Forklifts & Materials Handling
Forklift trucks, telehandlers, stackers and applicable materials-handling equipment.
Work Equipment Inspections Under PUWER
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, commonly known as PUWER, place duties on businesses that own, operate or control work equipment. Where inspection is required, the aim is to identify deterioration, defects or other issues that could affect safe use.
UK Lift Inspection Services provides independent PUWER inspections across a range of workplace equipment throughout London, Kent, Essex and the South East. We provide clear written findings and straightforward guidance on any action that may be required.
PUWER can also apply alongside LOLER. In many cases lifting equipment is subject to both sets of requirements, with each covering different aspects of the equipment and its use.
Need to arrange a PUWER inspection?
Book a PUWER inspection for workplace equipment across London, Kent, Essex and the South East.
PUWER INSPECTIONS
What Is a PUWER Inspection?
A PUWER inspection looks at work equipment where inspection is needed to help confirm that it remains safe to use.
The scope of the inspection depends on the equipment, how it is used and the risks involved. This may include checking its condition, safety-related components, controls, protective devices and other areas that could affect safe operation.
The aim is to identify deterioration, faults or safety concerns clearly so that appropriate action can be taken where required.
EQUIPMENT COVERAGE
What Work Equipment Do We Inspect?
UK Lift Inspection Services carries out PUWER inspections across a range of workplace equipment used in commercial, industrial and workshop environments. The examples below show some of the equipment we can inspect where PUWER inspection requirements apply.
Workshop & Garage Equipment
Vehicle lifting equipment and other machinery used in garage and workshop environments.
Mobile Work Equipment
Applicable mobile plant and workplace equipment used across commercial and industrial sites.
Access Equipment
Powered access equipment and other applicable workplace machinery.
Machinery & Workplace Equipment
Equipment where inspection may be required because of installation, deterioration or operating conditions.
Specialist Equipment
Other work equipment can be considered depending on its use, condition and inspection requirements.
HOW IT WORKS
Your PUWER Inspection, Step by Step
Tell Us About the Equipment
Provide the equipment type, location and any available information about how it is used or its inspection history.
We Carry Out the Inspection
Relevant parts of the equipment are examined with a focus on condition, safety and deterioration.
We Explain the Findings
Any issues identified are recorded clearly so you understand what has been found and what action may be required.
You Receive Your Report
You receive written documentation recording the inspection and relevant findings.
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
When Does Work Equipment Need a PUWER Inspection?
PUWER does not set one fixed inspection interval for every item of work equipment.
Inspection may be required where the safety of equipment depends on how it has been installed, including after installation and before first use or after assembly at a new location.
Equipment exposed to conditions that could cause deterioration and create a dangerous situation may also need inspection at suitable intervals. Further inspection can be required following exceptional circumstances such as serious damage, major modification or a significant change in use.
The appropriate inspection frequency should reflect the equipment, its working environment and the risks involved.
UNSURE WHAT YOU NEED?
Not Sure If Your Equipment Needs a PUWER Inspection?
If you are unsure whether a piece of workplace equipment requires inspection, get in touch. Tell us what equipment you have and how it is being used and we can discuss the requirement and the most appropriate next step.
PUWER & LOLER
When PUWER and LOLER Both Apply
PUWER and LOLER are separate regulations, but they can apply to the same piece of equipment.
PUWER covers the wider safety and suitability of work equipment, while LOLER contains additional requirements specifically relating to lifting equipment and lifting operations.
For example, a forklift may be subject to LOLER requirements relating to its lifting function while other safety-related parts and systems fall within PUWER requirements.
Where both apply, the inspections complement each other rather than being treated as the same examination.
PUWER FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PUWER stand for?
PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The regulations place duties on businesses and organisations that own, operate or control work equipment.
Does all work equipment need a PUWER inspection?
No. Inspection is required in particular circumstances, including where safety depends on installation, where deterioration could create a dangerous situation or following events that may have affected the safety of the equipment.
How often should PUWER inspections be carried out?
There is no single interval for every type of equipment. Inspection frequency should reflect the equipment, how it is used, its operating conditions and the risk of deterioration.
What is the difference between PUWER and LOLER?
PUWER applies broadly to work equipment, while LOLER contains additional requirements specifically for lifting equipment and lifting operations. Some equipment can therefore be subject to both.
Can PUWER and LOLER inspections be carried out together?
Where both apply, we can discuss the equipment involved and arrange the appropriate inspections together where practical.
What happens if a safety issue is found?
Relevant findings are recorded clearly in the inspection documentation so you understand what has been identified and what action may be required.
What equipment can you inspect under PUWER?
We inspect a range of workplace equipment across commercial and industrial environments. Contact us with the equipment details and we can confirm whether it falls within our inspection scope.