting operations and lifting equipment.
- PPE Regulations – for personal protective equipment.
Meeting the Requirements of PUWER
Some parts of PUWER won’t apply to every domestic e lectrician, but it’s still important to understand where your responsibilities sit.
Below are the key areas to focus on and how to stay compliant.
- Selecting Equipment
When buying or choosing work equipment, check that it meets the following:
- CE or UKCA marking to show conformity with safety standards.
- A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) supplied by the manufacturer.
- Instructions in English (for equipment intended for UK use).
- No visible defects or damage at the point of purchase.
- Ongoing inspection for wear or deterioration that could affect safety or performance.
If a tool or piece of equipment shows signs of damage, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. Never use equipment that looks unsafe, even temporarily.
- PUWER Training and Competence
If you work alone, a common-sense approach applies — make sure you fully understand how each tool or machine operates before using it.
If you employ others, PUWER makes it your legal responsibility to ensure every employee:
- Has received proper information and instruction.
- Knows the limitations and safe operating conditions of each tool.
- Understands how to perform visual checks and report defects.
Keeping a short training log or sign-off record for new equipment can help you demonstrate compliance if ever inspected.
- Maintenance and Inspection
Equipment should be:
- Maintained in a safe condition, following the manufacturer’s schedule.
- Visually checked
before use and formally inspected at suitable intervals.
- Recorded in a maintenance log if you run a business or use high-risk machinery.
A quick pre-use check takes seconds but can prevent serious injury or equipment f ailure on site.
Complying with PUWER is straightforward once you know what’s expected.
Most reputable suppliers already meet the necessary standards — but electricians still have a personal duty to make sure the equipment they use is safe, suitable, and used correctly.
If you’re ever unsure whether a tool meets the requirements, err on the side of safety and don’t use it until you’ve confirmed it’s compliant.
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FAQs
What does PUWER stand for and when was it introduced?
PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations. It was introduced in 1998, replacing the original regulations from 1992, and came into force on December 5, 1998, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Who does PUWER apply to within the electrical industry?
PUWER applies to employers, self-employed individuals, and anyone who owns, operates, or controls work equipment in the electrical industry, including those providing equipment for use at work. This includes electricians, contractors, and supervisors responsible for tools like drills, testers, or machinery, ensuring safety in workplaces covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
What are the five main requirements of the PUWER Regulations?
The five main requirements of PUWER are: 1) Equipment must be suitable for its intended use; 2) It must be safe for use, properly maintained, and inspected regularly; 3) Use must be restricted to competent individuals; 4) Users must receive adequate information, instruction, and training; 5) Equipment must include appropriate safety measures, such as guards or emergency stops.
How does PUWER relate to GS38 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?
PUWER complements the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) by focusing on the safe provision and use of work equipment, while EAWR addresses broader electrical safety duties. GS38 provides guidance on electrical test equipment to comply with both PUWER and EAWR, emphasizing safe tools and practices, with overlaps in inspection and maintenance requirements.
What types of electrical tools and equipment fall under PUWER?
Electrical tools and equipment under PUWER include power tools (e.g., drills, saws, grinders), welding equipment, abrasive wheels, pressure washers, electrical appliances, and installations like lifting gear or machinery used in electrical work.
What checks should electricians make before purchasing or using work equipment?
Before purchasing or using equipment, electricians should check suitability for the task, compliance with standards (e.g., CE/UKCA marking), manufacturer instructions, risk assessments for hazards, compatibility with existing systems, and ensure it has appropriate safety features like guards or insulation. Visual inspections and supplier verification are also key.
What training or competence does PUWER require for employees using equipment?
PUWER requires employees to have adequate training, information, and instruction on equipment use, risks, and precautions, with competence assessed through knowledge, experience, and supervision as needed. Training should be refreshed periodically or after changes.
How often should electrical tools and equipment be inspected or maintained?
Inspection and maintenance frequency under PUWER is determined by risk assessment, equipment type, usage, and environment, with no fixed interval—ranging from daily user checks to annual thorough examinations for high-risk items. Portable electrical tools often require inspections every 3-12 months.
What records should employers or contractors keep to demonstrate PUWER compliance?
To demonstrate compliance, keep records of risk assessments, inspections, maintenance logs, training certificates, equipment inventories, and incident reports, retained for at least 5 years or as long as relevant.
What should electricians do if they suspect equipment is unsafe or non-compliant?
If equipment is suspected unsafe, electricians should stop using it immediately, isolate it, tag it as faulty, report to their supervisor or employer, and document the issue; employers must then investigate and rectify before reuse.
