The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 - PUWER - apply to almost every machine, tool and piece of equipment used at work in the UK. Regulation 6 deals with inspection, and it is the reason most businesses run some form of equipment check, from daily pre-use checks to formal periodic inspections.
When does PUWER require an inspection?
Regulation 6 requires work equipment to be inspected:
- After installation and before first use, where safety depends on how it was installed
- At suitable intervals, where the equipment is exposed to conditions that could cause deterioration leading to danger
- After exceptional circumstances - for example damage, a major fault, a collision or long periods out of use
PUWER does not set one fixed interval for most equipment. The frequency should be based on risk: how the equipment is used, how often, where (harsh outdoor conditions usually mean more frequent checks), and its inspection history. Intervals can be lengthened if inspections show little deterioration, or shortened if problems keep appearing.
Who can carry out a PUWER inspection?
Inspections must be done by a competent person - someone with the knowledge and experience to spot defects on that type of equipment. For simple items, a trained member of staff doing a visual check before use may be enough. For complex or high-risk machinery, it may mean a specialist engineer. HSE guidance is clear that checklists should be tailored to the specific equipment.
What records does PUWER require?
The result of every regulation 6 inspection must be recorded and kept at least until the next inspection of that equipment is recorded. Records do not have to be on paper - they can be kept electronically, as long as they are secure and can be produced when an inspector asks for them.
If equipment leaves your site, or you bring in equipment from another business, it must be accompanied by physical evidence that its last inspection was carried out.
A good inspection record shows what was inspected, who inspected it, when, what was found, and what action was taken on any defects.
PUWER, LOLER and other regulations
Some equipment has extra inspection rules on top of PUWER. Lifting equipment such as forklifts, hoists and MEWPs also needs LOLER thorough examinations, and pressure systems have their own regulations. Meeting those specific rules often satisfies part of the PUWER duty, but the general duty to keep equipment safe still applies. See our guide to LOLER vs daily checks.
Making PUWER inspections easy to prove
The practical challenge with PUWER is not knowing the rules - it's proving, months later, that every check was done. Checkmate stores every inspection report automatically with the date, time, person and result. Because checks are started by tapping a device fitted to the equipment, the record also shows the inspector was physically at the machine. Checklists are fully customisable, so each machine gets the right checks.
Frequently asked questions
How often should PUWER inspections be carried out?
There is no single fixed interval for most equipment. Inspections should happen after installation, at suitable intervals based on risk and conditions of use, and after any exceptional circumstances such as damage.
Do PUWER inspection records have to be kept?
Yes. Results must be recorded and kept at least until the next inspection is recorded. Electronic records are acceptable if they are secure and available on request.
Who can do a PUWER inspection?
A competent person with the right knowledge and experience for that equipment. For simple equipment this can be a trained employee; for complex machinery it may need a specialist.
Is PUWER the same as LOLER?
No. PUWER covers all work equipment. LOLER adds extra requirements, including thorough examinations, for lifting equipment.