PUWER inspectionsWork equipment inspection & assessment
PUWER inspection services for workplace, handling, access and mobile equipment where formal inspection is required under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 — helping businesses identify deterioration, maintain clear records and keep work equipment in a safe condition.
PUWER inspection should match the equipment and the risk.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 apply broadly to machinery, appliances, apparatus, tools and installations used at work. PUWER requires work equipment to be suitable for its intended use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected where necessary to ensure it remains safe.
Not every item of work equipment needs a formal periodic inspection. The need, scope and frequency should reflect the equipment, how it is used, the conditions it operates in and the risks identified.
Durham Lifting can support businesses with inspection of workplace, handling, access and mobile equipment covered by the existing service.
Work equipment we can inspect
Handling & Workplace Equipment
- Manual and powered pallet trucks
- Hydraulic jacks and axle stands
- Ladders and steps
- Fork lift and stacker trucks
Mobile & Site Equipment
- Excavators and diggers
- Vehicle tail lifts
- Container lifters
- Skip loaders
Access Equipment
- Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
- Telescopic and articulated booms
- Scissor and personnel lifts
- Truck-mounted and specialist access machines
When is a PUWER inspection required?
Before first use
Where safety depends on installation conditions, inspection may be required after installation and before the equipment is first used.
After relocation
Relevant equipment may need inspection after reassembly at a new site or location.
Suitable intervals
Equipment exposed to conditions that can cause deterioration and create danger may require inspection at appropriate intervals.
Exceptional circumstances
Major modification, suspected serious damage or a substantial change in use can justify further inspection.
PUWER and LOLER are related — but they are not the same inspection.
PUWER Work Equipment Inspection
This page is focused on workplace, handling, mobile and access equipment where inspection is required under PUWER. The need and frequency should reflect the equipment, conditions of use and risk.
Need a LOLER Thorough Examination?
LOLER adds specific duties for lifting equipment and lifting operations. Cranes, hoists, lifting beams, slings, shackles and other lifting equipment should be routed to Durham Lifting's dedicated LOLER inspection page.
View LOLER Inspections →What happens during a PUWER inspection?
Scope the equipment
The inspection requirement should reflect the type of equipment, its use, operating conditions and identified risks.
Inspect relevant safety items
The level of inspection can range from visual checks to more detailed examination or functional checks where appropriate.
Record the result
Where a formal inspection is required, the findings should be documented and retained in line with the inspection requirement.
Keep inspection records easier to manage.
Durham Lifting's existing Motion Software service gives customers web-based access to lifting equipment registers and test certificates, with automatic reminders in advance of the next equipment inspection date. This can help make records easier to locate for audits and reduce reliance on paper-based administration.
PUWER inspection FAQs
What is a PUWER inspection?
A PUWER inspection is an inspection of work equipment carried out where necessary to identify installation problems, deterioration or other safety issues that could create risk. The scope depends on the equipment and how it is used.
Does all work equipment need a formal PUWER inspection?
No. Not all work equipment needs a formal inspection. In many cases a pre-use visual check may be sufficient. Formal inspection is required where significant risks could arise from installation, deterioration or other circumstances.
How often should PUWER inspections be carried out?
There is no single universal PUWER interval for all work equipment. Frequency should be based on risk, taking account of the equipment, its use, environment, manufacturer guidance and inspection history.
Is a PUWER inspection the same as a LOLER Thorough Examination?
No. PUWER applies broadly to work equipment, while LOLER adds specific duties for lifting equipment and lifting operations. Some lifting equipment is therefore subject to both regulations, but the inspection routes and legal requirements are not interchangeable.
Where do I go for a LOLER Thorough Examination?
For cranes, hoists, lifting beams, slings, shackles and other lifting equipment, visit Durham Lifting's dedicated LOLER Inspections & Thorough Examinations page.
Need a PUWER inspection for work equipment?
Send the equipment type, site details and any existing inspection information. Durham Lifting can review the requirement and help identify the appropriate next step.