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Online PUWER Training (Awareness)

25.00+ VAT

PUWER Training Course

4.7 (83 reviews)
PUWER Training Course cert

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£25.00 +VAT per person

Course information
  • Certificate on Successful Completion
  • Access course on Desktop, Laptop or Tablet
  • 15 Multiple Choice Questions
  • Course Duration: 30 Minutes
  • CPD Points: 1

This PUWER Training course explains how to use work equipment safely and helps learners understand the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). These regulations place duties on employers and others who control work equipment to ensure it is suitable, maintained and safe to use.

Employees should understand how to use work equipment safely, recognise potential hazards and carry out appropriate equipment checks where they have received suitable training and instruction.

NOTE: Some work equipment, particularly lifting equipment, may also fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Additional training may be required depending on the equipment being used and the employee's responsibilities.

  • Work towards compliance with UK Health and Safety legislation
  • Train online at your own pace with a full audio voiceover
  • Assured by RoSPA & Accredited by CPD
  • Certificate on successful completion
  • Course duration: 30 minutes
  • Unlimited resits at no cost

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Who is this Online PUWER Training for?

If your job involves using, supervising or managing work equipment, it is important to understand how PUWER applies to your role. Employers and others responsible for work equipment have a legal duty to manage the associated health and safety risks.

PUWER applies to a wide range of workplaces, including factories, offices, shops and construction sites. Employers must ensure that employees receive appropriate training to use work equipment safely, understand the associated hazards and know what precautions to take.

Course Screenshots

  • Welcome – Slide 1 – Level 1 - Training in PUWER
  • What does PUWER stand for? – Slide 2 – Level 1 - Training in PUWER
  • Who is responsible fro the equipment? – Slide 3 – Level 1 - Training in PUWER

Course Aim

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). If your role involves using tools or machinery, it is important to understand the associated hazards and risks, along with the precautions needed to work safely.

For employees who use cutting or grinding equipment fitted with abrasive wheels, our Abrasive Wheels Training online course focuses on the hazards associated with abrasive wheels and the precautions required for their safe use.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

  • Define what PUWER stands for
  • Identify the definition of a hazard
  • Identify the definition of a risk
  • Name some typical hazards associated with tools
  • List what is not classed as work equipment
  • Identify what pneumatic and fuel-powered tools are
  • Identify what responsibilities employees have
  • List the equipment covered by PUWER
  • Identify who is responsible for equipment
  • List some other legislations alongside PUWER
  • Identify what to look for when purchasing new equipment
  • List some dangers of modern machinery
  • Identify why the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is important
  • Identify what a risk assessment is
  • List the 5 steps to conducting a risk assessment
  • Identify why regular inspection and maintenance of equipment is important
  • List some Dos and Don’ts when it comes to equipment maintenance
  • Name some responsibilities of workers when using work tools
  • Identify why and when employers should inspect equipment
  • Identify why PPE (personal protective equipment) is used

Course Content

This course is made up of the following modules:

  • An Introduction to PUWER

    This section introduces the learner to the course and how PUWER covers everything in which the employer/owner has responsibly for and all of which can cause issues or injuries if not fit for purpose, serviced, or if used by unsuitably trained staff, etc.

  • Module 1 - Equipment and Tools Covered by PUWER

    This section of the course concentrates on the variety of work equipment covered by PUWER; it also looks at what is NOT covered by PUWER by not being classed as work equipment.

  • Module 2 - Duties and Responsibilities

    This section of the course covers the duties and responsibilities to ensure the safety of work equipment. It is the employer's duty and responsibility to ensure that the equipment they provide for the workplace is in line with PUWER. However, there are some different scenarios where these duties and responsibilities will adapt. This could include the self-employed and equipment providers.
    This module also looks at how the employee also holds specific duties when using work equipment.

  • Module 3 - Risk Assessments and Equipment Maintenance

    This final section looks at the 5 steps to a risk assessment and who should conduct them. It looks at Dos and Don’ts that should be remembered when undertaking equipment maintenance, and also how employer inspections are vital to ensure that equipment and tools are fit for use and will not cause hazard or risk to health.

Download Course Overview (PDF)

Assessment

On completion of the course lessons and training material an online assessment will automatically unlock. The assessment will contain 15 multiple-choice questions and a mark of 75% or above will be required to pass.

