PUWER covers an enormous range of work equipment, so "what does a PUWER assessment cost" has no single answer, a bench grinder and a full production line are not the same job. What you pay tracks the equipment being examined and how involved each item is. This guide sets out the factors, so you can judge a quote fairly.
What affects the cost of a PUWER assessment
- Number of machines. Each piece of work equipment is examined in turn, guarding, controls, emergency stops, and condition. More machines, more time.
- Type and complexity. A hand-fed bench machine is quick. A large automated line with interlocked guards, multiple controls, and moving parts takes far longer to work through.
- Equipment age and modifications. Older machinery, or equipment that's been modified or re-guarded, needs more careful assessment against current standards.
- Site access and downtime. Equipment that has to be stopped, isolated, and handed over for safe examination adds time, especially if it can only be done outside production hours.
- Report depth. A useful PUWER report does more than tick boxes; it identifies guarding gaps and risk-assessment shortfalls, which takes engineering judgement to document properly.
- Scope and bundling. Sites often need PUWER alongside LOLER for lifting equipment; examining both on one visit is more efficient than two.
What a proper quote includes
- A functional examination of each machine, guarding, emergency stops, controls, and condition, not just a visual glance.
- Identification of where equipment falls short of PUWER and where the risk assessment needs attention.
- A written report classifying defects by urgency.
- Travel to your site.
PUWER and a risk assessment go hand in hand. A report that lists defects but never connects them to the risks they create is doing half the job.
Why the cheapest quote can cost more
- Tick-box assessments. A walk-round with a clipboard and no functional testing isn't an examination, it's a formality that proves nothing if an incident is investigated.
- No defect classification. If the report doesn't say how urgent each issue is, you can't prioritise putting it right.
- No insurance behind the assessment, and no genuine independence from the equipment's upkeep.
- A report an HSE inspector wouldn't accept as evidence you'd assessed the equipment properly.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Ask whether each machine is functionally tested, not just looked at.
- Confirm the report classifies defects and links them to the risk assessment.
- Check professional indemnity and public liability cover.
- Ask what's included, in writing, and whether a sample report is available.
Safe-Lee carries out PUWER assessments as an independent consultancy, with reports typically issued within one to two working days. See our PUWER service or ask for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can PUWER and LOLER be assessed together?
Yes, and on many sites it makes sense to. Lifting equipment falls under LOLER while other work equipment falls under PUWER; examining both on one planned visit saves repeat travel and set-up.
How often does PUWER need reassessing?
PUWER doesn't fix a single interval. The duty holder sets it by risk assessment, informed by how the equipment is used, its environment, and the consequences of failure. An annual examination is a common default, with high-risk equipment looked at more often.
Do I need a separate report per machine?
Findings are recorded per item so you can act on each one, but they're usually delivered as a single consolidated report for the site. We'll agree the format that suits your records.
Is travel or VAT charged separately?
Ask each firm to confirm whether travel is included and whether the figure is inclusive or exclusive of VAT, so you compare like with like. We make both clear on our quotations.
Who can carry out a PUWER assessment?
PUWER examinations should be carried out by a competent person with the knowledge to judge the equipment against the regulations and enough independence to report shortfalls honestly.