If you operate lifting equipment, pressure systems, or power presses in the UK, you have a legal duty to have them subjected to a thorough examination at regular intervals. But what exactly is a thorough examination, who can carry one out, and what does it cost?
What is a Thorough Examination?
A thorough examination is a detailed inspection of plant or equipment carried out by a competent person to check it is safe and fit for purpose. It is more rigorous than a routine maintenance check or visual inspection.
The competent person must:
- Be independent of the organisation responsible for the equipment
- Have the relevant technical knowledge and practical experience for the type of equipment
- Be free from any influence that might compromise their judgement
In practice, most businesses use UKAS-accredited inspection bodies such as Zurich, Bureau Veritas, SEIS Engineering, or BES Group.
Which Regulations Require Thorough Examinations?
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)
Lifting equipment used to lift people must be thoroughly examined every 6 months. Equipment used only for goods must be examined every 12 months.
Examples: overhead cranes, forklifts, hoists, patient lifts, vehicle tail lifts, chain blocks.
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PSSR (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000)
Pressure systems above certain thresholds must have a written scheme of examination and be examined accordingly. Frequency varies by system type.
Examples: steam boilers, compressed air systems, pressure vessels, autoclave systems.
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PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998)
Work equipment including power presses requires thorough examination under PUWER.
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What Does a Thorough Examination Involve?
- Visual inspection — checking for visible damage, wear, corrosion, or deterioration
- Functional testing — operating the equipment to verify safe performance
- Measurement and load testing — where appropriate
- Review of maintenance records
- Assessment of safe working load (SWL) or maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP)
- Written statutory report — detailing findings, any defects, and required actions
How Often is a Thorough Examination Required?
| Equipment Type | Regulation | Minimum Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting equipment (people) | LOLER | Every 6 months |
| Lifting equipment (goods only) | LOLER | Every 12 months |
| Pressure systems | PSSR | Per written scheme |
| Power presses | PUWER | Every 12 months |
| LEV systems | COSHH | Every 14 months |
How Much Does a Thorough Examination Cost?
- LOLER thorough examination: from around £150 per item
- PSSR examination: from around £250 for smaller pressure vessels
- Power press thorough examination: from around £200 per press
The most effective way to control costs is to compare quotes from multiple UKAS-accredited inspection bodies rather than renewing automatically with your existing provider.
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Summary
A thorough examination is a legal requirement for lifting equipment, pressure systems, power presses, and other plant under UK health and safety law. It must be carried out by a competent, independent person at specified intervals.
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Compare-Engineering.com is the UK's first statutory inspection comparison marketplace. We help businesses compare quotes for LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, electrical, and power press inspections from UKAS-accredited providers.