Hand Tool & Power Tool Inspection
Need your Hand and Power Tools inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
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Hand Tool & Power Tool Inspection
Need your Hand and Power Tools inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Hand Tool And Power Tools Inspection
Hand Tools And Power Tools Within Industry
Hand and power tools are essential equipment used to carry out a wide range of construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and repair tasks. Hand tools include items such as hammers, spanners, screwdrivers, pliers, and saws, which rely on manual effort for operation. Power tools are driven by electricity, batteries, compressed air, or fuel and include drills, grinders, sanders, impact wrenches, and cutting tools. Together, they improve accuracy, efficiency, and productivity while reducing physical strain on workers.
In the construction and building industry, hand and power tools are used for tasks such as cutting, drilling, fastening, shaping, and finishing materials like wood, metal, concrete, and masonry. Trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, and bricklaying rely heavily on a wide variety of tools to complete work safely and to specification. Power tools allow large or complex jobs to be completed more quickly, while hand tools are essential for detailed, precise tasks.
The manufacturing and engineering sectors also depend heavily on hand and power tools for assembly, fabrication, maintenance, and repair. Tools are used to fit components, maintain machinery, and carry out adjustments on production equipment. In automotive and aerospace industries, precision tools are critical for ensuring components meet strict quality and safety standards. Power tools improve efficiency in repetitive tasks, while hand tools provide control and accuracy in delicate operations.
Hand and power tools are equally important in maintenance, utilities, and service industries, including facilities management, energy, and telecommunications. Technicians use tools to install, inspect, and repair infrastructure, machinery, and equipment in a wide range of environments. Across all industries, the safe use of hand and power tools depends on proper training, regular inspection, and maintenance, helping to prevent accidents and ensure reliable, high-quality work.
What’s Covered During Your SEIS Work Equipment Inspection.
A PUWER (Provision And Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)Â inspection of a hand and power tools, 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 Condition
- Check the overall state of the tool— clean, well-maintained, and free from damage.
- Confirm the tool is suitable for its intended purpose and has not been modified in a way that could affect safety.
- Ensure manufacturer markings and identification are present and legible.
- Check that storage and handling practices prevent damage (e.g., tools not dropped, thrown, or left in damp environments).
 Handles and Grips
- Inspect handles for cracks, splinters, looseness, or excessive wear.
- Ensure grips (rubber, plastic, or wooden) are secure, intact, and comfortable to hold.
- Check for signs of oil, grease, or contamination that could reduce grip and cause slippage.
- Verify any shock-absorbing or anti-vibration grips are still functional and not deteriorated.
 Working Parts and Edges
- Inspect cutting edges (e.g., chisels, knives, saws, planes) for dullness, chips, cracks, or deformation.
- Ensure spanners, pliers, and wrenches are not rounded, warped, or loose-jointed.
- Check files, rasps, and screwdrivers for worn tips or broken blades.
- Verify moving parts (on adjustable tools) operate smoothly and can be locked securely in position.
 Structural Integrity
- Check for deformed, cracked, or corroded metal components.
- Inspect rivets, pins, and joints for looseness or missing fasteners.
- Verify wooden handles are properly fitted with secure wedges or fixings.
- Ensure no unauthorised repairs (e.g., taped handles or welded joints) are present that could compromise safety.
 Electrical and Battery-Powered Tools
- Check power cables for abrasions, frays, exposed wires, or crushed insulation.
- Inspect plugs for correct wiring, undamaged pins, and tight strain relief.
- Verify battery packs fit securely and show no signs of leakage, swelling, or overheating.
- Confirm switches, triggers, and safety locks function properly.
- Ensure the tool is subject to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) where required.
- Check casing for cracks or missing screws that could expose live parts.
 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Tools
- Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks, cracks, or abrasions.
- Check connections and couplings for tightness and compatibility.
- Verify pressure relief valves and regulators function correctly.
- Ensure air lines are properly routed to prevent tripping or damage.
- Listen for air leaks when the system is pressurised.
 Safety Devices and Guards
- Verify guards, shields, or safety attachments are fitted and in good condition.
- Check that trigger locks or safety switches (on powered tools) operate correctly.
- Ensure handles and guards are not loose or misaligned.
- Confirm tool rests and supports (on grinders, bench tools, etc.) are properly adjusted.
 Performance and Function
- Test that the tool operates smoothly without excessive vibration, noise, or binding.
- Check for balance and alignment – e.g., rotating tools shouldn’t wobble or run out.
- Ensure fasteners and moving joints are correctly tightened and lubricated.
- Verify that cutting and striking tools (e.g., hammers, chisels) perform effectively without risk of breakage.
 Operator Safety and Ergonomics
- Confirm the tool is comfortable to use and does not cause strain or awkward posture.
- Check insulation or non-conductive handles on tools used near electrical sources.
- Ensure the tool is appropriate for the operator’s task and training level.
- Verify PPE compatibility (e.g., gloves, eye protection) and ensure no interference with tool operation.
 Identification, Records, and Tagging
Each tool should have:
- A unique identification number or code (if part of a managed system).
- A record of inspection and maintenance showing date, inspector, and findings.
- Defective tools should be immediately withdrawn and marked as “Do Not Use” until repaired or replaced.
 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 hand and power tools 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 Hand Tools 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