Posted By Sean Fraser Johnathon, I am a little confused as to your question. Without attempting to be facetious, is there an occasion where you wouldn't give the employee the correct and appropriate tools for the job? If you are seeking a justification of the requirement, refer to PUWER - this also deals with work equipment and reinforces the necessity to ensure that it is correct and appropriate for the work involved, as well as covering aspects such as maintenence, labelling, training and instruction.

Posted By Ken Taylor Many trades people these days are self-employed and have to provide themselves with tools. Where they are employees, the employer has a duty to ensure that the necessary tools are suitable. However, as this does not define the supply arrangements or route, I take it that the employer can satisfy him/herself that the tools 'offered' by the employee for the employer's work are suitable. This may be a case of HSG 85 going beyond the strict 'letter' of the PUWER Regs. It would be interesting to hear of any related case law in this respect.

Posted By Ken Taylor Yes, I do - and it established the principle that work equipment has to be in a maintained safe condition whenever used for work and not just subject to a maintenance regime.