Pallet Truck Inspection
Need your Pallet Truck inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
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Pallet Truck Inspection
Need your Pallet Truck inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Pallet Truck, Powered Pallet Truck And Pedestrian Pallet Truck Inspection
Pallet Trucks Within Industry
Pallet trucks, also known as pallet jacks or pump trucks, are simple but essential pieces of manual or powered handling equipment used to lift and move palletised loads over short distances. They operate by inserting forks into a pallet and raising the load slightly off the ground using a hydraulic pump mechanism, allowing goods to be transported safely and efficiently. Pallet trucks are valued for their ease of use, low maintenance requirements, and ability to operate in confined spaces where larger lifting equipment would be impractical.
In the warehousing and logistics industry, pallet trucks are widely used for loading and unloading goods, moving stock between storage areas, and supporting picking and packing operations. They are especially useful in smaller warehouses, retail distribution centres, and delivery vehicles, where flexibility and manoeuvrability are essential. Both manual and electric pallet trucks help reduce manual handling risks and improve productivity by allowing operators to move heavy loads with minimal physical effort.
The retail and wholesale sectors also rely heavily on pallet trucks for moving goods within stores, stockrooms, and cash-and-carry environments. Supermarkets, garden centres, and builders’ merchants commonly use pallet trucks to handle deliveries and replenish stock. Their compact design allows them to operate safely in customer-facing areas and narrow aisles, helping maintain efficient stock flow without disrupting daily operations.
In manufacturing, food processing, and industrial settings, pallet trucks support the movement of raw materials, components, and finished products between production stages. In food and beverage facilities, stainless steel pallet trucks are often used to meet hygiene standards, while heavy-duty models are employed in factories and workshops to handle dense or bulky loads. Across all these industries, pallet trucks play a vital role in improving workplace safety, reducing strain injuries, and maintaining efficient material handling processes.
What’s Covered During Your SEIS Work Equipment Inspection.
A PUWER (Provision And Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)Â inspection of a pallet truck, is a legally required inspection carried out by a competent person to ensure the equipment is safe for continued use. Below is a break down of what is typically covered:
 General Examination
Verification that the equipment complies with its manufacturer’s specifications and current legislation. Inspections include initial planning and a check of all relevant documentation, such as:
- CE/UKCA conformity documents
- Maintenance records
- Load test certificates
- Previous thorough examination reports
- Confirmation that all safety markings (SWL, ID plates) are legible and accurate.
 General Condition
- Check for overall cleanliness, damage, or corrosion.
- Confirm that identification labels, load ratings, and serial numbers are clearly visible and legible.
- Inspect for any signs of oil or hydraulic fluid leaks.
 Fork Arms
- Inspect for cracks, bowing, or excessive wear along the forks and tips.
- Ensure fork height adjustment is smooth and even on both sides.
- Verify that fork width adjustment (if applicable) operates correctly.
- Check that load rollers and entry/exit rollers rotate freely and are not damaged.
 Hydraulic System
- Check the hydraulic unit for leaks, unusual noises, or sluggish movement.
- Confirm the handle pump operates smoothly and raises the forks properly.
- Test the release valve for smooth lowering control without sudden drops.
- Inspect hoses (if applicable), seals, and fittings for damage or deterioration.
 Wheels and Rollers
- Examine wheels and rollers for wear, flat spots, cracks, or embedded debris.
- Check that all wheels rotate freely without excessive wobble.
- Confirm that bearings are not loose or noisy.
 Handle and Controls
- Ensure the handle is secure and undamaged.
- Check that the control lever (lift/neutral/lower) functions smoothly.
- Test parking brake (if fitted) for proper operation.
- Verify powered pallet trucks’ control switches, deadman switch, and direction controls function correctly.
 Chassis and Frame
- Inspect the chassis for cracks, deformation, or corrosion.
- Check welds and joints for signs of fatigue or damage.
- Verify that the tow arm (if fitted) and connection points are secure.
 Powered Pallet Trucks (if applicable)
- Battery: Check charge level, cable condition, connectors, and electrolyte (if lead-acid).
- Electrical system: Inspect for frayed wires, damaged insulation, and secure connections.
- Motor: Listen for abnormal sounds or overheating during operation.
- Safety features: Test horn, anti-entrapment switch, emergency stop, and reverse alarm.
 Operational Testing
- Raise and lower forks through full range of motion to ensure smooth movement.
- Confirm the truck remains stable when loaded and unloaded.
- Check maneuverability — turning, braking, and control response.
- Verify load-holding ability under weight (no hydraulic creep or drift).
 Documentation and Reporting
After the inspection, the competent person will issue a PUWER Plant Inspection Report. This must include:
- Date of the examination
- Details of the equipment inspected
- Findings, including any defects
- Recommendations or required actions
- Date of next examination due
- Statement on whether the equipment is safe to continue using
If any serious defects are found that pose immediate danger, they must be reported to the duty holder and the enforcing authority (e.g., HSE) immediately.
 Summary
An pallet truck and adjustable loading ramp inspection ensures that the work equipment are safe, compliant, and fit for use. It helps prevent accidents caused by structural damage, insecure fastening and fixings, or malfunctioning safety mechanisms. While it does not replace regular maintenance, PUWER and work equipment inspections are a crucial legal requirement for keeping your equipment safe and avoiding costly breakdowns or incidents.
