What does PUWER Regulation 6 require for machinery inspections?

PUWER Regulation 6 requires that where the safety of work equipment depends on the installation conditions, it must be inspected after installation and before being put into service for the first time, and inspected at suitable intervals thereafter. Regulation 6 also requires inspection after any event which is liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment, such as modification, damage or prolonged inactivity. The results of every inspection must be recorded and the record kept until the next inspection is carried out. The purpose is to identify and address deterioration before it results in a dangerous situation.

How often should PUWER machinery inspections be carried out?

PUWER does not specify fixed intervals. The employer must determine suitable intervals based on the risk assessment for each piece of equipment, considering the type of machinery, intensity of use, operating environment, rate of deterioration and the consequences of failure. As general guidance, annual formal inspections are typical for standard machinery, with quarterly or six-monthly inspections for higher-risk or heavily used equipment. Daily pre-use checks by operators and monthly routine inspections by maintenance staff provide additional layers of defect detection between formal PUWER inspections.

What is the difference between PUWER and LOLER inspections?

PUWER applies to all work equipment, including machinery, tools, vehicles and other equipment used at work. LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations. Where equipment is both work equipment and lifting equipment (such as a crane or a forklift), both PUWER and LOLER apply. In practice, LOLER sets specific thorough examination intervals (six-monthly for lifting accessories, six-monthly or twelve-monthly for lifting equipment), while PUWER requires inspection at suitable intervals determined by risk assessment. A crane, for example, would need both a PUWER inspection covering general equipment condition and a LOLER thorough examination covering its lifting function.

Who can carry out a PUWER machinery inspection?

PUWER Regulation 6 requires that inspections are carried out by a competent person, but it does not prescribe specific qualifications. The competent person must have sufficient knowledge, experience and skill to identify defects and assess their significance. For simple equipment, a trained and experienced maintenance technician or supervisor may be competent. For complex machinery, specialist engineers may be needed. The key requirement is that the inspector can detect defects that could lead to danger and can make informed judgements about whether the equipment is safe to continue in service. HSE guidance document L22 provides further detail on competence requirements.

What records must be kept for PUWER machinery inspections?

PUWER Regulation 6(3) requires that the result of every inspection is recorded and that the record is kept until the next inspection under that regulation is recorded. The record should include the date of inspection, the identity of the equipment inspected, the identity of the person carrying out the inspection, the condition of the equipment and any defects found, the action taken or required, and the date of the next scheduled inspection. While the format is not prescribed, a structured checklist with these elements satisfies the recordkeeping requirement and provides a clear audit trail for HSE inspectors.

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Free PUWER machinery inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers Regulation 6 inspection of guards, controls, stability, markings and maintenance for work equipment.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a puwer machinery inspection checklist?

A PUWER machinery inspection checklist is a structured document used to verify that work equipment complies with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), with particular focus on Regulation 6 which requires inspection of work equipment where safety depends on the installation conditions or where deterioration is liable to result in dangerous situations. PUWER applies to all work equipment used in the workplace, including machinery, power tools, hand tools, lifting equipment (where not covered solely by LOLER), pressure systems, vehicles and mobile work equipment. This checklist covers suitability (Regulation 4), maintenance (Regulation 5), inspection (Regulation 6), specific risks (Regulation 7), information and instructions (Regulation 8), training (Regulation 9), guarding (Regulations 11-13), controls and control systems (Regulations 14-18), stability (Regulation 20), lighting (Regulation 21), maintenance operations (Regulation 22), markings (Regulation 23) and warnings (Regulation 24).

PUWER places a fundamental duty on employers to ensure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use, maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair, and inspected at suitable intervals. Regulation 6 specifically requires that where the safety of work equipment depends on the installation conditions, it must be inspected after installation and before being put into service, and inspected at suitable intervals thereafter. The results of inspections must be recorded and kept until the next inspection. This checklist provides a systematic framework that employers, safety managers and maintenance teams can use to demonstrate PUWER compliance, identify developing defects before they cause harm, and maintain the documented records that HSE inspectors will request during workplace visits.

