PUWER

Build a PUWER inspection checklist around the equipment's real risks.

Structure checks for suitability, condition, guarding, controls, isolation and deterioration while preserving meaningful evidence and follow-up.

8 minute readReviewed September 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER

A PUWER checklist should be tailored to the equipment and inspection purpose, define acceptable conditions and route significant defects into immediate controls, corrective work and competent verification.

Understanding puwer inspection checklist

Start with asset identity, installation, use and known hazards. Generic questions should not displace checks for the machine's specific dangerous parts and protective measures.

Apply the requirements in proportion to the actual work equipment, use and risks, using current HSE guidance and competent advice.

A practical approach

Group checks around suitability, stability, guards, controls, emergency stops, isolation, markings, condition and maintenance evidence. Test functions only under safe arrangements.

Define responsibility, applicable criteria and escalation before collecting more data.

  • Asset and inspection identity
  • Safety-critical condition checks
  • Clear pass criteria
  • Defect action and verification

Evidence and continual control

Record the inspector, date, answers, evidence, findings and equipment-use decision. Keep the original failure visible after repair.

Review exceptions and outcomes regularly so the process improves rather than becoming static administration.

Authoritative guidance

Use these primary sources alongside your organisation's competent technical and legal advice.

COMMON QUESTIONS

PUWER inspection checklist FAQs

Why does puwer inspection checklist matter?

A PUWER checklist should be tailored to the equipment and inspection purpose, define acceptable conditions and route significant defects into immediate controls, corrective work and competent verification.

What should an organisation document?

Record the inspector, date, answers, evidence, findings and equipment-use decision. Keep the original failure visible after repair.

Can software replace competent judgement?

No. Software can organise workflow and evidence, but technical, legal and safety decisions remain with competent and authorised people.

KEEP READING

Strengthen risk and inspection control

PUWER inspection softwareManage PUWER inspections, findings, corrective work and equipment status.What is PUWER?Understand how PUWER applies to work equipment, suitability, maintenance, inspection, safeguards, information and training.PUWER inspection frequencySet inspection timing according to installation, deterioration, risk and exceptional circumstances rather than assuming one universal annual interval.PUWER competent personUnderstand how knowledge, experience, equipment complexity and inspection scope determine the competence required.PUWER risk assessment guideIdentify equipment hazards, affected people, existing protective measures and further controls across operation, intervention, cleaning and maintenance.PUWER record-keeping requirementsUnderstand inspection records, maintenance logs, risk evidence, competence and corrective-action history for work equipment.
PUT THE GUIDANCE INTO PRACTICE

Connect inspections, risk and corrective work.

Maintarium Pro connects controlled inspections and risk records with equipment status and accountable action.

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