The assessment will be marked instantly and so you will know straight away if you have passed or not. If you don't pass first time there's no need to worry. Unlimited resits at absolutely no additional charge are available so you can retake the assessment again as many times as you need to.

PUWER Training Certification

Our entire library of training courses is accredited by the CPD Certification Service as adhering to the universally recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

This training course and its content has also been assured by RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

PUWER - Certificate Example

Upon passing the online assessment you will have the options to both print and download your PUWER Training Certificate in PDF format. In addition to this an automated email will also be sent to your chosen email address containing a link to your certificate ensuring you always have access to a copy.

Furthermore, a QR code is displayed on each certificate which when scanned by a smartphone links to our certification database. This allows employers, auditors and local authority inspectors, for example, to establish a certificates validity instantly and at any time.

Understanding PUWER

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations are designed to protect employees and others from health and safety risks associated with using equipment at work.

PUWER places legal duties on employers and others who control work equipment to ensure it is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained and safe to operate. It also requires employees who use work equipment to receive adequate information, instruction and training.

PUWER applies to a wide range of work equipment, from everyday hand tools to complex industrial machinery. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries by ensuring equipment is used safely.

PUWER covers almost all equipment used by employees at work, whether it is owned by the employer, hired or provided by an employee for work purposes.

Examples of work equipment covered by PUWER include:

  • Hand tools: Hammers, screwdrivers, drills and other manually operated tools.
  • Industrial machinery: Conveyor belts, manufacturing equipment, cutting machines and mechanical presses.
  • Mobile equipment: Forklift trucks, tractors and other mobile machinery used at work.
  • Office equipment: Computers, printers and shredders.
  • Lifting equipment: Cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment, which may also be subject to LOLER.

PUWER requires employers to ensure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained and safe for employees to operate

Yes. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), employers have a legal duty to ensure that employees who use work equipment receive adequate training in its safe operation, including the associated risks and necessary precautions.

Employees who supervise or manage the use of work equipment must also receive adequate training.

However, the regulations do not require every employee to complete a specific PUWER training course or obtain a PUWER certificate. The training required depends on the equipment being used, the risks involved and the employee's responsibilities.

This distinction is important for customers: appropriate training is legally required, but a general PUWER awareness certificate is not universally mandatory. Certain equipment and activities may have additional, specific training requirements.

The main difference between PUWER and LOLER is the type of equipment and safety requirements they address.

PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) covers most equipment used at work, including hand tools, machinery and lifting equipment. It requires employers to ensure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained and safe to operate.

LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) specifically addresses lifting equipment and lifting operations. It introduces additional requirements, including the proper planning and supervision of lifting operations and the thorough examination of lifting equipment by a competent person.

Some equipment, such as cranes and forklift trucks, may fall under both regulations. PUWER addresses general equipment safety, while LOLER introduces additional requirements relating to lifting operations


PUWER in the Workplace


Employers are responsible for ensuring that work equipment provided for employees is safe and suitable for its intended use. Under PUWER, employers must manage the risks associated with work equipment and take appropriate measures to protect those who use it.

Employers should ensure that work equipment is:

  • Suitable for its intended use and the conditions in which it will be used.
  • Maintained in a safe condition so that it does not put people at risk
  • Inspected when necessary by a competent person to ensure it remains safe to use
  • Fitted with appropriate safety measures such as guards, protective devices, controls and warning systems where required
  • Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training for the equipment and associated risks

Employees are responsible for using work equipment safely and following the information, instruction and training provided by their employer. They should only use equipment for tasks they are trained and authorised to carry out.

Employees should:

  • Follow safe working procedures and use equipment in accordance with their training and instructions.
  • Use safety guards and protective devices correctly and not remove, bypass or interfere with them.
  • Carry out any required pre-use checks that they have been instructed and trained to perform.
  • Report defects, damage or safety concerns to their employer or responsible person.
  • Avoid using equipment they believe is unsafe until the issue has been reported and appropriate action has been taken.<
  • Co-operate with their employer's safety measures and use any personal protective equipment provided where required.

Employees should never attempt repairs, adjustments or inspections that they are not trained, competent or authorised to carry out.

Work equipment inspections are important because they can identify defects, damage or deterioration that could make equipment unsafe to use. Finding problems early allows appropriate action to be taken before they lead to equipment failure, accidents or injuries.

Under PUWER, work equipment should be inspected where its safety depends on how it is installed or where it may deteriorate and create a risk. The type and frequency of inspection will depend on the equipment, how it is used and the risks involved.

