Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)

Course Overview

This short course provides you with an introduction to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, otherwise known as PUWER. The course starts by explaining the purpose of PUWER, and then turns to look at the types of equipment that fall under this legislation. This is followed by an explanation as to the responsibilities both employers and employees have under the regulations.

About This Course

This short course provides you with an introduction to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, otherwise known as PUWER. The course starts by explaining the purpose of PUWER, and then turns to look at the types of equipment that fall under this legislation. This is followed by an explanation as to the responsibilities both employers and employees have under the regulations.

Next, the course explores the common hazards associated with the use of work equipment; before moving on to look at different methods of guarding available to keep you safe from injury. Finally, the course explores the requirements with respect to equipment inspection and maintenance under the regulations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• What PUWER stands for
• The Equipment Listed Under PUWER.
• The Responsibilities of the Employer/Employee Under PUWER.
• The common Hazards of Using Work Equipment.
• The different methods of guarding
• How to safety inspect equipment

Who Is This Course For?

This course is aimed at anyone in the workplace that uses machinery. This could include site supervisors or managers.

Using this Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) course in Ireland

This online course can support Irish workplace training records for employees, supervisors, managers and contractors who need structured workplace awareness training. It is useful where an employer wants a consistent awareness module, a refresher option or a documented learning record that can be assigned to staff without arranging a classroom session.

The course should still be matched to the learner's role, the work activity, the site risk assessment and any local procedures. Online training is strongest when it is used alongside supervision, workplace instruction and practical checks where the topic involves equipment, physical tasks or site-specific controls.

Phoenix STS presents this course for Irish learners and employers as part of a wider training matrix. The course information PDF and sample certificate on this page help managers check the content before assigning it to staff.

This course uses UK PUWER terminology. Irish employers should use it as equipment-safety awareness and match it with Irish work equipment requirements and site-specific controls.

Course information PDF

View or download the course information PDF before enrolling. It summarises the course content, expected duration and assessment information.

Sample certificate

View or download a sample certificate for this online course. The final certificate is issued through the online course platform after the learner successfully completes the course and assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) course suitable for?

It is suitable for learners whose role, workplace or training matrix requires awareness of provision and use of work equipment regulations (puwer). Employers should decide suitability by looking at the role, risk assessment and any sector-specific requirements.

Is this course enough on its own?

It depends on the topic and the learner's role. Online training can provide useful awareness and evidence of completion, but practical tasks, equipment use and site-specific procedures may still need local instruction, supervision or practical training.

What evidence does the learner receive?

Learners receive evidence through the online course platform after successful completion. This page also includes the course information PDF and, where available, a sample certificate so employers can review the expected evidence before enrolling.

Does this course refer to UK requirements?

Some online courses use UK terms because of the source course content. Irish employers should check the content against Irish legal duties, local procedures and role-specific requirements before assigning it as mandatory training.

Related online course categories

Continue browsing related Phoenix STS online training categories. These internal links help learners find the most relevant course route for their role or sector.

Irish Legislative Context

UK Legislation Covered: PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)

Irish Equivalent: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Part 2, Chapter 2 (Use of Work Equipment). The Irish regulations impose equivalent duties on employers regarding the selection, maintenance, inspection, and safe use of work equipment, enforced by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Phoenix STS delivers training under both Irish and UK regulatory frameworks. If you require guidance on which legislation applies to your organisation, contact us on 043 334 9611.