Choosing the right inspection body for your statutory examinations is one of the most important compliance decisions a UK business can make. The wrong choice can mean overpaying, slow turnaround times, or worse, an inspection that does not meet regulatory standards.
This guide walks you through exactly what to look for when selecting an inspection body, and how to compare providers effectively.
Why Your Choice of Inspection Body Matters
Under regulations such as LOLER, PSSR, PUWER and the Electricity at Work Regulations, businesses are legally required to have certain equipment examined at prescribed intervals. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), unlimited fines, and even imprisonment for serious breaches.
But the law does not specify which inspection body you must use. You have the freedom to choose, and that choice affects:
- Cost — prices vary significantly between providers for the same examination
- Turnaround time — some providers issue reports within 24 hours, others take weeks
- Coverage — not all providers cover every discipline or geographic area
- Quality — accreditation and competence levels differ
Step 1: Check for UKAS Accreditation
The single most important credential to verify is UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation. UKAS-accredited inspection bodies have been independently assessed against ISO/IEC 17020 and are recognised as competent to carry out statutory examinations.
While non-accredited inspectors can legally perform some examinations, UKAS accreditation provides:
- Independent verification of technical competence
- Regular surveillance audits to maintain standards
- Recognition by insurers and the HSE
- Confidence that examination reports meet regulatory requirements
How to verify: Check the UKAS website or ask the provider for their UKAS schedule, which lists exactly which examination types they are accredited for.
Step 2: Confirm Discipline Coverage
Not every inspection body covers every type of statutory examination. Before requesting a quote, confirm the provider can examine your specific equipment types:
| Discipline | Regulation | Common Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting equipment | LOLER 1998 | Cranes, hoists, lifts, slings, shackles |
| Pressure systems | PSSR 2000 | Boilers, compressors, pressure vessels, steam systems |
| Work equipment | PUWER 1998 | Machinery, power presses, CNC machines, conveyor systems |
| LEV systems | COSHH 2002 | Dust extraction, fume cupboards, spray booths |
| Electrical installations | Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 | Fixed wiring, portable appliances, distribution boards |
| Power presses | PUWER 1998 (Part IV) | Mechanical power presses, press brakes |
If you have equipment across multiple disciplines, a provider that covers all of them can simplify your compliance programme and potentially offer better rates for bundled examinations.
Step 3: Compare Prices
Inspection prices are not standardised. Two UKAS-accredited providers can quote significantly different amounts for the same examination on the same piece of equipment. Common pricing factors include:
- Equipment type and complexity — a simple goods hoist costs less to examine than a tower crane
- Location — travel charges vary by region and provider base
- Volume — larger portfolios often attract discounted rates
- Urgency — expedited examinations typically cost more
- Report format — some providers charge extra for digital reporting or portal access
The only way to know whether you are paying a fair price is to compare quotes from multiple providers. This is exactly what Compare Engineering was built for.
Step 4: Evaluate Turnaround Times
A thorough examination is only useful if you receive the report promptly. Key questions to ask:
- How quickly will the examination be scheduled after booking?
- What is the typical turnaround time for the written report?
- Are interim defect notifications issued immediately for urgent findings?
- Can you access reports digitally through a portal or app?
The best providers commit to clear service level agreements (SLAs) for both scheduling and reporting.
Step 5: Check Geographic Coverage
Some inspection bodies operate nationally, while others serve specific regions. Consider:
- Does the provider cover all your sites?
- Are there additional travel or mobilisation charges for remote locations?
- Can they coordinate multi-site examination programmes efficiently?
For businesses with sites across the UK, a provider with national coverage and regional engineering teams will often deliver a more consistent and cost-effective service.
Step 6: Review Their Track Record
Beyond accreditation, consider the provider's reputation and experience:
- How long have they been operating?
- Do they have experience in your industry sector?
- Can they provide references from similar businesses?
- What do their existing customers say about their service?
Step 7: Understand the Contract Terms
Before committing, review the terms carefully:
- Contract length — are you locked in for a minimum period?
- Cancellation terms — what notice is required?
- Price increases — how and when can rates change?
- Insurance — does the provider carry adequate professional indemnity cover?
- Data handling — how are your examination records stored and protected?
The Easy Way: Compare Quotes on Compare Engineering
Rather than contacting providers individually, you can use Compare Engineering to request and compare quotes from multiple UKAS-accredited inspection bodies in one place. The service is completely free for businesses requesting quotes.
How it works:
- Tell us what equipment needs examining
- We send your requirements to accredited providers
- You receive comparable quotes within days
- Choose the provider that offers the best value
No obligation. No cost. Just a straightforward way to ensure you are getting the right inspection body at a fair price.