Meet minimum workplace standards

Make sure equipment is appropriate

You have to make sure any equipment you provide to employees - or which they provide themselves - is suitable and safe to use under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

These regulations cover all equipment used by employees at work - from hammers, knives, ladders and drilling machines, to circular saws, photocopiers, lifting equipment and motor vehicles.

All equipment must be:

• suitable for its intended use
• maintained in a safe condition
• accompanied by suitable safety measures such as protective devices, markings and warnings

You must also ensure that only people who have received adequate information, instruction and training use the equipment. See the page in this guide on the safe use of IT equipment.

For further information on the rules on equipment at work, download the simple guide to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 from the HSE website (PDF).

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Ensure basic levels of comfort
• Put up suitable notices and signs
• Provide suitable first aid facilities
• Carry out a risk assessment of your workplace
• Fire protection
• Make sure equipment is appropriate
• Safe use of IT equipment
• Report incidents in the workplace
• Health and safety for people who work at home