Free PUWER Inspection Register Template
A ready-to-use register for any UK work equipment under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 — broader than LOLER, applies to machine tools, access equipment, lift trucks, pressure systems, and more. Excel and PDF, with competent-person sign-off and references to LOLER and PSSR.
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What's in the register
PUWER applies to any work equipment — far broader than LOLER. The register's columns capture everything Reg 5 (maintenance) and Reg 6 (inspection) expect, with a clear path to LOLER (lifting equipment) and PSSR (pressure systems) where they also apply.
- Equipment ID and description
- Equipment category (machine tool, lift truck, access, pressure, etc.)
- Manufacturer and model
- Location / department
- Last inspection date
- Inspection frequency (with ability to flag dual LOLER / PSSR scope)
- Next inspection due (with conditional formatting)
- Inspection type (full PUWER, combined PUWER + LOLER, PSSR scheme)
- Competent person / inspector sign-off
- Findings and corrective actions column
Who uses this register
Anyone with a Reg 5 or Reg 6 duty under PUWER — maintenance teams, H&S managers, competent persons, plant operators.
Maintenance & engineering teams
Workshops, factories, warehouses tracking machinery and tooling under Reg 5.
Plant operators & duty holders
Construction, manufacturing, distribution operators meeting PUWER duties.
H&S managers
Coordinating Reg 6 inspections across mixed equipment fleets.
Competent persons
Inspecting work equipment under PUWER and signing off records.
Standards this register is informed by
PUWER is statutory in Great Britain. It sits alongside LOLER (lifting equipment) and PSSR (pressure systems) — many duty holders need all three.
PUWER 1998 — the big picture
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) applies to all work equipment used at work in Great Britain — from a hand drill to an industrial press. Reg 5 requires all work equipment to be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. Reg 6 requires inspection by a competent person where safety depends on the installation conditions (after installation or reassembly) or where equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in dangerous situations — with records kept and made available. HSE-enforced.
- Applies to all work equipment (broader than LOLER)
- Reg 5 — maintenance (all work equipment)
- Reg 6 — inspection where safety depends on installation conditions or deterioration creates danger
- Records kept and available to enforcement
Where LOLER also applies
Lifting equipment is also work equipment, so PUWER applies. But LOLER 1998 sits on top with its own statutory thorough-examination duty (Schedule 1 specifies report content). Many duty holders run a single combined inspection that satisfies both. The register's 'Inspection Type' column lets you tag this.
- LOLER applies to any equipment used to lift or lower loads
- Statutory minimums: 6 months for lifting persons / accessories; 12 months for other lifting equipment
- Combined PUWER + LOLER inspections common in practice
Where PSSR also applies
Pressure systems (compressors, boilers, steam plant, autoclaves) are also work equipment under PUWER but additionally require a written scheme of examination under the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR). The register supports this with an Inspection Type field.
- PSSR 2000 — written scheme of examination
- Examination by competent person against the scheme
- PUWER also applies to operation and maintenance
PUWER inspection frequency — typical defaults
PUWER doesn't fix a specific interval — it requires 'suitable intervals' based on the equipment, environment and risk. Defaults below are common practice.
| Equipment type | Typical frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Machine tools (workshop) | 12 months | More often if heavy use / harsh environment |
| Access equipment (ladders, platforms) | Pre-use + 6 months | Pre-use by user, periodic by competent person |
| Lift trucks | 12 months (PUWER + LOLER) | LOLER thorough examination also required |
| Pressure systems | Per PSSR scheme | Written scheme of examination dictates interval |
| Hand tools (powered) | Pre-use + 6-12 months | Risk-based; visual + functional |
Frequently asked questions
PUWER 1998 applies to all work equipment in Great Britain. LOLER 1998 is the more specific statutory duty for lifting equipment — anything used to lift or lower loads. If you have lifting equipment, both apply. PUWER asks for maintenance of all work equipment plus inspection where installation conditions or deterioration create the risk; LOLER asks for thorough examination at statutory minimums (typically 6 or 12 months). HSE expects you to comply with both, often via a combined inspection.
Related resources
More free templates and resources for inspection professionals.
Lifting Equipment Register
The LOLER-specific register for lifting equipment — pairs with PUWER.
View resourceLOLER Examination Template
Report of Thorough Examination format in PDF and Word.
View resourceGuide: PUWER Reg 5 vs Reg 6
What PUWER actually requires — maintenance vs inspection, and where LOLER takes over.
View resourceStill managing inspections on paper?
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