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PUWER Risk Assessment — Work Equipment Safety in Minutes
Describe your machinery or equipment — type, use, location, guarding, maintenance. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant PUWER risk assessment covering all requirements under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. £29, instant download.
Used by manufacturers, construction firms, warehouses, and facilities managers across the UK
⚙️ Using lifting equipment or mobile plant? Mention it — we'll include LOLER thorough examination requirements, operator competency checks, and controls for roll-over, falling loads, and vehicle movement under both PUWER and LOLER.
PUWER 1998: Legal requirements for work equipment
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all work equipment in all workplaces. Regulation 3(1) requires employers to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the intended use or properly adapted, and Regulation 3(3) requires a risk assessment before equipment is used for the first time or after any modification.
Regulation 11 addresses dangerous parts of machinery. Where any part of work equipment has a dangerous moving part or rotating element, effective measures must be taken to prevent access or to stop movement before any part of a person enters the danger zone. This is typically achieved through fixed guards, interlocked guards, or two-hand control systems.
Regulation 5 requires that work equipment is maintained in efficient working order and in good repair. A maintenance log must be kept. For equipment subject to conditions causing deterioration (high heat, moisture, vibration), inspection schedules must be documented and followed.
Regulation 9 requires adequate training for equipment users. Only trained, competent, and authorised persons may operate work equipment. Training records must be maintained and refresher training provided where necessary. The assessment must identify training requirements specific to the equipment.
If your equipment lifts loads (hoists, cranes, forklifts, lift trucks, telehandlers), the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) also apply. LOLER Regulation 9 requires a thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 6 or 12 months depending on equipment type and use. Anyrisks assessments reference both PUWER and LOLER where lifting equipment is involved.
How It Works
1. Describe Your Equipment
Tell us the equipment type (machinery, power tools, lifting equipment, mobile plant), how it will be used, who will operate it, and any specific hazards (moving parts, noise, confined space). Mention if it is hired, leased, or subject to statutory examination under LOLER.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, PUWER-compliant work equipment risk assessment referencing Regulations 3, 5, 9, 11, and 18 where relevant. If lifting equipment is involved, LOLER requirements are included.
3. Instant Download and Use
Download as PDF and Word. Present it to HSE inspectors, insurers, or auditors. Include it in your safety management system. File it alongside maintenance logs and operator training records. £29, no subscription.
What It Covers
Every PUWER risk assessment is written in full — covering all equipment hazards and regulatory requirements.
Suitability of equipment for intended use (Regulation 4)
Maintenance schedules and inspection logs (Regulation 5)
Operator training and competency (Regulation 9)
Dangerous parts of machinery — guards and protection devices (Regulation 11)
Protection against specified hazards (ejection, fire, explosion, extreme temperatures)
Controls and control systems — emergency stops, isolators, interlocks (Regulation 18)
Stability of equipment and risk of collapse or overturning
Lighting, visibility, and marking of danger zones
Noise and vibration exposure from machinery
Manual handling risks during equipment setup or maintenance
LOLER thorough examination requirements for lifting equipment
Mobile plant — vehicle movement, roll-over protection, operator visibility
PPE requirements — hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, safety footwear
Safe systems of work and permit-to-work where required
Works For
From hand tools to heavy plant, Anyrisks covers every type of work equipment under PUWER.
What Customers Say
"We have over 30 pieces of plant and machinery. Anyrisks gave us a complete PUWER assessment for each one, all referenced properly with maintenance and training requirements. Saved us days of work."
David T.
Production manager, West Midlands
"Our client required a PUWER and LOLER assessment for a hired telehandler before we could start work. Anyrisks produced it in minutes and it was accepted immediately by the principal contractor."
Emma L.
Site supervisor, construction company, South East
"HSE visited and asked for our PUWER assessments for the CNC machines. Anyrisks had everything documented — guarding, training, maintenance schedules. No issues raised."
James K.
Workshop owner, Yorkshire
Anyrisks vs DIY Templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full for your specific equipment | ✓ | ✗ |
| PUWER Regulations 1998 referenced by number | ✓ | ✗ |
| LOLER requirements included for lifting equipment | ✓ | ✗ |
| Guarding and dangerous parts (Regulation 11) covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Operator training and competency requirements included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Maintenance and inspection schedules specified | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PUWER and why do I need a risk assessment?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to ensure that all work equipment is suitable, maintained, and safe to use. Regulation 3 requires a risk assessment before equipment is used. Without a documented assessment, you are non-compliant with PUWER and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Does the assessment cover machinery guarding and safety devices?
Yes — if your equipment has moving parts, rotating machinery, nip points, or requires guarding, the assessment will reference Regulation 11 (dangerous parts of machinery) and Regulation 18 (controls and control systems). Emergency stops, interlocks, and light curtains are included where relevant.
Can I use it for hired or leased equipment?
Yes — PUWER applies to all work equipment whether owned, hired, or leased. Describe the equipment type and how it will be used, and the assessment will cover your duties under Regulation 4 (suitability of work equipment) and Regulation 5 (maintenance).
Does it cover operator training requirements?
Yes — Regulation 9 of PUWER requires that only employees who have received adequate training may use work equipment. The assessment will reference this and recommend that operators are competent, trained, and authorised to use the specific equipment.
Is inspection and maintenance planning included?
Yes — Regulation 5 requires that equipment is maintained in efficient working order. The assessment will specify inspection frequencies, maintenance records, and any statutory thorough examination requirements (e.g. for lifting equipment under LOLER).
How quickly can I get the assessment?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the equipment, its use, and workplace environment, and Anyrisks produces a complete, PUWER-compliant work equipment risk assessment instantly.
Can I use this for LOLER assessments as well?
PUWER applies to all work equipment; LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) applies specifically to lifting equipment. If your equipment lifts loads (hoists, cranes, forklifts), mention it and the assessment will reference both PUWER and LOLER, including thorough examination requirements under LOLER Regulation 9.
Does it cover mobile plant and machinery?
Yes — describe the mobile equipment (telehandlers, excavators, scissor lifts, etc.) and the assessment will include PUWER controls plus specific risks from vehicle movement, roll-over, falling objects, and operator visibility.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Assessment · Do I Need a Risk Assessment? · Risk Assessment Legal Requirements · Risk Assessment Generator