UK businesses face a wide range of statutory inspection obligations. Whether you operate lifting equipment, pressure systems, ventilation plant, or general work equipment, the law requires you to have these assets examined by a competent person at set intervals. But the inspection landscape is fragmented — different regulations, different inspection bodies, and different price points make it difficult to get a clear picture of what you need, who provides it, and what it should cost.
This guide brings the key statutory inspections together, explains what each requires, and explains how to approach comparing providers.
What Is a Statutory Inspection?
A statutory inspection is a formal examination required by law. Unlike routine maintenance (which is about keeping equipment running), a statutory inspection is about assessing whether equipment is safe to continue operating. It must be carried out by a competent person — typically an independent inspection body or qualified engineer — and the findings must be recorded in a written report.
Statutory inspections exist because certain types of equipment present serious risks if they fail. The consequences of a lifting equipment failure, a pressure vessel explosion, or inadequate fume extraction can include fatalities, serious injuries, and significant property damage. The inspection regime is designed to identify deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions before they lead to incidents.
The Main Statutory Inspection Regimes in the UK
1. LOLER — Lifting Equipment
Regulation: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
What it covers: All lifting equipment and lifting accessories used at work. This includes overhead cranes, fork-lift trucks, vehicle lifts, passenger lifts, scaffold hoists, chain blocks, slings, and associated accessories.
Inspection interval:
- Lifting accessories and equipment used to lift persons: every 6 months
- All other lifting equipment: every 12 months
- More frequent examination if specified by a written examination scheme
What the inspection produces: A written report confirming fitness for purpose, identifying any defects, and specifying any required actions.
2. PSSR — Pressure Systems
Regulation: Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
What it covers: Steam systems, compressed air systems, and systems containing relevant fluids under pressure — including boilers, air receivers, pressurised pipework, autoclaves, and refrigeration plant.
Inspection interval: As specified in the Written Scheme of Examination (WSE), which must be prepared by a competent person. A WSE is required before inspection can take place.
What the inspection produces: A written report against the WSE, identifying defects and required actions. If an immediate danger is present, the system must be taken out of service.
3. COSHH / LEV — Local Exhaust Ventilation
Regulation: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (Regulation 9)
What it covers: LEV systems used to control exposure to hazardous substances — including welding fume extraction, woodworking dust extraction, chemical process ventilation, fume cupboards, and spray booth extraction.
Inspection interval: Thorough examination and test at least every 14 months.
What the inspection produces: A written examination report in prescribed format, covering airflow measurements, condition of components, and any deficiencies found.
4. PUWER — Work Equipment
Regulation: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
What it covers: All work equipment — machinery, tools, vehicles, and other equipment used at work. Inspection is required where safety depends on installation conditions or where deterioration could lead to danger.
Inspection interval: As appropriate to the equipment and conditions (no fixed statutory interval for most equipment — frequency is determined by risk).
What the inspection produces: A written record of the inspection findings.
5. Electrical — Fixed Installation
Regulation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (and relevant codes of practice)
What it covers: Fixed electrical installations in the workplace, including distribution boards, wiring, sockets, and associated equipment.
Inspection interval: At regular intervals appropriate to the installation type and condition, and following any significant changes or incidents. The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) provide guidance on maximum inspection intervals.
What the inspection produces: An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) detailing the condition of the installation and any remedial actions required.
6. Gas Safety
Regulation: Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
What it covers: Gas appliances, flues, and pipework in commercial premises.
Inspection interval: Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What the inspection produces: A gas safety record (commercial equivalent of the domestic gas safety certificate).
Comparing Across Inspection Regimes: What Businesses Often Miss
Several practical points are worth noting when managing statutory inspections across multiple regimes:
Different providers for different regimes Very few inspection bodies are equally competent across all statutory inspection regimes. A lifting equipment specialist may have limited expertise in LEV examination; an electrical testing firm may have no capability in pressure systems. Choosing the right specialist for each regime matters.
Opportunities to consolidate While specialisation matters, some providers can cover multiple regimes. Bundling inspections into a single provider — or a single site visit — can reduce costs and administrative burden. Not all bundles are equal: always check the specific competence for each discipline.
Different documentation requirements Each regime has its own documentation requirements. LOLER requires a written thorough examination report; PSSR requires a written examination scheme and a report against it; LEV requires a report in the prescribed COSHH format. A provider who issues a generic inspection certificate rather than the required report form is not meeting the statutory requirement.
Inspection management For businesses with multiple sites and equipment types, managing inspection due dates, report filing, and defect follow-up across several regimes and providers is a significant administrative task. Digital inspection management platforms — offered by some providers — can simplify this considerably.
What Does Statutory Inspection Cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on the inspection regime, equipment type and complexity, site location, and provider. As a rough guide:
| Inspection Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| LOLER (slings/accessories, per item) | £3 – £8 |
| LOLER (crane or passenger lift) | £150 – £600 |
| PSSR (boiler, annual) | £500 – £3,500+ |
| PSSR (air receiver, simple) | £150 – £400 |
| LEV (portable extractor) | £80 – £200 |
| LEV (multi-point system, per point) | £60 – £150 |
| PUWER (per machine, general) | £40 – £600 |
| EICR (commercial premises) | £200 – £1,500+ |
| Gas safety check (commercial) | £100 – £400 |
These are indicative ranges only. The only way to know what you will pay is to get quotes.
How to Compare Statutory Inspection Providers
When comparing providers across one or more inspection regimes, evaluate the following:
Accreditation and competence — Is the provider UKAS-accredited for the relevant scope? Do their engineers hold relevant qualifications and experience for your equipment type?
Geographic coverage — Can they service all your sites, and do they have local engineers or will there be significant travel charges?
Report quality and turnaround — Do they issue compliant written reports? How quickly?
Digital tools — Do they offer an inspection management portal, digital reports, and automatic reminders?
Price — Are they competitively priced? Have you compared at least two or three quotes for the same scope?
Service and reliability — Do they turn up on time, communicate clearly, and support you through any defect resolution process?
Compare Statutory Inspection Providers at Compare Engineering
Compare Engineering is the UK's marketplace for statutory engineering inspections. We bring together UKAS-accredited and specialist inspection providers across LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, and other regimes so you can compare quotes, credentials, and service levels in one place.
Visit compareengineering.com to start your comparison.
This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Statutory inspection obligations depend on your specific equipment, sector, and circumstances. Always consult a competent person or legal adviser.