PUWER Inspection: What You Need to Know

Understanding what’s required for a PUWER inspection can be overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. This guide breaks down the essentials, helping you stay compliant with confidence.

What is PUWER?

PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These regulations are designed to ensure that machinery and equipment used at work are safe, properly maintained, and do not pose foreseeable risks to employees or others on site.

Work Equipment, PUWER Risk Assessment & PUWER Inspection – What Do These Mean?

PUWER places legal duties on employers, equipment owners, and operators to ensure:

The right equipment is selected
It is suitable for use
It is regularly inspected and maintained

According to Regulation 3, “work equipment” includes:

Any machine
Appliance
Apparatus
Tool
Installation used for work

Regulation 6 outlines that all work equipment must undergo appropriate inspections. These can range from simple visual checks to comprehensive functional testing. Importantly, they must be carried out by a competent person.

Are Any Items Exempt from PUWER Inspections?

Yes, Regulation 6(5) details specific exemptions, including:

Power presses covered by separate regulations
Lifting equipment (governed by LOLER inspections)
Equipment covered by PSSR or CDM Regulations
Work at height equipment

However, even for exempt equipment, a risk-based approach may still justify inspection—especially before first use. These inspections should be documented as part of your formal safety system.

Overlapping Regulations: PUWER and Other Inspection Requirements

Some equipment may be subject to multiple regulations. For example, pressure systems are regulated under both PUWER and PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000).

Where the inspection under one regulation (like PSSR) already addresses hazards covered under PUWER, duplication is unnecessary. But this must be assessed carefully—some risks, like mechanical failure, may still fall under PUWER’s scope.

A competent person should define inspection plans considering:

The equipment’s risk profile
Relevant legislation and Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs)

How Often Should PUWER Inspections Be Carried Out?

Work equipment must be fully inspected:

At the time of installation
Before first use
At scheduled intervals determined by the risk of deterioration

PUWER requires inspections at “suitable intervals,” especially if deterioration may create danger.

Intervals depend on:

Usage frequency
Operating environment (e.g. outdoor use)
Equipment age and condition

A solid inspection record enables you to refine your schedule over time.

Can PUWER Inspection Frequency Be Adjusted?

Yes—if data shows consistently low risk or wear, intervals may be extended. However, this must be:

Justified by past inspection reports
Supported by a PUWER risk assessment

Conversely, inspections should become more frequent if consistent issues are found.

Note: Skipping re-inspections altogether is hard to justify. It demands robust maintenance, change control, and documentation systems.

Pre-Use Checks vs Visual vs Thorough Inspections

It’s crucial to understand the levels of equipment checks:

Pre-Use Check

A quick operator-led review before each use. Not legally required, but recommended.

Visual Inspection

A more detailed check for damage or deterioration—still non-invasive.

Thorough Examination

A formal inspection that may include testing or disassembly. Often required under LOLER or PSSR, but not always under PUWER unless high-risk equipment is involved.

Why Getting the Inspection Type and Frequency Right Matters

Too-frequent inspections waste resources—and can even damage equipment, particularly safety-critical components like emergency stop buttons.

On the flip side, infrequent checks could mean missing serious safety issues.

The right approach is to:

Conduct a full PUWER inspection
Document all defects and actions
Follow up with a risk-based maintenance plan

Need Support With PUWER Inspections?

We offer professional PUWER inspection services tailored to your industry, equipment, and risk profile. Whether you’re building your inspection regime from scratch or reviewing an existing one, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with our PUWER experts to ensure compliance, reduce downtime, and protect your workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PUWER a legal requirement?

No, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998) is an approved code of practice and guidance. Although it is not law, regular inspections and certifications are usually sufficient for legal compliance for workplace Health and Safety.

What is the purpose of a PUWER inspection?

The inspection of work equipment under PUWER ensures that all equipment and machinery in the workplace are safe for employees to use and for anyone else to be around. Compliance with PUWER significantly reduces the risk of operational failure, accidents, and severe injury.

What equipment is covered under PUWER?

Any equipment that is used in a workplace and could pose a risk to the health and safety of employees or the surrounding public require regular inspections

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