Can you carry out LOLER and PUWER inspections at weekends?

We can certainly accommodate LOLER and PUWER inspections at weekends, which is handy if your equipment is usually in use during the week.

Where do Excel Inspection Solutions operate?

We’re based in Kent, which makes us perfectly placed to undertake LOLER and PUWER inspections throughout the southeast. However, we attend businesses throughout the UK, too!

Who can carry out plant machinery inspections?

Whether it’s a PUWER or LOLER inspection, it must be completed by a competent person, and they cannot be the same person that installed or has repaired the equipment.

What defines a competent person?

A competent person needs to know what they’re looking at, what they’re looking for, and know what to do with the information they record. They should also have the right knowledge and experience to carry out the inspection safely.

Can LOLER and PUWER reports be kept digitally?

Yes - in fact we’d recommend this in addition to keeping hard copies. To make things easier for our customers, reports completed by Excel Inspection Services are accessible via our online portal for convenient access.

Do PUWER inspections assess employee training?

Regulation 9 or PUWER covers employee training, specifically the training provided to employees who use the equipment and/or the machinery, as well as those who supervise the use of them.

Can I set up regular inspections with Excel Inspection Solutions?

Yes, we’ll work with you to set up a schedule, so we’ll always be around when it’s time for your equipment to be inspected.

Plant Machinery Inspection

Many industries rely on plant machinery to do the heavy lifting - literally! With such large and complex machines available for use, it’s essential to keep them safe and operational so that they can be relied upon again and again.

Therefore, there are regulations under the Health and Safety at Work Act that businesses that own, use, and supply these machines need to adhere to - and Excel Inspection Solutions are proud to undertake the associated inspections.

Get in Touch

What is plant machinery?

Technically, plant machinery is an asset used by a business to help its employees carry out their jobs; it’s not a stock or trade item but is instead retained for employee use.

This initially seems a broad definition but is narrowed down by the use of ‘plant’ almost always being used to describe large, industrial machinery and vehicles used in construction and maintenance, such as lorry loaders, dumper trucks, excavators and earthmoving machinery, and telescopic handlers.

PUWER regulations

PUWER is an abbreviation of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and plant machinery should be inspected and maintained in accordance with these regulations. These regulations place duties on those that own, maintain, and use this equipment to ensure they remain safe and compliant. Failing to do so puts you, your employees, everyone in the vicinity of the equipment, and the integrity of your business at significant risk.

What do PUWER regulations cover?

PUWER regulations cover machinery and equipment used by people in workplaces are kept at a safe standard for use. PUWER regulations should be upheld as long as the Health and Safety at Work Act exists, and applies to:

Employers providing equipment at work
Those that are self-employed providing equipment at work
Anyone supervising or managing the use of equipment at work
Anyone using equipment whilst they work from home

PUWER doesn’t apply to the seller of the equipment; it’s more a responsibility for the end owner and user. It also doesn’t apply to those undertaking domestic work, those working in private households or those used by the public, such as air machines at fuel stations.

LOLER regulations

Some plant machinery will cross into LOLER regulation territory. LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) apply to lifting equipment, both for goods and for people, and requires a competent person to thoroughly examine lifting equipment either every 12 months or 6 months, depending on the type of equipment.

Carrying out plant inspections

There is no set timeframe in which to carry out regular PUWER inspections, apart from the requirement to carry them out when the equipment is first used, and if it’s relocated.

Outside of this, we strongly recommend that you inspect all plant machinery at least every 12 months. Any equipment that is also covered by LOLER should be inspected in accordance with the regulations, which stipulate:

equipment and associated accessories used to lift people should take place every 6 months, as should inspections on all lifting accessories
Other lifting equipment should be inspected every 12 months
LOLER inspections should take place prior to lifting equipment first being used
Lifting equipment should be inspected immediately after a repair, or when a component has been replaced
LOLER inspections apply whenever the lifting equipment is removed and refitted to its original chassis
Equipment should always be inspected within 12 months of a previous inspection

Services

What is our plant machinery inspection process?

We’re proud to work with those owning, supplying and/or using plant equipment around the UK to arrange regular PUWER and LOLER inspections, attending your premises at a convenient time to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act. We’ll highlight any issues where repair or adjustment is required.

Following our inspections, you’ll receive a detailed digital report, complete with photos that show any issues that we’ve encountered. You can then keep these to hand, ready to present to the Health and Safety Executive as required.

What are the benefits of plant inspections?

Fulfils safety obligations

Ensuring that you, your team, and those around the equipment are safe should be your priority, and PUWER and LOLER inspections minimise the risk of faulty or poorly maintained equipment posing a danger.

Ensures compliance

Anyone owning, using, or supplying plant equipment has a legal obligation to ensure they function correctly, so as to remain safe. Staying compliant with LOLER and PUWER means committing to regular inspections, keeping your business on the right side of the law.

Enables early indication of repair

Regular inspections mean that faults and wear and tear can be spotted early, monitored if necessary, or fixed before they become a more expensive problem.

Sectors we cover

We understand that plant machinery is used in a variety of sectors, but of course, construction and maintenance are the main players. However, Excel Inspection Solutions can attend to carry out PUWER and LOLER inspections across a range of industries that use plant equipment.

Why choose Excel Inspections Solutions for plant inspection services?

Health and safety is not to be taken lightly, and you simply cannot afford to forego LOLER and PUWER inspections on eligible equipment and machinery. To take your safety and compliance seriously, you can entrust the completion of these detailed examinations to the experts - that’s us here at Excel Inspection Solutions!

With the experience and qualifications required to ensure a thorough and professional inspection, you’ll get peace of mind as well as a detailed report that will keep you up to date on the health of your machinery.

FAQS

How long will a LOLER inspection take?

This will depend on the amount of van and car lift ramps you have in your workshop, but we’re committed to working quickly as well as thoroughly, so that downtime is kept to a minimum - we know you’ve got a business to run!
Where in the UK does Excel Inspection Solutions operate?

As we’re based in the South East of England, we largely attend to clients across London, Sussex, Berkshire, Kent, Hampshire and Essex. However, thanks to our network of surveyors, we’re able to offer our inspection services across the UK too.
How will I receive my LOLER report?

You’ll receive a digital copy of your LOLER report, which will include photographs, particularly if we find any issues. Access to your report is also made possible at any time through our handy online portal.
Can you do a vehicle lift inspection at the weekend?

Weekdays are hardly ideal for a busy garage, so we can accommodate weekends where necessary.
Do recovery vehicles need a LOLER inspection?

Recovery vehicles that feature a crane-style mechanism are classed as cranes, and therefore should be treated as such under LOLER regulations.
How often should vehicle lifts be inspected under LOLER?

When people are within the vehicle when the vehicle is lifted, inspections should be carried out every 6 months. Where people are not elevated within the vehicle on the ramp, inspections should be carried out every 12 months.