CDM/Specific/TBT-CDM-008

PUWER 1998 Awareness

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PUWER 1998 Awareness

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-CDM-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
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What?

  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all work equipment on site.
  • Work equipment includes tools, machines, plant, ladders, scaffolds, and any apparatus used at work.
  • PUWER requires that all equipment is suitable for the intended use and conditions of the workplace.
  • Equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
  • Guards and protection devices on equipment must be in place and effective during use.
  • Adequate training and information must be provided before anyone uses work equipment.
  • Equipment must be inspected at suitable intervals to ensure it remains safe for continued use.
  • The regulations apply to employers, self-employed persons, and anyone who controls work equipment.
  • Specific requirements apply to mobile work equipment, power presses, and woodworking machines.
  • Non-compliance with PUWER is a criminal offence enforced by the HSE with fines and prosecution.

Why?

Equipment safetyDefective or unsuitable work equipment is a leading cause of construction injuries.
Legal dutyPUWER places clear legal duties on employers to provide safe, maintained equipment.
Guard requirementMissing guards on equipment cause amputations, entanglement, and death.
CompetenceUsing equipment without training causes more incidents than equipment failure itself.
Do Don't
  • Check that all work equipment is suitable for the task and conditions before use.
  • Inspect equipment before every use and report any defects immediately.
  • Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly.
  • Confirm you have received adequate training before using any work equipment.
  • Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions for every piece of equipment.
  • Maintain equipment in good working order and keep maintenance records.
  • Use the correct equipment for the task — do not improvise or adapt unsuitable tools.
  • Complete formal inspections at the intervals specified for the equipment type.
  • Remove defective equipment from service immediately and tag it as out of use.
  • Ensure all controls, emergency stops, and isolators are accessible and working.
  • DON'T use equipment that is damaged, defective, or missing safety guards.
  • DON'T operate equipment you have not been trained and authorised to use.
  • DON'T remove, bypass, or defeat guards or safety devices on any equipment.
  • DON'T use equipment for a purpose it was not designed or intended for.
  • DON'T ignore defects — report them and take the equipment out of service.
  • DON'T skip pre-use inspections because you used the same equipment yesterday.
  • DON'T lend equipment to untrained persons or allow unauthorised use.
  • DON'T continue using equipment after the inspection date has expired.
  • DON'T modify equipment without the manufacturer's or engineer's approval.
  • DON'T assume equipment is safe because it is new — check it before first use.

See also: CDM 2015 Awareness | Plant Pre-Use Inspections
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