When Is a PUWER Inspection Required?
Not every piece of work equipment needs the same inspection regime. Under PUWER, inspections are required where the safety of equipment depends on installation conditions or where deterioration could create a dangerous situation.
The important point is to match the inspection regime to the actual risks and how the equipment is used.
When is an inspection specifically required?
An inspection may be needed where work equipment has been installed or assembled in a way that could affect its safety.
It may also be needed where deterioration could result in dangerous situations.
That means inspection requirements should be based on the equipment, the environment it operates in and the consequences of failure.
Does every machine need a formal PUWER inspection?
No.
Some equipment may only need routine user checks and planned maintenance. Other equipment may justify more formal documented inspections because deterioration, damage, wear or incorrect installation could create significant risk.
The level of inspection should be proportionate.
What should trigger an inspection?
Typical triggers may include:
initial installation;
reinstallation in a new location;
significant modification;
unusual deterioration;
damage;
long periods out of use;
an incident or near miss;
evidence that existing controls may no longer be effective.
The exact triggers will depend on the equipment and the risks involved.
How often should equipment be inspected?
There is no single PUWER inspection interval that applies to every machine.
The frequency should reflect factors such as:
the severity of potential harm;
how quickly the equipment may deteriorate;
how heavily it is used;
environmental conditions;
manufacturer guidance;
previous inspection findings;
maintenance history.
For some equipment, a simple periodic inspection may be enough. For higher-risk machinery, a more structured regime may be appropriate.
What is the difference between an inspection and maintenance?
Inspection and maintenance are related, but they are not the same thing.
An inspection checks whether equipment remains safe and suitable for use.
Maintenance is the work carried out to keep equipment in good condition or restore it when faults are found.
A good system links the two. There is little value in identifying defects if there is no clear process for repair, isolation or escalation.
What should a PUWER inspection look at?
Depending on the equipment, an inspection may consider:
guarding;
interlocks;
emergency stops;
controls;
isolation arrangements;
signs of wear or damage;
leaks;
access points;
warning devices;
structural condition;
safety-critical modifications.
The inspection should focus on the features that could affect safe use.
Does an inspection need to be recorded?
Where PUWER requires an inspection, the result should be recorded.
The record does not need to become a huge administrative exercise, but it should make clear what was inspected, when, by whom and what action was required.
The record should also be useful enough to show whether defects were actually closed out.
Who should carry out the inspection?
The person carrying out the inspection should have enough knowledge and experience to recognise relevant defects and judge whether the equipment remains safe.
For straightforward equipment, that may be an experienced internal employee. More complex or higher-risk machinery may require specialist competence.
The level of competence should reflect the risk.
Need help reviewing your inspection arrangements?
Midlands Compliance Services provides practical PUWER assessments and machinery safety reviews for manufacturing and engineering businesses, including inspection requirements, guarding, isolation and maintenance arrangements.