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PUWER Inspections

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Ensuring Work Equipment Is Safe, Suitable and Compliant

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The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require that employers ensure all work equipment is suitable, safe for use, maintained in good condition and inspected where appropriate. PUWER applies to a wide range of machinery, tools and workplace equipment used in commercial, industrial and public settings.

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Excel Inspection Solutions provides independent PUWER inspections to help dutyholders meet their legal obligations and maintain safe working environments. Our Engineer Surveyors assess whether equipment is installed, maintained and operated in line with statutory requirements.

What PUWER Covers

PUWER applies to any equipment used by employees at work, regardless of whether it is powered or manually operated.

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This includes:

  • Machinery

  • Tools and workshop equipment

  • Forklift and warehouse equipment

  • Pallet trucks and order pickers

  • Lifting equipment not covered by LOLER

  • Garage and automotive equipment

  • Mobile plant and industrial equipment

  • Equipment used for cutting, grinding, pressing or processing

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PUWER places duties on employers, landlords, facilities managers and anyone who controls work equipment.

Key Requirements Under PUWER

To comply with the regulations, dutyholders must ensure that equipment is:

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1. Suitable for its intended use

Equipment must be appropriate for the task and environment.

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2. Safe for use

Risk assessments should confirm hazards are controlled.

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3. Maintained and kept in a safe condition

Maintenance must be carried out at suitable intervals.

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4. Inspected where necessary

Inspections must confirm ongoing safety and suitability.

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5. Used only by competent individuals

Users must have appropriate training, instruction and information.

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6. Provided with suitable protection measures

This includes guards, emergency stop controls, markings and warnings.

What Is a PUWER Inspection?

A PUWER inspection is a detailed assessment carried out by a competent person to determine whether work equipment remains safe to use and compliant with regulatory requirements.

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During an inspection, we will:

  • Examine machinery and equipment for defects or wear

  • Review safety features and protective devices

  • Confirm correct installation and stability

  • Check control systems and emergency stop functions

  • Assess guarding, interlocks and isolation points

  • Review maintenance records where available

  • Identify hazards that require corrective action

  • Provide a written inspection report

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PUWER inspections differ from maintenance inspections and are focused on statutory compliance and safety.

Types of Equipment We Inspect Under PUWER

Our Engineer Surveyors assess a wide range of work equipment including:

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Garage and Workshop Equipment

Vehicle lifts, jacks, tyre changers, compressors, brake testers and diagnostic machines.

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Warehouse and Industrial Equipment

Pallet trucks, pallet stackers, order pickers, conveyors, racking, cutting and processing machinery.

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Mobile Plant and Mechanical Equipment

Excavators, loaders, compactors and other mobile work equipment.

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Work Equipment in Commercial Settings

Saws, presses, grinders, woodworking machinery, industrial tools and powered machinery.

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Each inspection supports compliance and helps identify potential safety risks before they become incidents.

Why PUWER Inspections Matter

Regular PUWER inspections help organisations:

  • Meet legal obligations under PUWER and supporting regulations

  • Reduce the risk of accidents and equipment failures

  • Ensure equipment is suitable and safe for ongoing use

  • Support insurance, risk assessments and audit processes

  • Maintain productive and safe working environments

  • Avoid costly downtime and reactive repairs

Even well maintained equipment can develop undetected risks. Inspections help ensure safe and continuous operation.

PUWER Inspection Reports

Following each inspection, we provide a clear written report detailing:

  • Equipment identification

  • Inspection findings

  • Any risks or defects identified

  • Required corrective actions

  • Recommendations for improved safety

  • Evidence where appropriate

This forms part of your statutory compliance documentation and should be retained for audit or regulatory review.

Why Choose Excel Inspection Solutions?

  • Independent and fully qualified Engineer Surveyors

  • Clear, practical reporting

  • Support for PUWER and wider statutory compliance

  • Flexible appointment scheduling

  • UK wide coverage through our engineer network

  • Trusted by workshops, warehouses, FM teams and commercial operators

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We tailor every inspection to the equipment type, environment and operational requirements.

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PUWER FAQs

What equipment does PUWER apply to?

Any equipment used by employees at work, including machinery, tools, lifting equipment, mobile plant and workshop equipment.

How often should PUWER inspections be carried out?

At intervals that ensure equipment remains safe. This varies depending on use, environment and manufacturer recommendations.

Is PUWER the same as LOLER?

No. LOLER applies to lifting operations and lifting equipment. PUWER covers all work equipment and applies alongside LOLER where relevant.

Do forklift trucks fall under PUWER?

Yes. Forklifts and other warehouse equipment require PUWER inspection and suitable training for operators.

Do you provide PUWER inspections for small workshops?

Yes. We support garages, workshops, warehouses and commercial sites of all sizes.

Other Services

Looking for support with more than just PUWER inspections? Excel Inspection Solutions provides a full range of statutory inspection services across multiple equipment types — from mobile plant and pressure systems to cranes and work at height equipment. 

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