Almost every workplace uses work equipment — from basic hand tools to complex machinery, vehicles, and production lines. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) set out wide-ranging duties on employers and self-employed persons to ensure that work equipment is suitable, properly maintained, and inspected. This guide explains what PUWER inspection involves, what it costs, and how to find a competent inspection provider at a competitive price.
What Is PUWER?
PUWER 1998 applies to all work equipment used in the workplace in Great Britain (with separate but equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland). The regulations require that:
- Work equipment is suitable for its intended purpose
- Equipment is maintained in a safe condition
- Work equipment is inspected where safety depends on installation conditions or where deterioration could lead to dangerous situations
- Employees are properly informed and trained on the equipment they use
- Specific equipment (such as power presses and woodworking machinery) meets additional requirements
Inspection under PUWER is distinct from preventive maintenance. Inspection is about assessing whether equipment remains safe — it involves a formal examination by a competent person, with findings recorded in writing.
When Does PUWER Require a Formal Inspection?
Not all work equipment requires formal inspection under PUWER. Regulation 6 states that inspection is necessary where:
- The safety of the equipment depends on installation conditions (i.e., it should be inspected after installation or after reassembly in a new location)
- Equipment is exposed to conditions likely to cause deterioration that could result in a dangerous situation
This means inspection is most commonly required for:
- Machinery with safety-critical guards or interlocks
- Equipment operating in corrosive, dusty, or high-humidity environments
- Power presses and similar high-risk machinery
- Equipment that has been involved in an incident or near-miss
- Equipment that has been dismantled and reinstalled
The inspection must be carried out by a competent person. The results must be recorded, and equipment must not be used if the inspection reveals it presents a risk to health and safety.
PUWER and Other Statutory Regimes
PUWER interacts with several other sets of regulations. It is worth understanding the overlap to avoid paying twice for the same inspection scope:
- LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998): LOLER applies to lifting equipment, which is also work equipment under PUWER. In practice, LOLER inspections satisfy the PUWER inspection requirement for lifting equipment.
- PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000): Similarly, PSSR examination satisfies PUWER inspection requirements for pressure equipment within scope.
- Specific machine regulations: Woodworking machinery, power presses, and abrasive wheels are subject to specific regulations that sit alongside PUWER.
Many businesses bundle PUWER inspection with LOLER and PSSR examinations to reduce the total cost and simplify compliance management.
What Does a PUWER Inspection Involve?
A PUWER inspection by a competent person typically covers:
- Visual inspection of the equipment structure, condition, and components
- Assessment of guarding arrangements (fixed guards, interlocked guards, etc.)
- Checking safety devices (emergency stops, limit switches, overload protection)
- Assessment of controls and operating mechanisms
- Review of maintenance records where relevant
- Assessment of the environment in which the equipment operates
The inspector will record their findings in a written report. Any defects or concerns should be communicated to the responsible person. If there is an immediate risk, the equipment should be taken out of service.
What Affects the Cost of a PUWER Inspection?
PUWER inspection costs vary considerably across UK providers. Key factors include:
1. Type and number of machines Simple equipment such as benchtop grinders or workshop machinery costs less to inspect than complex automated production lines with multiple safety systems. The number of items also directly affects cost.
2. Complexity of guarding and safety systems Machines with complex interlocked guarding, safety PLCs, or multiple safeguarding methods require more thorough assessment and take longer.
3. Site access and conditions Equipment in difficult-to-access locations, operating in harsh environments, or requiring permits to work will add to the inspection time and cost.
4. Whether specialist testing is required Some inspections require functional testing of safety devices, or specialist assessment (e.g., for control systems or pneumatic/hydraulic circuits). These add cost.
5. Inspector qualifications and provider type The market includes large national inspection bodies, independent engineering consultants, and specialist machinery safety firms. Costs vary accordingly.
Typical PUWER Inspection Costs in the UK (2025)
The following are indicative ranges. Always request specific quotes for your equipment.
| Equipment Type | Typical Cost Per Item |
|---|---|
| Simple workshop machinery (grinders, drills) | £40 – £100 |
| Woodworking machinery | £80 – £200 |
| Automated production machinery | £150 – £600 |
| Power presses (per machine) | £150 – £500 |
| Packaging / conveyor lines | £200 – £800 |
| Multi-machine PUWER audit (per day) | £600 – £1,500 |
These are approximate figures based on typical market rates. Your actual costs will depend on the factors above and the specific scope agreed with the provider.
Is PUWER Inspection the Same as PAT Testing?
No. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an electrical safety check for portable electrical equipment. While it overlaps with PUWER in that it helps demonstrate electrical safety, PAT testing is not the same as a PUWER inspection. PAT testing addresses electrical integrity; PUWER inspection addresses the overall mechanical safety of the equipment, including guarding, safety devices, and condition.
Both may be required for electrically powered work equipment, and many providers offer combined electrical and PUWER inspection programmes.
Finding a Competent PUWER Inspector
The law does not prescribe specific qualifications for PUWER inspection competence. However, a competent person should have:
- Relevant engineering knowledge and experience for the equipment type
- Understanding of the applicable regulations and standards (including EN ISO machinery safety standards)
- Experience in carrying out structured inspections and producing written reports
When selecting a provider, ask about their engineers' background and experience with your equipment type. Look for providers who are members of relevant professional bodies or whose competence is demonstrated through accreditation (e.g., UKAS).
How to Get the Best Value on PUWER Inspection
The most straightforward way to ensure you are paying a fair price is to compare quotes. Provide each potential provider with the same scope — a clear inventory of machines, site details, and access information — so that quotes are genuinely comparable.
Consider bundling PUWER inspection with LOLER or other statutory inspections where there is overlap. Many providers offer a discount when multiple regulatory regimes are inspected in a single visit.
Review your inspection frequency. PUWER does not mandate specific inspection intervals for most equipment — the appropriate frequency depends on the equipment type and conditions. A competent person should help you determine the right schedule; an unnecessarily frequent programme adds cost without adding safety benefit.
Compare PUWER Inspection Costs at Compare Engineering
Compare Engineering helps UK businesses find and compare PUWER inspection providers. Request quotes from multiple competent inspection bodies, compare pricing and scope, and choose the provider that fits your needs.
Visit compareengineering.com to compare PUWER inspection costs.
This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Consult a competent person for advice specific to your equipment and circumstances.