What are the main requirements of PUWER?

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) is a set of regulations that aim to ensure the safety of workers who operate or come into contact with work equipment in the UK. These regulations apply to a wide range of industries, including the lift industry, where the use of work equipment is prevalent.

In the lift industry, PUWER sets out a number of requirements that must be met in order to ensure the safe operation of lifts and the protection of workers who come into contact with them. These requirements include:

1. Maintenance and inspection: Lifts must be properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in safe working condition. This includes regular checks of all components, such as cables, pulleys, and safety devices, to ensure that they are functioning properly.

2. Training and competence: Workers who operate or come into contact with lifts must be properly trained and competent to do so. This includes training on how to operate the lift safely, as well as training on how to respond in the event of an emergency.

3. Risk assessment: Employers in the lift industry must conduct a thorough risk assessment of their operations to identify potential hazards and risks associated with the use of lifts. This includes assessing the risk of falls, entrapment, and other accidents that could occur when using a lift.

4. Safety devices: Lifts must be equipped with appropriate safety devices to protect workers from potential hazards. This includes devices such as emergency stop buttons, safety gates, and interlocks that prevent the lift from operating if certain conditions are not met.

5. Information and instruction: Workers must be provided with clear and concise information on how to operate lifts safely, as well as instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency. This information should be easily accessible and readily available to all workers who come into contact with lifts.

Overall, the main requirements of PUWER in the lift industry are designed to ensure the safe operation of lifts and the protection of workers who come into contact with them. By following these requirements, employers can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace, and create a safe and secure working environment for all workers.