PUWER Inspection Services UK
Find experienced providers offering PUWER inspections, machinery safety assessments and PUWER compliance services for plant, machinery and workplace equipment across the UK.
PUWER Inspections & Machinery Safety Compliance
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, commonly known as PUWER, place duties on employers and organisations responsible for work equipment.
Equipment should be suitable for its intended purpose, properly maintained and safe for employees and other people who may use or come into contact with it. Where the safety of equipment depends on installation conditions or where deterioration could create a significant risk, inspection may also be required.
Businesses often use specialist PUWER inspection services to help assess machinery condition, guarding, controls, installation and general workplace equipment safety.
PlantServiceHub connects businesses with independent providers offering plant inspections, machinery compliance services and LOLER inspections throughout the UK.
What Is a PUWER Inspection?
A PUWER inspection is an assessment of work equipment intended to identify safety issues and determine whether machinery is suitable for continued use.
The exact assessment will depend on the type of equipment, how it is being used and the working environment. A PUWER safety inspection may include examination of guarding, emergency stops, controls, access points, deterioration, stability and other safety-critical features.
Inspection providers may also review maintenance information, previous inspection records, operating procedures and relevant risk assessments.
What Equipment Can PUWER Apply To?
Construction Plant
Excavators, dumpers, loaders, rollers and other plant machinery used on construction and civil engineering sites.
Forklifts & Telehandlers
Material handling equipment including forklifts, telehandlers and other machinery used for moving loads.
Industrial Machinery
Production machinery, manufacturing equipment, processing equipment and machinery installed within factories and industrial sites.
Workshop Equipment
Workshop machinery, powered tools and equipment used for maintenance, fabrication, engineering and repair operations.
Agricultural Machinery
Work equipment used within agricultural, farming and rural commercial operations.
Fixed Equipment
Installed machinery, conveyors, processing equipment and other work equipment forming part of a production or operating system.
What Does a PUWER Safety Inspection Check?
The scope of a PUWER inspection will vary according to the machinery and the risks involved. Typical areas assessed can include:
- General machinery condition and signs of deterioration
- Fixed and movable guards
- Emergency stop systems
- Operating controls and control systems
- Isolation and shutdown arrangements
- Access to dangerous parts
- Stability and safe installation
- Warning signs and safety information
- Maintenance condition
- Suitability of equipment for its intended task
Where problems are identified, the inspection report can help a business understand what corrective or remedial work may be required.
PUWER Compliance Services
PUWER compliance involves more than simply completing an inspection. Businesses must consider how equipment is selected, installed, operated, maintained and controlled throughout its working life.
Specialist PUWER compliance services may help organisations identify machinery safety issues, document findings and plan any improvements necessary to reduce risk.
When Might Work Equipment Need Inspecting?
Inspection requirements depend on the equipment and circumstances. Businesses may need to consider an inspection where equipment safety depends upon correct installation or where deterioration could result in dangerous conditions.
A machinery safety assessment may also be appropriate following significant modification, relocation, major repair or where concerns have been identified about the condition or operation of equipment.
Providers can help determine the appropriate scope of inspection for individual machinery, complete production environments or fleets of work equipment.
PUWER vs LOLER Inspections
PUWER and LOLER are related workplace safety regulations but they are not the same thing.
PUWER applies broadly to work equipment and machinery, while LOLER specifically relates to lifting equipment and lifting operations.
Some equipment, such as telehandlers, forklifts and certain lifting machinery, may fall within the scope of both sets of requirements depending on how the equipment is used.
If you require lifting equipment examination, visit our LOLER inspection services section.
Industries Using PUWER Inspection Services
PUWER Inspection Companies Across the UK
PlantServiceHub helps businesses locate PUWER inspection companies and machinery safety providers across England, Wales, Scotland and other supported UK locations.
Enquiries may range from inspection of an individual machine to assessments covering multiple items of plant, workshop machinery or complete industrial sites.
Businesses requiring inspections in the North West can find dedicated information about PUWER inspections in Manchester, including machinery safety assessments and PUWER compliance support throughout Greater Manchester.
PlantServiceHub also handles enquiries from Birmingham and the Midlands, London and the South East, Yorkshire, Wales and other parts of the UK.
Related Plant & Machinery Services
PUWER Inspection FAQs
What does PUWER stand for?
PUWER stands for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The regulations concern the safe provision and use of work equipment.
Does all machinery need a PUWER inspection?
Not every item of work equipment automatically requires the same type or frequency of formal inspection. Requirements depend on factors such as installation, deterioration, risk and how the equipment is used. A competent provider can advise on the appropriate inspection regime.
Who can carry out a PUWER inspection?
Inspections should be undertaken by a person with appropriate knowledge, experience and competence for the equipment and risks being assessed.
Is PUWER the same as LOLER?
No. PUWER applies broadly to work equipment, whereas LOLER focuses on lifting equipment and lifting operations. Some machinery can be subject to both sets of requirements.
Can PlantServiceHub arrange a PUWER inspection?
PlantServiceHub acts as an independent service hub. Submit your requirements and we can help connect your enquiry with relevant independent inspection and compliance providers.
Request a PUWER Inspection
Tell us what machinery or work equipment needs assessing, where it is located and how urgently support is required.
PlantServiceHub can connect your enquiry with providers offering PUWER inspection, machinery safety and compliance services.
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