Regulatory Foundations

Abstract of the current work equipment regulation (WER 2000):

Work equipment within the meaning of this Regulation includes all machinery, apparatus, tools, equipment and installations intended for use by workers. Work equipment also includes in particular means of transport for people or goods, lifts, ladders, scaffolding, steam boilers, pressure vessels, firing installations, containers, silos, conveyor pipes, power-operated doors and gates as well as lifting, tilting and rolling gates.
Use as defined in this Regulation covers all activities relating to work equipment, such as putting into service and taking out of service, use, transport, repair, modification, maintenance, servicing and cleaning.

The most important tests are specified in §7 (acceptance test) and §8 (recurring test).