PUWER (Provision and Use of work Equipment 1998) requires that equipment provided for use at work is: 
suitable for the intended use. 
safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate. 
used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.
 
Regulations cover general workplaces such as factories, offices, shops, hospitals, construction sites, farms or wherever work equipment and machinery is used. Intended for use by local authority health and safety inspectors and enforcement officers, health and safety professionals providing health and safety services within medium to large companies (eg trainers and officers), HSE inspectors and legal professionals.