The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98)
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98)

Two new pieces of legislation have recently come into effect:

1) The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) are general goal setting Regulations that apply to any machinery or tools used at work, including lifting equipment. They incorporate the present regulations governing this area and extend their scope to cover mobile, self-propelled and remote controlled work equipment. PUWER 98 also contains specific provisions relating to power presses.

2) Closely associated with PUWER 98, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER 98) are also goal setting Regulations which address the high risks associated with lifting operations and equipment. LOLER introduces a broad definition of lifting equipment, standardises requirements for periodic inspection, and applies to all sectors of industry.

Duty Holders
Under both sets of Regulations general duties apply to the employer (and the self employed) but, in recognition of the way work equipment is used, the Regulations also impose duties on :

• Persons who have control of work equipment.
• Persons who use, manage or supervise the use of work equipment.
• The way in which work equipment is used.

Safety Advice
This new legislation underlines the basic requirement that all work activity must be safe (so far as is reasonably practicable). It affects all those responsible for the procurement, management and use of work equipment. If your current risk assessments and controls are up to date, then you will have little or nothing to do.

Those who operate machinery or supervise its operation (including woodworking machinery) should take particular care to ensure proper guarding is in place, is correctly used and that appropriate training/information is supplied.

more information on LOLER & PUWER...