PUWER Regulations and Inspections

PUWER Regulation 6 Inspection Services UK

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) is the main legislation concerning work equipment. It places duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment to ensure that all work equipment is safe and pose no significant foreseeable risk to the health and safety of employees, employers, and others accessing them. PUWER also places responsibilities on businesses and organisations whose employees use work equipment, whether owned by them or not. The importance of these assessments and inspections cannot be overstated, as they not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute to the creation of safer, more efficient work environments.

Understanding PUWER Regulation 6

PUWER Regulation 6 mandates a thorough and competent inspection of work equipment by a competent person.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website, PUWER regulation 6 states that the following circumstances require a PUWER inspection “to ensure healthy and safe conditions are maintained:

• where the safety of work equipment depends on the installation conditions, it should be inspected after installation and before first use, and after reassembly at any new site / location
• at suitable intervals, where work equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in dangerous situations
• each time exceptional circumstances (eg major modifications, known or suspected serious damage, substantial change in the nature of use) are liable to have jeopardised the safety of the work equipment”

This requirement is key to ensure that all machinery and tools used at work are suitable for their intended use and maintained in a safe condition, preventing any deterioration that could pose risks.

Key Requirements of PUWER Regulation 6

Inspection by a Competent Person: The person conducting the PUWER inspections must be adequately trained and possess the necessary competence, such as one of our engineer surveyors. This ensures that the inspections are thorough and that any potential risks are identified and addressed effectively.

Regular and Documented Inspections: The regulation stipulates that inspections must be carried out at suitable intervals. This depends on the type of equipment and the environment in which it is used. All findings from these inspections must be documented, maintaining a record of any defects and the subsequent actions taken to remedy them.

Focus on Safety and Suitability: The equipment must be inspected to confirm that it is correctly installed and does not deteriorate over time. This includes checking for any changes in the working conditions that might affect the equipment’s performance and safety.

Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with PUWER Regulation 6 can lead to significant legal consequences, including notices and penalties from health and safety inspectors. These professionals have the authority to enforce compliance, ensuring that all work equipment is inspected and maintained according to the standards set out in the regulations.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that the equipment you use or provide in the workplace meets all required safety standards, thereby protecting yourself and others from potential harm.

Book your PUWER inspection today to ensure compliance with legal requirements and health and safety standards

How often should PUWER inspections be carried out?

The frequency of PUWER inspections depends on the type of equipment, its use, and the conditions to which it is exposed. This should be determined through a risk assessment. For example, equipment used outdoors may need more frequent inspections due to weather-related factors which could cause damage and faster deterioration.

Work Equipment Inspections

Work equipment requiring PUWER inspections includes:

• pallet trucks
• doors including roller shutter doors
• storage racking
• hazardous machinery including wood-cutting machinery
• structure assessments
• bearing presses
• dock levellers
• dumper trucks

Frequent Issues and Troubleshooting

Common Findings

1. Inadequate Maintenance: Often, equipment is found to be poorly maintained, leading to increased risk of failure and accidents.
2. Improper Installation: Incorrectly installed equipment can cause operational inefficiencies and pose safety risks.
3. Wear and Tear: Regular use of machinery leads to deterioration, which if not checked regularly, can result in hazardous situations.
4. Non-compliance with Safety Measures: Skipping mandatory safety checks and ignoring the usage guidelines can lead to severe safety violations.

Why Choose TÜV SÜD for PUWER Inspections?

• TÜV SÜD are a leading specialist provider of engineering inspections in the UK and Ireland 
• Benefit from our network of competent engineer surveyors who have extensive experience of PUWER inspections across a wide range of industries
• Streamline management of your inspections by partnering with us for your PSSR, LEV and LOLER inspections too
• Reduce disruption to your business with our flexible and convenient inspection scheduling 
• Direct access to your key inspection reports and documentation via our online inspection portal 
• Part of the global TÜV SÜD Group providing testing, inspection and certification services since 1866 

Want to ensure your work equipment meets the required safety standards? Contact us to discuss your PUWER inspection and make your workplace safer for everyone.