Why Pallet Truck Inspections Matter For You & Your Business.Â
Why PUWER98 Work Equipment Inspections Matter
Regular PUWER98 inspections are a legal requirement in the UK for all work equipment used at a place work, and for good reason. These inspections ensure that equipment, such as roller shutter doors, pallet trucks, storage racking, hand tools, power tools and industrial machinery are safe to use, and fit for purpose. The nature and use of work equipment means that equipment failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, including serious injury, fatalities, and significant damage to property. By carrying out regular, scheduled inspections by a competent person, businesses can identify wear and tear, structural damage, or faulty mechanisms before they result in an incident.
Pros of Getting a Thorough Examination in line with PUWER98
Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: The most obvious advantage is staying compliant with health and safety law. Compliance avoids potential legal action, fines, or even prosecution. More importantly, it drastically reduces the risk of workplace accidents caused by lifting equipment failure.
Improved Safety Culture: Regular inspections foster a proactive safety culture within the organisation. Employees are more likely to trust equipment and feel safe in their work environment when they know thorough checks are in place.
 Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regularly maintained and inspected equipment typically lasts longer. Examinations can identify early signs of damage or fatigue, allowing for preventative maintenance that avoids costly replacements or repairs.
 Insurance and Liability Protection: Insurers may require evidence of PUWER compliance in the event of an incident. Without valid inspection records, insurance claims could be denied or reduced, leaving the business liable for damages.
 Operational Efficiency: Detecting potential issues before they lead to equipment failure helps prevent unscheduled downtime. This keeps operations running smoothly and avoids the knock-on effects of delayed projects or interrupted workflows.
Cons of Failing to Carry Out PUWER Work Equipment Inspections
 Legal and Financial Consequences: Failing to comply with PUWER can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, fines, or even prosecution. Legal battles and associated costs can be financially crippling.
 Increased Risk of Accidents: Equipment that hasn’t been inspected is far more likely to fail. Such failures can lead to injuries or fatalities, particularly in high-risk environments like construction or manufacturing. Beyond the human cost, the reputational damage to a business can be severe and long-lasting.
 Higher Repair and Replacement Costs: Neglecting inspections can allow minor issues to develop into major faults. These may require costly emergency repairs or complete equipment replacement, expenses that could have been avoided through routine examinations.
 Loss of Business and Clients: Clients often expect their contractors or suppliers to uphold strict safety standards. A failure to meet legal obligations like PUWER can result in lost contracts or blacklisting from future work, especially in regulated industries.
 Increased Insurance Premiums or Invalidated Coverage: As mentioned, insurers may increase premiums or deny coverage entirely if a business can't provide evidence of up-to-date PUWER compliance, placing a heavier financial burden on operations.
PUWER work equipment inspections aren’t just a box-ticking exercise - they are an essential component of a responsible, safety-first approach to using work equipment. The benefits of compliance are wide-ranging, from protecting human life to reducing costs and maintaining operational integrity. Conversely, the risks of neglecting these inspections can be devastating on multiple levels.
Unsure If Your Equipment Falls Under PUWER98 Regulations?
Below lists several example of work equipment which require regular maintenance and inspections under the PUWER98 regulations;
 Machine Tools
- Examples: Lathes, milling machines, grinders, pillar drills.
- Hazards: Moving parts, entanglement, ejection of materials.
 Power Presses
- Mechanical or hydraulic presses used for forming metal.
- Require specific inspection intervals and records under PUWER.
 Portable Electrical Equipment
- Examples: Drills, saws, grinders, extension leads.
- Require visual checks and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing).
 Hand-Operated Tools (Powered or Manual)
- Examples: Nail guns, impact wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers.
- Inspections check handles, guards, and integrity.
 Access Equipment
- Examples: Ladders, mobile towers, podium steps.
- Checked for damage, stability, and correct labeling.
 Conveyor Systems
- Used in production or packaging lines.
- Checks include guards, emergency stops, belt condition, and rollers.
 Construction Plant and Machinery
- Examples: Dumpers, cement mixers, plate compactors.
- Inspections cover structure, hydraulics, controls, and braking.
 Welding Equipment
- Arc, MIG, TIG, and gas welding sets.
- Checks: electrical integrity, hoses, regulators, flashback arrestors.
 Fixed Workshop Machinery
- Examples: Band saws, bench grinders, circular saws.
- Guarding, emergency stop buttons, and stability must be checked.
 Industrial Cleaning Equipment
- Floor scrubbers, vacuums, jet washers.
- Inspections for electrical safety, hoses, and mechanical parts.
 Roller Shutter Doors
- Manual or powered.
- Function, controls, structural integrity, inhibitor switches (if fitted) and stop buttons must be checked.
 Storage Racking
- Types: Pallet, Cantilever, Very Narrow Aisle etc
- Foundation fixings, securing fixings, locking pins, bracing members and cross-members, uprights and overall structural integrity must be checked.
Great experience working with Oliver on the PSSR for our compressors! The team was very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. We would definitely use them again.
We’ve been using Statutory Equipment Inspection Solutions Ltd for our inspection needs, and their service is unmatched by any competitor we’ve worked with. They are extremely professional, always quick to respond to messages, and consistently provide prompt, detailed reports to help us stay compliant with regulations. Highly reliable and a pleasure to work with — we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
SEIS have delivered LOLER and PSSR Thorough Examinations for us across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire with the utmost professionalism and the highest standards. With brilliant communication and a friendly, knowledgeable approach, we highly recommend their services.
Oliver at SEIS turned up on short notice to help us out after our current inspections provider let us down. He had our overhead cranes and fork trucks examined, and reports sent to us on the same day. Fantastic service.
The engineer surveyor SEIS sent was personable, and knowledgable. They was happy to work around our operational needs and examined our tailboard lifts with minimal disruption.
Thanks again!
Craig
Thanks again!
Craig