UK Equipment Safety Regulations
Understanding your legal duties under LOLER, PUWER and PSSR
Three key sets of UK health and safety regulations govern the inspection and safe use of workplace equipment. Whether you operate lifting equipment, work machinery, or pressure systems, understanding which regulations apply to you is the first step toward compliance. Our guides break down each regulation in plain English.
LOLER
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
LOLER requires that all lifting equipment used at work is fit for purpose, appropriately marked, and subject to statutory thorough examination by a competent person at prescribed intervals.
Applies to
Lifts, cranes, forklifts, MEWPs, hoists, telehandlers, lifting accessories, tail lifts, stairlifts and all equipment used for lifting or lowering loads.
PUWER
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
PUWER places duties on anyone who owns, operates, or controls work equipment. Equipment must be suitable, maintained, inspected, and operators must receive adequate training.
Applies to
All machinery, apparatus, tools, and installations used at work — including gym equipment, playground equipment, roller shutters, dock levellers, garage equipment and more.
PSSR
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
PSSR aims to prevent serious injury from the hazard of stored energy as a result of pressure system failure. All pressure systems must have a written scheme of examination and be examined by a competent person.
Applies to
Compressors, air receivers, pressure vessels, autoclaves, steam boilers, coffee boilers, pressure cookers, valves, pipework and any system containing a relevant fluid.
How the Regulations Compare
LOLER, PUWER and PSSR each cover different types of equipment, but they share a common goal: keeping people safe at work through proper inspection and maintenance.
LOLER | PUWER | PSSR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Lifting equipment and lifting operations | All work equipment and machinery | Pressure systems and stored energy |
| Year Enacted | 1998 | 1998 | 2000 |
| Typical Examination | Every 6 or 12 months depending on equipment | At suitable intervals as determined by risk | As specified in the Written Scheme of Examination |
| Competent Person | Required for thorough examinations | Required for inspections of specific equipment | Required to draw up and certify the WSE |
| Key Document | Report of Thorough Examination | Inspection and maintenance records | Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) |
| Overlap | Most lifting equipment also falls under PUWER | Lifting equipment also requires LOLER compliance | Independent — applies only to pressure systems |
Primary Focus
Lifting equipment and lifting operations
All work equipment and machinery
Pressure systems and stored energy
Year Enacted
1998
1998
2000
Typical Examination
Every 6 or 12 months depending on equipment
At suitable intervals as determined by risk
As specified in the Written Scheme of Examination
Competent Person
Required for thorough examinations
Required for inspections of specific equipment
Required to draw up and certify the WSE
Key Document
Report of Thorough Examination
Inspection and maintenance records
Written Scheme of Examination (WSE)
Overlap
Most lifting equipment also falls under PUWER
Lifting equipment also requires LOLER compliance
Independent — applies only to pressure systems
Why Compliance Matters
These regulations exist to protect people from serious injury or death. Non-compliance is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive, unlimited fines, and imprisonment.
Legal Duty
Employers, building owners, and anyone who controls workplace equipment have a legal obligation to ensure it is safe.
Record Keeping
All examinations must be documented and records retained. Enforcing authorities can request these at any time.
Act on Defects
Equipment found to be dangerous must be immediately taken out of service. Certain defects must be reported to the HSE.
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