PUWER Inspections
PUWER Work Equipment Inspections
Safe Lee Inspection & Consultancy provides inspections of work equipment in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Based in Manchester, we carry out PUWER inspections for businesses across the North West and support multi site clients throughout the UK. Inspections are completed by a competent person, with clear reports issued following inspection.
What Is PUWER?
PUWER refers to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations require employers to ensure that work equipment provided for use at work is safe, suitable, and properly maintained.
PUWER applies to almost all work equipment, regardless of industry, and sets minimum standards for inspection, maintenance, guarding, and safe use.
Who Needs PUWER Inspections?
PUWER applies to all employers and duty holders who provide work equipment for use by employees.
This includes businesses operating in:
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Manufacturing
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Construction
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Warehousing and logistics
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Agriculture
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Garages and workshops
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Commercial and industrial premises
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER applies across all industries where work equipment is used.
What Equipment Is Covered Under PUWER?
PUWER applies to a wide range of work equipment, including both powered and manually operated items.
Examples include:
Fixed Equipment
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Dock levellers
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Roller shutter doors
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Fixed machinery and production equipment
Work Machinery
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Drills and tooling
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CNC machines
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Conveyors
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Presses and automated equipment
Mobile Work Equipment
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Forklift trucks
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Industrial vehicles
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Site transport equipment
Lifting equipment may also fall under LOLER, which applies additional inspection requirements.
Do PUWER Inspections
Need to Be Carried Out?
PUWER requires that work equipment is maintained in a safe condition and inspected where necessary to ensure risks are controlled.
Inspections are typically required:
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After installation and before first use
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After assembly at a new location
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At suitable intervals during use, based on risk and manufacturer guidance
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After exceptional circumstances such as damage, modification, or accidents
Inspection frequency is determined by risk and the type of equipment in use.
Can You Inspect Your
Own PUWER Equipment?
PUWER allows employers to inspect their own equipment, provided the inspection is carried out by a competent person.
A competent person must have the appropriate knowledge, training, and experience to identify defects and assess whether equipment remains safe to use.
For higher risk equipment, or where independence is required, an external competent person is often appointed to carry out PUWER inspections.
Competent Person
Inspections and Reporting
PUWER inspections are carried out by a competent person with the experience required to assess equipment condition, guarding, and safety features.
Following inspection, a clear report is issued detailing findings and any actions required to maintain safe use and compliance.
Inspection records must be retained until the next inspection, and for mobile equipment, copies should remain with the equipment.
PUWER Inspection FAQs
Do all items of work equipment fall under PUWER?
Yes. PUWER applies to almost all work equipment provided for use at work, regardless of industry.
How often does PUWER inspection need to be carried out?
There is no fixed interval. Inspections are carried out at suitable intervals based on risk, equipment type, and manufacturer guidance.
Does PUWER apply to forklift trucks?
Yes. Forklift trucks are covered under PUWER and may also be subject to LOLER where lifting operations are involved.
Can employees carry out PUWER inspections?
Yes, provided they are competent and have the necessary knowledge and experience to inspect the equipment safely.
What documentation is provided after a PUWER inspection?
A report is issued detailing the inspection findings and any actions required to maintain safe use.