Order Picker Inspections

PUWER Compliance for Warehouse and Industrial Work Equipment
Order pickers are essential for safe handling and retrieval of stock in warehouses, distribution centres and commercial storage environments. As work equipment, they must be suitable for use, maintained in safe condition and inspected at appropriate intervals in line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Excel Inspection Solutions provides independent PUWER inspections for all types of order pickers to help dutyholders meet their legal responsibilities and ensure equipment remains safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
What PUWER Requires for Order Pickers
Under PUWER, anyone responsible for order pickers must ensure equipment is:
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Suitable for the tasks and environment
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Maintained and kept in safe working condition
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Used only by trained and competent operators
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Fitted with suitable guards, controls and safety devices
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Inspected where necessary to confirm ongoing safety
Our inspections support compliance and help identify issues that could pose risks to operators or cause operational downtime.
Types of Order Pickers We Inspect
We carry out PUWER inspections on:
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Low level order pickers
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Medium and high level order pickers
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Man up and walk on order pickers
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Electric and manual order picking trucks
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Work platforms integrated with order picking systems
Inspections cover the full system, including controls, braking, hydraulics, lifting functions, safety devices and structural components.
What We Check During an Order Picker Inspection
Our Engineer Surveyors assess the equipment to ensure it is safe and suitable for continued use. This includes:
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Visual and functional checks
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Safety devices, including emergency stops and interlocks
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Load handling components and forks
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Electrical systems and battery condition where applicable
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Braking performance and steering control
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Hydraulics and lift mechanisms
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Operator guarding and access points
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Structural condition and signs of wear or damage
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Review of maintenance or defect history where available
Following the inspection, we provide a written PUWER report detailing any findings or actions required.
Why Order Picker Inspections Matter
Regular PUWER inspections help:
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Reduce the risk of accidents and injuries
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Identify defects before they become serious hazards
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Ensure operators can work safely and confidently
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Support insurance and audit processes
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Maintain productivity and reduce equipment downtime
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Demonstrate compliance with statutory regulations
Order pickers operate in fast paced environments where safe handling is essential. Inspections help ensure continued operational safety.
Who We Support
We provide PUWER inspections for:
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Warehouses and logistics operators
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Distribution centres
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Retail stockrooms
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Manufacturing and industrial sites
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FM and property management companies
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Small and large commercial premises
Whether you manage a fleet of order pickers or require a one off inspection, we can help.
Why Choose Excel Inspection Solutions?
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Independent and competent Engineer Surveyors
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Clear reporting and practical recommendations
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Flexible scheduling to minimise disruption
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PUWER compliant examination process
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Coverage across the South East and wider UK
Our inspections are tailored to the equipment type, usage and environment.

Order Picker Inspection FAQs
Do order pickers fall under PUWER?
Yes. They are classed as work equipment under PUWER and must be suitable, maintained and inspected where appropriate.
How often should order pickers be inspected?
Inspection intervals depend on usage, environment and the employer’s risk assessment. Many dutyholders choose annual or more frequent checks.
Do you inspect man up order pickers?
Yes. We inspect both man up and ride on equipment.
Is this the same as a maintenance service?
No. PUWER inspections and maintenance are separate. PUWER inspections assess safety and compliance, not routine servicing.
Do order pickers require a Thorough Examination under LOLER?
Order pickers generally fall under PUWER rather than LOLER, unless they include a platform designed to lift a person with controls at height. Where lifting operations involve raising a person, a LOLER Thorough Examination may also be required. We can advise on the correct statutory requirements for your equipment.
Looking for support with more than just order picker inspections?
Excel Inspection Solutions provides a full range of statutory inspection services for lifting, work equipment and safety related machinery. From passenger and goods lifts to cranes, mobile plant, garage equipment and pressure systems, our Engineer Surveyors deliver independent, compliant examinations across the South East.
