How Does PUWER Affect Equipment Inspections? - Workplace Inspection Checklists
How Does PUWER Affect Equipment Inspections?
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) plays an important role in ensuring that workplace equipment is safe, properly maintained, and suitable for the tasks it is used for. PUWER affects equipment inspections by placing legal responsibilities on employers to ensure that work equipment is regularly checked, maintained, and inspected where necessary to prevent risks to employees and others. These requirements apply to a wide range of equipment, including forklifts, machinery, vehicles, and industrial tools.
Under PUWER, employers must ensure that equipment is suitable for its intended purpose and remains safe throughout its working life. This means inspections should be carried out at appropriate intervals based on factors such as the type of equipment, how frequently it is used, the working environment, and the risks associated with failure. Regular inspections help identify faults, wear, or damage before they develop into serious safety issues.
For forklift operations, PUWER supports the need for routine pre-use inspections before equipment is operated. Operators should check key safety components such as forks, mast, tyres, brakes, steering, hydraulic systems, warning devices, lights, and safety features. These checks help identify defects that could affect safe operation, allowing problems to be reported and corrected before the forklift is used.
PUWER also requires employers to ensure that equipment is properly maintained and that any necessary repairs are completed promptly. If an inspection identifies a defect that could create a risk, the equipment should be removed from service until it has been repaired and confirmed as safe to use. For example, a forklift with damaged forks, faulty brakes, or a hydraulic leak should be marked “Do Not Use” and prevented from operating until the issue has been resolved.
Another important aspect of PUWER is ensuring that inspections are carried out by people with the appropriate knowledge and competence. Employers must provide adequate training and information so that operators understand how to use equipment safely and how to identify obvious defects during routine checks. More detailed inspections may require a competent person with suitable expertise, depending on the equipment and the risks involved.
PUWER also requires employers to keep equipment inspection and maintenance records where appropriate. Accurate records help demonstrate that safety checks have been completed, provide evidence of compliance, and support effective maintenance planning. They also help organisations identify recurring problems and take preventative action to reduce equipment failures.
Overall, PUWER affects equipment inspections by creating a structured approach to workplace equipment safety. It ensures that equipment is suitable, maintained correctly, inspected regularly, and only used when it is safe to operate. By following PUWER requirements, businesses can reduce workplace risks, improve equipment reliability, and create safer working environments for employees and operators.
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