Rank: Super forum user 
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I have recently been asked if I have specific PUWER risk assessments for certain work equipment, namely a drill. I cannot seem to find any specific reference to this requirement and I feel that my risk assessments for the activities which involve the use of the equipment are adequate, along with the inspections, maintenance and training etc.
Any advice re this would be gratefully received.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Not sure either of those publications help Stephen..
PUWER assessments were a new one on me when I came across them (once I'd left the HSE!). They seem to cover all issues related to a machine, such as conformity issues. Whereas you're general risk assessment relates to the use (set up / maintenance) of the machine.
I'm going to put myself in the firing line and state that I'm not sure if they are a legal requirement. Not that I'm aware. (I never asked for one when I was investigating accidents on machines as an inspector!) Never done one myself. But then I've mainly worked as an inspector and a consultant and mainly with SME's.
Some of the consultancies I have worked for have included a template PUWER assessment, some haven't.
So I guess the H&S world is as confused as me and you!
(I'm going to go and do some research now.....)
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Rank: Super forum user
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There is no specific requirement for a risk assessment in PUWER. The ACoP says "Because of the general risk assessment requirements in the Management Regulations, there is no specific regulation requiring a risk assessment in PUWER."
Many people do choose to do a specific assessment on a machine as that's often the easiest way of demonstrating compliance with the detailed requirements of the Regs - for example showing that the guarding is adequate - and that the work equipment is "suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided" (Reg 4)
However if your activity risk assessments already cover the risks generated during the use of the work equipment and your machines comply with the specific requirements of the Regs then there is no actual requirement for an assessment of each machine.
Ask the person who wants this assessment to point out to you where in the Regs it is required - that will fox them!
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Rank: Forum user
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The main aim of PUWER is to ensure that work equipment is
Suitable
for the purpose for which it is to be used
for the working environment where it will be used
Inherently safe machinery
Meets specific minimum requirements
The selection and suitability of equipment is crucial. It is essential that, when specifying equipment for a purpose, you are aware of all the requirements for use.
Managers should also ensure that cost is not the only factor considered.
Therefore, it is common to refer to a risk assessment under PUWER whn what is actually meant is an analysis of the many decisions taken in the purchase of equipment.
It is likely that this risk assessment should consider several other regulations, noise would be a good example, in order to prevent the purchase of equipment that will cause health, safety and welfare issues at a later date.
martin
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Rank: Super forum user 
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You need only do one risk assessment for one activity. If the ra under Management Regs is suitable and sufficient that is enough.
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Rank: Forum user
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Seperate RA is not required but as others say you may wish to document how the requirements of PUWER have been complied with, particularly with the more complicated pieces of work equipment to ensure nothing has been missed
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Rank: Super forum user
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As David and others have said, no legal requirement for a separate documented 'PUWER assesment' but I do conduct these and document them with most of my customers. The supervisors and the maintenance teams find them very useful and are happy to contribute.
My assessment is basically a questionnaire/checklist which asks questions arising from the PUWER regs sections.
Regs 4,5,6,7 deal with the equipment's location (is it suitable) and maintenance (are the fitters competent, is there a log book) etc.
Regs 8,9 are training; are written operating instructions advisable, existence of authorised users list, training records etc
Regs 11, 12 identifies dangerous parts and the measures to prevent contact etc etc
Regs 14 - 18 controls etc. Then there's sections on lighting, signs etc.
Yes, all that can be covered in a risk assessment but sometimes a process risk assessment covers several machines and operations in one document. Having a separate PUWER assessment for each machine is useful for monitoring compliance, maaintenance, OHSAS audits etc.
JohnW
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