PUWER Training

Duration 1-2 hours

Last audited 12th September 2023

CPD Approved RoSPA Approved
PUWER
For me
For teams
  • 100% online training

  • Start when you like

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

  • Instant assessment and result

  • 1 learner per course

  • Train teams of all sizes

  • Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

£30 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

This PUWER training course helps you to understand the legal requirements set out by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, to ensure safe work equipment is selected, and the risks posed by work equipment are appropriately managed.

The course looks at how to carry out a risk assessment for work equipment and which control measures should be implemented in accordance with the hierarchy of control, to reduce the risks posed by installation, operation, and maintenance of work equipment. It provides practical health and safety information that you can apply to your own use of work equipment.

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Unlimited assessment attempts

Written in compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Includes a downloadable risk assessment template

Developed by health and safety professionals

Approved by CPD and assured by RoSPA Qualifications

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.

Training you can trust

  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Suitable for

Module 1: Introduction to PUWER

What is PUWER, what work equipment does PUWER apply to, the risks posed by work equipment, related legislation, requirements of PUWER, employee duties, the hierarchy of control measures, and case studies.

Module 2: Risk Assessment

Key concepts, who should carry out risk assessments, the five steps in the risk assessment process, identify the hazards, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks and decide on controls, evaluating existing controls, record your findings and implement them, and review and update the assessment.

Module 3: Reducing and Controlling Risks Part One

The hierarchy of control, selection of work equipment, conformity of work equipment, specified hazards set out by PUWER, initial safety checks, strength and stability, location of work equipment, safe working loads of work equipment, machinery safety, guards, power presses, other specific risks, work equipment controls, signage, equipment storage, and other hazards to consider.

Module 4: Reducing and Controlling Risks Part Two

Inspection of work equipment, pre-use checks and inspection of work equipment, what inspections are required by PUWER, who can carry out inspections, examinations and inspections of work equipment, records of inspections, maintenance of work equipment, who should carry out maintenance and how, how often should maintenance be carried out, health and safety when carrying out maintenance, inspection and testing of hired equipment, safe systems of work, mobile work equipment, training and communication, and emergency procedures.

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 80%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.


Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, employers must ensure that their workers are sufficiently trained in relevant health and safety practices. PUWER applies to all types of workplaces, including factories, offices, shops, hospitals, construction sites and farms - anywhere that equipment and machinery are used at work.

This course is suitable for anyone whose job role involves operating or managing the use of work equipment as it’s essential that you’re familiar with the potential hazards and how to manage them. It is suitable for both employers and employees. It will assist employers looking to understand their responsibilities under the PUWER regulations, and will help employees understand what their employer will be doing to look after their health and safety, as well as how they can follow control measures.

Frequently asked questions

Can this training course help me apply for SSIP accreditations like CHAS and SMAS?

Yes, our PUWER course can act as evidence of industry-related training for accreditation applications, such as CHAS. It covers the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), which will help you understand how to fulfil the legal duties they set out. Knowledge of these topics form part of the training requirements set out by accreditation assessment bodies, so you must be able to demonstrate evidence of compliance in order for your application to be successful. Our course will contribute to the evidence you must provide during your application, to show that you have received the relevant training.


Please note that it will be down to each individual accreditation body to decide if our courses are sufficient for the training requirements of your specific business. This evidence only forms one part of your overall application process. It is up to you to prove you are fulfilling your legal duties and to supply sufficient evidence for everything the accrediting body requires in order for your application to be successful.


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