Inspections should be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge and experience. Any significant safety issues identified should be addressed before the equipment continues to be used.

If an employee believes that work equipment is unsafe, they should stop using it where it is safe to do so and report the problem to their supervisor, manager or other responsible person.

Employees should:

  • Report defects or damage promptly, following their workplace procedures.
  • Avoid using equipment that may present a risk until it has been assessed and confirmed as safe.
  • Warn others where appropriate so that potentially unsafe equipment is not used.
  • Follow any isolation or reporting procedures they have been trained and authorised to use.
  • Never attempt repairs or adjustments unless they are trained, competent and authorised to carry them out.

Employers should ensure that faults are investigated and that appropriate action is taken before unsafe equipment is returned to use.

Regular maintenance is important because work equipment can deteriorate through use, wear or damage, potentially creating risks for employees and others.

Under PUWER, employers must ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. The type and frequency of maintenance will depend on the equipment, how it is used and the conditions in which it operates.

Planned maintenance can help identify and address wear or defects before they result in equipment failure. Maintenance should be carried out safely and, where specialist knowledge is required, by people with the appropriate skills and competence.

Workplace Scenario
1 / 3

Using Machinery Without Adequate Training

Situation

A new employee is asked to use a piece of machinery they have not operated before. They are shown the basic controls by a colleague but are not given adequate information, instruction or training about the equipment, its hazards or the safety precautions they need to follow.

What went wrong?

The employee was allowed to use work equipment without receiving adequate training. They may not understand the risks associated with the machinery, its safety features or what to do if something goes wrong.

Key takeaway

Employees who use work equipment must receive adequate information, instruction and training. The level of training required should reflect the equipment, the work being carried out and the risks involved..

Workplace Scenario

Continuing to Use Damaged Equipment

Situation

An employee notices that a guard on a machine has become damaged. The machine is still operating, so work continues to avoid delaying production. The defect is not reported immediately.

What could have gone wrong?

Damaged safety equipment could expose employees to hazards that would normally be controlled by the guard. Continuing to use potentially unsafe equipment can increase the risk of an accident or injury.

Key takeaway

Equipment defects and safety concerns should be reported promptly. Potentially unsafe equipment should not continue to be used until the problem has been assessed and appropriate action has been taken.

Workplace Scenario

Equipment Deteriorates Between Inspections

Situation

A frequently used piece of work equipment gradually deteriorates through regular use. Maintenance is only arranged when something stops working, and the equipment's condition is not reviewed as part of an appropriate inspection and maintenance system.

What could have gone wrong?

Relying solely on equipment failure to identify problems can allow deterioration to develop into a safety risk. Where equipment is exposed to conditions that may cause deterioration and result in dangerous situations, appropriate inspections may be required.

Key takeaway

Suitable inspection and maintenance arrangements can help identify deterioration and keep work equipment in a safe condition. The frequency and type of checks required should reflect the equipment, how it is used and the risks involved.

Course Reviews

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(83 reviews)

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Course information
  • Certificate on Successful Completion
  • Access course on Desktop, Laptop or Tablet
  • 15 Multiple Choice Questions
  • Course Duration: 30 Minutes
  • CPD Points: 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Our training is completed online, using only a web browser.

After choosing the courses and completing the online transaction, you'll recieve an email providing access to the course. Use the details to register the course yourself or if it's for someone else, simply forward the email on.

Purchasing training for your team is simple.

Just add the courses you need to your basket and complete the checkout process. If you're purchasing 5 or more courses, we'll provide you with access to our Training Management System (TMS).

The TMS gives you full control over your learners, allowing you to enrol staff, monitor progress, track completion rates, and download certificates.

Once your account is set up, we're happy to show you around the system and help you get the most from its features. If you have any questions, our support team is always here to help at support@train4academy.co.uk.

Yes. We offer automatic discounts on larger orders, and any applicable discount will be applied instantly at checkout across all courses in the basket.

Depending on the number of courses purchased we provide the following discounts below. If you're looking to purchase a higher volume, please contact us and we'll be happy to discuss additional volume discounts.

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You can work through the training at your own pace, pause whenever you need to, and return whenever it's convenient. Your progress is automatically saved, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off.

Even after you've successfully passed the assessment, you'll still be able to access the training materials whenever you need to refresh your knowledge

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