“Not Just Equipment
Safe Equipment.”
PUWER Awareness Training
Safe Equipment, Safer Workplaces
This PUWER training course provides a clear understanding of the legal responsibilities outlined in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). It’s designed to help you ensure that work equipment is selected, used, and maintained safely, and that any risks are effectively controlled.
The course covers how to conduct a risk assessment for work equipment, implement appropriate control measures, and apply the hierarchy of control to reduce risks during installation, operation, and maintenance. Packed with practical guidance, it helps you apply safe working practices directly to the equipment you use in your role.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will:
Understand the legal responsibilities defined under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998.
Understand the other main laws that apply to the safe use of work equipment.
Have an awareness of how risk assessments are carried out for the safe use of work equipment.
Have knowledge of the control measures needed to eliminate or manage the hazards created by the use of work equipment and ensure health and safety.
Understand the importance of careful equipment selection, safe working practices, equipment maintenance, inspection and testing, and emergency procedures.
How it works….
On the course
At a glance…
6 - 10 delegates
Half day course
No qualifications or PPE required
This training course is delivered on-site at your location or at a training centre location and typically lasts half a day, No formal qualifications are needed to attend, making it accessible to all experience levels. Group sizes are kept small, usually between 6–10 delegates, to ensure focused, hands-on learning. Delegates are not required to bring any PPE for this training course
Module 1: Introduction to PUWER
This module introduces the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), explaining what the regulations cover and the types of work equipment they apply to. Learners will explore the risks associated with equipment use, relevant supporting legislation, key PUWER requirements, and the duties of employees. It also introduces the hierarchy of control measures for managing risk and includes real-world case studies to highlight the importance of compliance.
Module 2: Risk Assessment
This module explains the core principles of risk assessment as they apply to work equipment. It outlines who is responsible for carrying out assessments and guides learners through the five key steps: identifying hazards, determining who may be harmed, evaluating risks and control measures, recording findings, and reviewing the assessment. Learners will also learn how to evaluate existing controls and apply improvements to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
Module 3: Selecting and Controlling Work Equipment
This module covers how to reduce risks through proper equipment selection, applying the hierarchy of control, and ensuring equipment meets PUWER requirements. It includes key topics such as initial safety checks, safe working loads, guarding, power presses, equipment stability, signage, and safe storage. Learners will also explore PUWER-specified hazards and key control measures to promote safe use.
Module 4: Inspection, Maintenance & Ongoing Safety
This module covers PUWER requirements for inspecting and maintaining work equipment, including pre-use checks, record-keeping, and who is competent to carry out inspections. It also addresses safe systems of work, mobile and hired equipment, training, communication, and emergency procedures to ensure ongoing safe use and legal compliance.
