PUWER Examination, Inspection & Testing

The Basics;

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) is a key piece of UK health and safety legislation designed to ensure that equipment used at work is suitable, safe, and properly maintained. PUWER applies to employers, the self-employed, and anyone who has control over work equipment. The regulations cover a broad range of equipment, from simple hand tools to complex machinery, and apply in all work environments. The main aim of PUWER is to prevent injuries and accidents resulting from the improper use or maintenance of equipment.PUWER

Under PUWER, employers must ensure that work equipment is: suitable for its intended use; maintained in a safe condition; and inspected regularly to detect and remedy any deterioration or risk. Additionally, equipment must be used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction, and training. Where necessary, risks must be controlled by using guards, warning devices, and other protective measures. Employers are also required to consider ergonomic factors and the health and safety of workers during equipment selection and use.

Inspections under PUWER are a critical part of ensuring ongoing safety. These inspections must be carried out by a competent person, and the frequency will depend on factors such as the type of equipment, its use, and the level of risk involved. For example, high-risk equipment like power presses, or woodworkingPUWER machinery may require more frequent checks. Inspections can be formal (documented, scheduled and a report of thorough examination produced) or informal (carried out by operators as part of routine checks, as long as they’re deemed competent), but any significant defects found must be recorded and acted upon promptly. Keeping clear records of inspections and maintenance is not only good practice—it is legally required in the event of an incident, or HSE investigation.

It should also be noted that a lot of work equipment falls under multiple regulations. If you’re ever in any doubt, simply reach out.

Industries Covered

Equipment covered;

  • Industrial Power Presses
  • Process Equipment
  • Pallet Trucks
  • Axle Stands
  • CNC Machines
  • Conveyor Systems
  • Ladders
  • Racking Systems
  • Air receivers (Under 250 bar/litre)
  • Roller Shutter Doors

Equipment Covered;

  • Stand aids
  • Hot water heating boilers (with no relevant fluid or a vessel under 250 bar/litre)
  • Expansion Vessels (under 250 bar/litre)
  • Control Panels

Equipment Covered;

  • Pallet Trucks
  • Dock Levellers
  • Winch (none lifting)
  • Roller Shutter Doors
  • Conveyor Systems

Equipment Covered;

  • Tyre Changing Machinery
  • Air compressor (vessel under 250 bar/litre)
  • Axle stands
  • Hand tools

Equipment Covered;

  • Farm Machinery (none lifting)
  • Control Panels
  • Mobile compressors (vessel under 250 bar/litre)
  • Expansion vessels (vessel under 250 bar/litre)
  • Ladders
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools

Equipment Covered;

  • Aircraft Staging
  • Ladders
  • Storage Racking
  • Hand tools
  • Aircraft Axle Stands/ Supports

Equipment Covered;

  • Lifting Attachments (none lifting)
  • Construction Machinery (none lifting)
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools

Equipment Covered;

  • Staging
  • Ladders
  • Control Panels
  • Hand tools
  • Power tools

Book PUWER Inspection Near ME

Booking with SEIS is quick and easy:

✅ Call our friendly team

✅ Fill in our online booking form

✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule

We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.

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