The Six PackStatutory Instrument

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Short: PUWER 1998•Citation: SI 1998/2306•Status:Current

At a Glance

Date Enacted: 29 September 1998
Enforcing Body: HSE
Maximum Penalty: Unlimited
Jurisdiction: England, Wales, Scotland
Citation: SI 1998/2306
Status: Current

Sign Types Affected

WarningMachinery

Hierarchy Level

Primary Legislation(3)Core Management Regulations(1)The Six Pack(6)Specialist Regulations(13)Standards(7)Guidance(0)

What This Means for You

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) (SI 1998/2306) aim to ensure that work equipment is safe for use, maintained in a safe condition, and used correctly. While PUWER doesn't explicitly mandate specific signage for all equipment, it heavily implies the need for clear and understandable information, including signage, to ensure safe use. The regulations place a duty on employers to provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training to employees using work equipment. This information often takes the form of safety signage, warning signs, and operating instructions affixed to or near the equipment. The scope of PUWER is broad, covering virtually all work equipment used in any workplace. Its impact on safety signage is significant because it requires employers to assess the risks associated with using work equipment and to implement appropriate control measures, which often include providing clear and visible safety signage to warn of hazards, provide instructions, and promote safe working practices. Failure to provide adequate signage can lead to accidents, injuries, and prosecution under PUWER.

Key Provisions

Regulation 24Warnings and markings

Work equipment must have appropriate warnings and markings

Regulation 24 - Warnings and markings

Work equipment must have appropriate warnings and markings

Signage Requirements

Signage must be clear, legible, and easily understood by all users of the equipment, including those with limited literacy or language skills.
Signage should warn of specific hazards associated with the equipment, such as moving parts, high voltage, or hot surfaces.
Signage should provide clear instructions on how to operate the equipment safely, including any necessary safety precautions.
Signage should be durable and resistant to the environmental conditions in which the equipment is used.
Signage should comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 where applicable, using standard symbols and colours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failure to provide adequate warning signs for hazardous equipment.
Using faded or damaged signage that is difficult to read.
Using signage that is not easily understood by all users of the equipment.
Failure to update signage when equipment or procedures change.
Lack of signage providing clear operating instructions.

Practical Next Steps

1Conduct a thorough risk assessment of all work equipment to identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate signage requirements.
2Ensure that all employees are trained on how to interpret and understand the safety signage associated with the equipment they use.
3Regularly inspect and maintain signage to ensure that it is clean, legible, and in good condition.
4Consult with employees and safety representatives when selecting and implementing safety signage.
5Consider using a combination of visual and written signage to ensure that the message is clear and easily understood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PUWER require specific types of safety signs?

PUWER doesn't explicitly list specific signs, but it mandates providing sufficient information, instruction, and training, which often involves using appropriate safety signs to warn of hazards and provide operating instructions.

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with PUWER?

The employer is responsible for ensuring compliance with PUWER, including providing safe work equipment, adequate training, and appropriate safety signage.

Official Resources

View on legislation.gov.ukFull legal text

L22Safe use of work equipment

Related Regulations

The Six Pack

Workplace Regulations 1992

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers physical workplace environment including lighting (relevant to sign visibility).

L24Workplace health, safety and welfare View Full Details

The Six Pack

PPE Regulations 1992

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)

Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers PPE provision. Mandatory signs indicate PPE requirements.

L25Personal protective equipment at work View Full Details

The Six Pack

Manual Handling Regulations 1992

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers lifting and carrying. Warning signs may indicate heavy loads.

L23Manual handling View Full Details

The Six Pack

DSE Regulations 1992

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers computer workstations. Limited direct signage requirements.

L26Work with display screen equipment View Full Details

The Six PackStatutory Instrument

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Short: PUWER 1998•Citation: SI 1998/2306•Status:Current

At a Glance

Date Enacted: 29 September 1998
Enforcing Body: HSE
Maximum Penalty: Unlimited
Jurisdiction: England, Wales, Scotland
Citation: SI 1998/2306
Status: Current

Sign Types Affected

WarningMachinery

Hierarchy Level

Primary Legislation(3)Core Management Regulations(1)The Six Pack(6)Specialist Regulations(13)Standards(7)Guidance(0)

What This Means for You

Key Provisions

Regulation 24Warnings and markings

Work equipment must have appropriate warnings and markings

Regulation 24 - Warnings and markings

Work equipment must have appropriate warnings and markings

Signage Requirements

Signage must be clear, legible, and easily understood by all users of the equipment, including those with limited literacy or language skills.
Signage should warn of specific hazards associated with the equipment, such as moving parts, high voltage, or hot surfaces.
Signage should provide clear instructions on how to operate the equipment safely, including any necessary safety precautions.
Signage should be durable and resistant to the environmental conditions in which the equipment is used.
Signage should comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 where applicable, using standard symbols and colours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failure to provide adequate warning signs for hazardous equipment.
Using faded or damaged signage that is difficult to read.
Using signage that is not easily understood by all users of the equipment.
Failure to update signage when equipment or procedures change.
Lack of signage providing clear operating instructions.

Practical Next Steps

1Conduct a thorough risk assessment of all work equipment to identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate signage requirements.
2Ensure that all employees are trained on how to interpret and understand the safety signage associated with the equipment they use.
3Regularly inspect and maintain signage to ensure that it is clean, legible, and in good condition.
4Consult with employees and safety representatives when selecting and implementing safety signage.
5Consider using a combination of visual and written signage to ensure that the message is clear and easily understood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PUWER require specific types of safety signs?

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with PUWER?

The employer is responsible for ensuring compliance with PUWER, including providing safe work equipment, adequate training, and appropriate safety signage.