The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all work equipment which is used by employees. The primary objective of the Regulations is to ensure that no work equipment gives rise to risks to health and safety, regardless of the work equipment’s age, condition or origin. All employees must be competent to use work equipment with due regard to health and safety.

Safe use of work equipment. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance L22 emphasises the importance of training and properly supervising young people because of their relative immaturity and unfamiliarity with the working environment. There is also strengthened guidance relating to young people in associated Approved Codes of Practice, for example dealing with power presses and woodworking.