Everything your business needs to know about LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, electrical and gas safety inspections — regulations, costs, frequencies, and how to compare providers.
If your business uses any kind of equipment — whether that is cranes, boilers, machinery, extraction systems, or fixed electrical installations — UK law requires you to have it inspected by a competent person at regular intervals. These are not optional maintenance checks; they are statutory inspections required by law, and failure to comply can result in enforcement action, unlimited fines, and prosecution.
The challenge for most businesses is that different equipment falls under different regulations, each with its own inspection intervals, documentation requirements, and specialist providers. This guide brings it all together — explaining what each regime requires, what it typically costs, and how to find the right provider.
| Regime | Equipment | Interval | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOLER | Cranes, forklifts, passenger lifts, hoists, MEWPs, slings, chains, shackles | 6 months (lifting persons/accessories) or 12 months (all other) | £3–£8 per accessory, £80–£600+ per major item |
| PSSR | Steam boilers, air receivers, compressed air systems, autoclaves, refrigeration | As specified in the Written Scheme of Examination (typically 14–48 months) | £150–£400 (simple receiver) to £500–£3,500+ (steam boiler) |
| PUWER | Machinery, tools, production equipment, vehicles used at work | Risk-based — no fixed statutory interval for most equipment | £40–£600 per machine |
| LEV / COSHH | Welding fume extraction, woodworking dust extraction, spray booths, fume cupboards | At least every 14 months | £60–£200 per extraction point |
| Electrical | Fixed wiring, distribution boards, sockets, electrical installations | Varies by premises type (typically 1–5 years per BS 7671 guidance) | £200–£1,500+ per premises |
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
Equipment
Cranes, forklifts, passenger lifts, hoists, MEWPs, slings, chains, shackles
Interval
6 months (lifting persons/accessories) or 12 months (all other)
Cost Range
£3–£8 per accessory, £80–£600+ per major item
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
Equipment
Steam boilers, air receivers, compressed air systems, autoclaves, refrigeration
Interval
As specified in the Written Scheme of Examination (typically 14–48 months)
Cost Range
£150–£400 (simple receiver) to £500–£3,500+ (steam boiler)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Equipment
Machinery, tools, production equipment, vehicles used at work
Interval
Risk-based — no fixed statutory interval for most equipment
Cost Range
£40–£600 per machine
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Equipment
Welding fume extraction, woodworking dust extraction, spray booths, fume cupboards
Interval
At least every 14 months
Cost Range
£60–£200 per extraction point
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Equipment
Fixed wiring, distribution boards, sockets, electrical installations
Interval
Varies by premises type (typically 1–5 years per BS 7671 guidance)
Cost Range
£200–£1,500+ per premises
The inspection market is fragmented, with prices for the same scope varying by 30–50% across providers. Comparing is the single most effective way to ensure you pay a fair price without compromising on quality.
UKAS accreditation to ISO 17020 is the gold standard for inspection bodies. It is not a legal requirement, but it provides the strongest evidence of competence.
Not all providers cover all regimes. Check that the provider has specific competence for the equipment type and regulation you need.
Ensure quotes cover the same scope — number of items, travel, report turnaround, and whether re-examination for defects is included.
Digital reporting, inspection management portals, automatic reminders and defect tracking can save significant administration time.
It depends on your equipment. Most UK businesses need at least one of: LOLER (lifting equipment), PSSR (pressure systems), PUWER (work equipment), LEV (ventilation), electrical (fixed wiring), or gas safety inspections. The type and frequency are determined by the equipment you use and the regulations that apply.
Operating equipment beyond its inspection date is a breach of the relevant regulations. Consequences include HSE enforcement notices, prohibition of equipment use, unlimited fines, prosecution, insurance implications, and civil liability if an incident occurs.
Compare on accreditation (UKAS is the gold standard), geographic coverage, report quality and turnaround, digital tools, pricing, and service reliability. Get at least 2–3 quotes for the same scope. Compare Engineering makes this easy by letting you request and compare quotes from multiple providers in one place.
Some providers cover multiple regimes, but very few are equally competent across all. Always verify the specific competence for each discipline. Bundling inspections can reduce costs, but specialisation matters for quality.
Compare Engineering is the UK's marketplace for statutory engineering inspections. Register for free and receive competitive quotes from accredited providers.
CompareEngineering.com is an introducer, not an inspection body. All thorough examinations are carried out by the provider you select. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.