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Benefits of using this puwer machinery inspection checklist

PUWER compliance: documented inspections demonstrate compliance with Regulations 5 and 6, providing the recorded evidence that HSE inspectors require during visits and investigations.
Guarding verification: systematic checks of fixed guards, interlocked guards, adjustable guards and trip devices under Regulations 11-13 ensure that dangerous parts of machinery remain inaccessible.
Control system safety: testing emergency stops, hold-to-run controls, two-hand controls and guard interlocks under Regulations 14-18 confirms that control systems prevent hazardous machine behaviour.
Maintenance planning: inspection findings feed directly into the planned preventive maintenance programme, enabling informed decisions about repair priorities and capital replacement.
Risk reduction: identifying worn bearings, damaged guards, bypassed interlocks and deteriorating electrical components before they cause an incident reduces workplace injury rates.
Training compliance: the inspection process includes verification that operators have received adequate training and information under Regulations 8 and 9, closing a commonly overlooked compliance gap.

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What to include in a puwer machinery inspection checklist

This puwer machinery inspection checklist covers 10 key areas:

Equipment identification: machine name, type, manufacturer, model, serial number, asset number, location, department and year of manufacture or commissioning.
Inspection details: date, inspector name and competence, inspection type (post-installation, periodic, post-repair, post-incident), interval since previous inspection.
Suitability (Reg 4): confirmation that the equipment is suitable for the purpose for which it is used, the conditions under which it is used and the location where it is used.
Maintenance condition (Reg 5): evidence of planned preventive maintenance, maintenance log reviewed, maintenance up to date, no outstanding maintenance tasks that affect safety.
Guards and protection devices (Regs 11-13): fixed guards secure and undamaged, interlocked guards functional and not bypassed, adjustable guards correctly set, protection devices (light curtains, pressure mats, two-hand controls) tested and operational.
Controls and control systems (Regs 14-18): start controls require deliberate action, stop controls accessible from each operator position, emergency stop immediately effective and latching, control systems preventing unintended start-up after power interruption.
Stability (Reg 20): equipment anchored or weighted to prevent overturning, tipping or unintended movement during normal use and foreseeable abnormal use.
Markings and warnings (Regs 23-24): health and safety markings clearly visible and appropriate (speed limits, SWL, rotation direction, hazard warnings), warning devices functional.
Electrical condition: supply cable and plug condition, earthing continuity, isolation switch accessible and functional, no exposed conductors or damaged insulation.
Overall assessment: Pass/Fail determination, defect register with severity classification, corrective actions, responsible persons, completion dates and next inspection due date.

How to use this puwer machinery inspection checklist

Review the equipment records, maintenance log and previous inspection report to identify any outstanding issues before beginning the physical inspection.: Gather the equipment file including the maintenance log, previous PUWER inspection report, risk assessment and manufacturer maintenance instructions. Check whether any defects noted in the previous inspection have been rectified. Review the maintenance log to confirm that planned preventive maintenance tasks are up to date. Note any modifications, repairs or changes of use since the last inspection that may affect the scope of the current inspection.
Inspect the physical condition of the equipment with power isolated, checking guards, structural integrity, fixings, housekeeping and markings.: Isolate the equipment from its power source using the lockout/tagout procedure. Inspect all fixed guards for secure attachment, damage, cracks and gaps. Check interlocked guard actuators and switches for wear and tampering. Examine the machine structure, frame, bed and mountings for cracks, corrosion, looseness and vibration damage. Verify that health and safety markings (SWL, rotation direction, speed limits, hazard warnings) are present, legible and correctly positioned. Check that the area around the machine is clean, well-lit and free of obstructions.
Energise the equipment under controlled conditions and test all controls, safety devices and guard interlocks for correct function.: With the area cleared and only authorised persons present, remove the lockout and start the machine. Test the start control to confirm it requires a deliberate action. Test the normal stop control from each operator position. Press the emergency stop button and confirm the machine stops immediately and the emergency stop latches in the stop position. Test each interlocked guard by opening it during operation and confirming the machine stops. Test any protection devices such as light curtains, pressure mats or two-hand controls by interrupting them during operation.
Run the equipment through its normal operating cycle, observing for abnormal vibration, noise, temperature, leaks, smoke or any other deviation from normal operation.: Operate the machine through a representative cycle of its normal work. Listen for abnormal sounds such as grinding, squealing or knocking. Feel for excessive vibration at bearings, gearboxes and mountings (use a vibration meter if available). Check for oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant or air leaks. Monitor the temperature of motors, bearings and hydraulic systems for overheating. Observe the operation of adjustable guards and protection devices during normal work to confirm they do not interfere with the operator or encourage the operator to bypass them.
Verify operator training records, complete the inspection report and assign corrective actions with completion dates for any defects found.: Confirm that all operators who use the machine have received adequate training under Regulation 9, including machine-specific hazards, safe operating procedures, guard adjustments they are authorised to make, and emergency procedures. Complete the inspection checklist, assign a severity classification to each defect (critical, major, minor), set corrective action completion dates proportional to severity (critical defects require immediate machine isolation), sign the report and distribute it to the relevant duty holder and maintenance team.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

