If your business operates power presses or press brakes, you are legally required to have them thoroughly examined at regular intervals. But what should you expect to pay, and how do you find the right inspection provider?
What Is a Power Press Inspection?
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), power presses used for metalworking must undergo thorough examination by a competent person. This is separate from the general PUWER inspection requirements — power presses have their own specific regulations due to the serious injury risks they present.
A power press inspection typically covers:
- Guards and safety devices — interlocked guards, light curtains, two-hand controls
- Clutch and brake mechanisms — condition and stopping performance
- Structural integrity — frame, bolster, slide, and gibs
- Electrical systems — safety circuits, emergency stops
- Tooling — die condition and alignment
- Operator controls — foot pedals, hand controls, stroke selection
How Often Do Power Presses Need Inspecting?
PUWER Regulation 32 requires power presses to be thoroughly examined:
- Every 12 months for the press itself
- Every 6 months for guards and protection devices (or after any alteration)
- After installation or relocation
- After any substantial repair or modification
The 6-month guard inspection is a legal minimum. Some insurers and safety advisors recommend more frequent checks depending on usage intensity.
What Does a Power Press Inspection Cost?
Power press inspection prices vary depending on several factors:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Press size and tonnage | Larger presses take longer to inspect |
| Number of presses | Volume discounts are common |
| Location | Travel costs vary by region |
| Guard complexity | More safety devices = longer inspection |
| Reporting requirements | Some industries need detailed reports |
Typical price ranges:
- Single small press (under 100 tonnes): £150–£300 per inspection
- Medium press (100–500 tonnes): £250–£450 per inspection
- Large press or press brake (500+ tonnes): £350–£600+ per inspection
- Guard-only inspection (6-monthly): £100–£200 per device set
These are indicative figures. Actual prices vary between providers, which is exactly why comparing quotes makes sense.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Inspection bodies set their own rates. A provider with engineers already visiting your area may quote significantly less than one travelling from the other end of the country. Volume also matters — if you have multiple presses, bundling inspections into a single visit reduces the per-unit cost.
The key is that all UKAS-accredited inspection bodies must meet the same technical standards, so a lower price does not mean a lower quality inspection.
How to Reduce Your Power Press Inspection Costs
- Compare quotes — Use CompareEngineering.com to get indicative prices from multiple UKAS-accredited providers
- Bundle inspections — Combine power press inspections with LOLER, PSSR, or other statutory inspections in a single visit
- Schedule in advance — Avoid emergency call-out premiums by planning inspections ahead of expiry
- Negotiate multi-year agreements — Some providers offer discounts for 2-3 year contracts
- Group nearby sites — If you have multiple locations, coordinate inspection dates to reduce travel costs
What Happens If You Don't Inspect?
Operating a power press without a valid thorough examination report is a criminal offence under PUWER. The HSE can:
- Issue improvement notices requiring immediate inspection
- Issue prohibition notices stopping the press from being used
- Bring criminal prosecution with unlimited fines
- In cases of serious injury, directors can face personal liability
Beyond legal compliance, regular inspection protects your workforce. Power presses are among the most dangerous machines in manufacturing — proper guarding and maintenance saves lives.
Compare Power Press Inspection Quotes
CompareEngineering.com is the UK's only comparison site for statutory engineering inspections. Upload your asset register and receive indicative quotes from multiple UKAS-accredited inspection bodies — free, with no obligation.
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