Stillage Inspection
Need your Stillages inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
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Stillage Inspection
Need your Stillages inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Stillage Inspection
Stillages Within Industry
Stillages are rigid, often metal-framed containers or racks used for storing, transporting, and handling goods safely and efficiently in industrial and commercial environments. They are designed to hold heavy or bulky items, prevent damage, and make handling easier with forklifts or pallet trucks. Stillages can be fixed or collapsible, and many are designed for specific products or materials, such as glass, automotive components, or raw materials. Their durability and reusability make them an essential part of material handling and storage systems.
In the manufacturing and automotive industries, stillages are widely used to transport parts, subassemblies, and raw materials along production lines or between facilities. They help keep items organized, reduce handling damage, and improve efficiency by allowing multiple components to be moved safely in a single load. For example, automotive manufacturers often use stillages to carry body panels, engines, or mechanical components between production and assembly areas.
In the retail, warehousing, and logistics sectors, stillages provide secure storage for bulk goods, helping optimise space in storage areas and on delivery vehicles. Collapsible stillages are particularly useful for returnable logistics, as they can be folded when empty to save space. Industries such as food and beverage, electronics, and consumer goods rely on stillages to protect products during storage and transportation while improving workflow efficiency.
Stillages are also used in glass, metal, and construction industries, where fragile or irregularly shaped items need careful handling. For example, sheet glass, steel plates, and timber can be safely stored and moved using purpose-built stillages that prevent breakage or deformation. Across all industries, stillages are valued for their safety, durability, and ability to streamline handling operations, making them a key tool for efficient material management.
What’s Covered During Your SEIS Work Equipment Inspection.
A PUWER (Provision And Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)Â inspection of a stillage, 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
- Inspect the overall structure for any deformation, cracks, distortion, or corrosion.
- Check that the stillage is clean and free of oil, debris, or materials that could affect stability.
- Ensure manufacturer labels, load capacity markings, and identification tags are present and legible.
- Verify that the stillage is appropriate for its intended load type and use (solid goods, pallets, loose components, etc.).
 Base and Frame Integrity
Inspect the base frame for:
- Structural damage or cracks in welds or joints.
- Bending or twisting that could affect stability.
- Excessive wear or corrosion on contact surfaces.
- Check that decking (if solid or mesh) is secure, intact, and free from gaps or damage.
- Ensure forklift entry points are undamaged and correctly sized for safe lifting.
 Side Panels and Ends
- Inspect side walls, gates, and end panels for deformation, cracks, or missing components.
- Verify that mesh or sheet metal panels are properly fixed with no sharp edges or protruding wires.
- Check hinges and latches (if foldable or removable) for free movement and security.
- Ensure collapsible stillages lock into place correctly and safely when assembled.
 Corner Posts and Uprights
- Check all upright posts for straightness — no bending, cracks, or corrosion.
- Inspect welds and joint connections between uprights and base.
- Ensure stacking locations or locator pins (if designed for stacking) are undamaged and correctly aligned.
- Verify the stillage sits flat and stable on level ground without rocking.
 Stacking and Stability
- Inspect stacking lugs, recesses, or interlocks for damage, wear, or deformation.
- Ensure stacked stillages align correctly and remain stable under load.
- Check load-bearing contact points (e.g., corner blocks) for wear, cracks, or metal fatigue.
- Confirm stacking height limits are being followed per manufacturer instructions.
 Handling and Lifting Features
Check forklift entry points, pockets, or lifting eyes for:
- Damage, deformation, or obstruction.
- Sharp edges that could damage forklift tines or lifting slings.
- Verify safe access and handling clearances around stillages.
- If fitted with casters or wheels, check:
- Secure mounting.
- Free rolling without wobble.
- Condition of bearings and locking mechanisms.
 Load Security
- Verify the stillage’s rated capacity (SWL) is clearly displayed and not exceeded.
- Check that load restraints, covers, or lids (if fitted) are intact and functional.
- Ensure loads sit evenly and fully supported on the base without overhang.
- Confirm the stillage is not used to lift or carry loose or unstable loads unless properly contained.
Corrosion and Surface Protection
- Inspect for rust, pitting, or paint damage that could weaken the frame.
- Check for exposed metal and flaking coatings.
- Apply or schedule protective coating or repainting if corrosion is found.
 Identification and Records
Verify the stillage has:
- A unique ID number or tag for traceability.
- Load capacity clearly visible.
- Inspection label or sticker showing the last and next inspection dates.
 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 stillage 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 Stillage 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