PUWER Regulation 6 does not prescribe a fixed inspection frequency. Instead, it requires inspection at suitable intervals, which must be determined by the employer based on the risk assessment for each piece of equipment. Factors that influence the interval include the type of equipment, the intensity and conditions of use, the operating environment, the rate of deterioration and the consequences of failure.

As general guidance, the HSE recommends that higher-risk machinery in continuous use receives a formal PUWER inspection at least annually, with more frequent inspections (quarterly or six-monthly) for equipment in harsh environments, equipment subject to heavy use or equipment where deterioration has safety-critical consequences. Operators should carry out daily or shift-start pre-use checks, and maintenance staff should perform monthly or quarterly routine inspections between formal PUWER inspections. After any modification, major repair, change of location, change of use or incident, the equipment must be inspected before being returned to service.

Frequently asked questions

What does PUWER Regulation 6 require for machinery inspections?: PUWER Regulation 6 requires that where the safety of work equipment depends on the installation conditions, it must be inspected after installation and before being put into service for the first time, and inspected at suitable intervals thereafter. Regulation 6 also requires inspection after any event which is liable to jeopardise the safety of the work equipment, such as modification, damage or prolonged inactivity. The results of every inspection must be recorded and the record kept until the next inspection is carried out. The purpose is to identify and address deterioration before it results in a dangerous situation.
How often should PUWER machinery inspections be carried out?: PUWER does not specify fixed intervals. The employer must determine suitable intervals based on the risk assessment for each piece of equipment, considering the type of machinery, intensity of use, operating environment, rate of deterioration and the consequences of failure. As general guidance, annual formal inspections are typical for standard machinery, with quarterly or six-monthly inspections for higher-risk or heavily used equipment. Daily pre-use checks by operators and monthly routine inspections by maintenance staff provide additional layers of defect detection between formal PUWER inspections.
What is the difference between PUWER and LOLER inspections?: PUWER applies to all work equipment, including machinery, tools, vehicles and other equipment used at work. LOLER applies specifically to lifting equipment and lifting operations. Where equipment is both work equipment and lifting equipment (such as a crane or a forklift), both PUWER and LOLER apply. In practice, LOLER sets specific thorough examination intervals (six-monthly for lifting accessories, six-monthly or twelve-monthly for lifting equipment), while PUWER requires inspection at suitable intervals determined by risk assessment. A crane, for example, would need both a PUWER inspection covering general equipment condition and a LOLER thorough examination covering its lifting function.
Who can carry out a PUWER machinery inspection?: PUWER Regulation 6 requires that inspections are carried out by a competent person, but it does not prescribe specific qualifications. The competent person must have sufficient knowledge, experience and skill to identify defects and assess their significance. For simple equipment, a trained and experienced maintenance technician or supervisor may be competent. For complex machinery, specialist engineers may be needed. The key requirement is that the inspector can detect defects that could lead to danger and can make informed judgements about whether the equipment is safe to continue in service. HSE guidance document L22 provides further detail on competence requirements.
What records must be kept for PUWER machinery inspections?: PUWER Regulation 6(3) requires that the result of every inspection is recorded and that the record is kept until the next inspection under that regulation is recorded. The record should include the date of inspection, the identity of the equipment inspected, the identity of the person carrying out the inspection, the condition of the equipment and any defects found, the action taken or required, and the date of the next scheduled inspection. While the format is not prescribed, a structured checklist with these elements satisfies the recordkeeping requirement and provides a clear audit trail for HSE inspectors.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), Regulation 6
PUWER 1998, Regulations 11-13 (Guards and protection devices)
PUWER 1998, Regulations 14-18 (Controls and control systems)
PUWER 1998 Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L22)

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