PUWER Inspection for pallet trucks: What you need to know
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) apply to anyone who hires, owns, operates or controls work equipment. These regulations are applicable to a variety of workplaces, including warehouses, factories, construction sites, offices, retail, and care homes.
Workplaces must properly install, use, inspect, and maintain equipment to make sure it’s safe. Employers, full-time and part time employees, contractors, and suppliers all need to understand PUWER.
Types of equipment covered under PUWER
Basically, all work equipment used in a workplace is covered by PUWER, plant, machinery and tools. Examples of relevant equipment are vast, and of all shapes, sizes and complexity.
A closer look at PUWER inspection of pallet trucks
Hutcheon Examination Services (HESL) specialises in statutory mechanical equipment inspections, including PUWER inspections in a variety of settings.
Pallet trucks are one of the most commonly used pieces of lifting equipment in many workplaces, across all employment sectors. So today we’re looking at PUWER inspection of pallet trucks and telling you how Hutcheon Examination Services (HESL) can help your business keep this equipment safe and compliant.
When is a PUWER inspection required for pallet trucks?
A competent person must inspect pallet trucks at least annually in order for them to comply with PUWER regulations (Regulation 6).
All types of pallet truck are subject to these statutory inspections, including manual hand pallet trucks, pedestrian electric pallet trucks, electric ride-on trucks, compact pallet trucks, and heavy duty pallet trucks.
Also remember that, regardless of the type or origin of your pallet truck, the responsible person in the workplace (e.g. the employer) is obligated to ensure that it meets health and safety standards:
- Before being put into use for the first time
- If/when frequently exposed to conditions that cause deterioration over time e.g. harsh weather conditions
- Following major modifications, significant changes to the way it’s used, or damage
Check your insurance policy, risk assessment and manufacturer’s instructions to identify the criteria for inspection frequency as it applies specifically to your pallet truck/s.
Do pallet trucks come under PUWER only, or are pallet trucks covered by LOLER too?
Yes, sometimes. It’s important to note that PUWER only applies to pallet trucks that lift to a height of 300mm or lower.
High lift pallet trucks that lift above 300mm, both manual and powered, must have a thorough examination in accordance with LOLER as well as a PUWER inspection.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) make it the statutory duty of employers and establishments who own, control and/or operate lifting equipment (e.g. high lift pallet trucks) to have it inspected by a competent person.
Why is a pallet truck PUWER inspection so important?
Failure to annually inspect pallet trucks under PUWER Regulation 6 (and in some cases, LOLER, as highlighted above) could result in fines, legal action, accident and injury. In addition, your insurance may be invalidated.
Deficient pallet trucks might cause damage to goods, property or people. No organisation wants to deal with the legal, financial, practical, insurance implications of such scenarios. They can cost you your conscience and your reputation.
By having a PUWER inspection conducted on the pallet trucks used on your site, you can run your operations with greater peace of mind.
Who should conduct PUWER testing for pallet trucks?
A competent person should carry out PUWER testing on pallet trucks and other types of equipment and must understand the statutory implications on the competent person under Regulation 6 of PUWER
- have adequate experience and knowledge of the equipment.
- Recognise and understand the importance of any defects found e.g. key components and faults.
- be able to report in accordance with regulation 6(3) of PUWER.
To avoid danger and compliance breaches, this person must have been given appropriate information, instruction and training so they can carry out the inspection properly. A qualified third party inspection provider like HESL will tick all those boxes.
All HESL’s Engineer Surveyors are DBS-checked and hold a recognised professional status (EngTech, IEng.) and HESL has over 30 years’ experience in PUWER inspection of pallet trucks (as well as LEV inspections, pressure system inspections, lifting equipment inspections, load testing and PAT testing).
HESL is an ISO 9001 accredited mechanical equipment inspection company. Independent quality assurance audits prove that our services meet the highest standards.
How are pallet trucks PUWER-inspected?
The Central Planning Department at HESL will arrange your pallet truck inspection at a time that minimises disruption to productivity on your site. pallet trucks don’t need to be removed from your site to be inspected.
An Engineer Surveyor from HESL will conduct a visual and functional inspection of the hydraulic system, lifting linkage, brakes, tiller handle position, decals, and general structure of the pallet truck.
What certificates and documents will I get after my pallet truck is PUWER-tested?
You are required to keep records of your PUWER inspections (Regulation 6(3) - Records). This demonstrates compliance and keeps a timeline of previous inspections, so you have a log of common issues and patterns.
Following the pallet truck PUWER inspection, HESL will provide you with the relevant documentation by email within 48 hours.
HESL will give you clear communication from start to finish – and we’ll be in touch with inspection reminders for next time to help you stay on track.
Choose HESL for PUWER inspection - and more
PUWER inspection is essential to make sure that pallet trucks and other work equipment can perform safely and effectively.
We offer PUWER inspection services across Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, North / South / West London and surrounding areas. Our multidisciplined team can carry out various types of inspections as part of the PUWER visit, including PAT testing.
The HESL team is experienced in a wide variety of industry sectors including Automotive, Aerospace, Construction, Marine, Power/Energy, Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing & Utilities, Arts & Entertainment, Education, and Care.
Our reputation is built on an independent and quality-first approach – compliance is more important than targets, so we never cut corners.
Let’s make sure your pallet trucks comply with PUWER and LOLER. To talk to us about your pallet truck PUWER inspection and/or a pallet truck LOLER inspection, call 01189 811773 or email
