Pallet Truck Inspection
Pallet Trucks and PUWER
A pallet truck is work equipment under PUWER 1998, whether it is hand-operated or powered. Regulation 6 means it has to be inspected at suitable intervals by a competent person wherever it could deteriorate into a dangerous state.
Our Engineer Surveyors come to your site, inspect yours and issue a clear report on what is safe and what is not.
Pallet Truck PUWER
Regulation
PUWER 1998
Inspection interval
Risk-based
Common baseline
At least annual
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a pallet truck inspection
Forks
We check the forks for bending, cracks and wear, the part that carries the load. Bent or cracked forks are a common finding.
Wheels
We inspect the load wheels and steer wheels for wear and free movement. Worn or seized load wheels are among the faults we see most.
Hydraulics
We check the hydraulic pump, ram and seals for leaks and lift performance, and confirm the lift, hold and controlled-lower function works. Hydraulics that won't hold the load or leak down are the classic pallet truck defect.
Controls
We test the pump handle, linkage and the raise, lower and neutral control. A lowering control that drops the load too fast is a defect we flag.
Structure, Power and Markings
We examine the chassis and welds, and on powered units the battery, controls, brakes and deadman, then confirm the rated capacity marking is present and legible.
How it works
Your pallet truck's PUWER inspection, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Let us have the trucks and your site, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
A competent Engineer Surveyor attends and inspects each truck against PUWER Regulation 6.
3
Compliant report
Within three days you get an inspection report, defects and timescales included.
4
Reminders
We track the due date and remind you before the next inspection is needed.
OUR STANDARDS
Handling equipment inspected safety-first
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Accurate, reliable inspections from experienced Engineer Surveyors who train continuously and follow best practice.
Responsibility
A careful process that manages risk and keeps your handling equipment compliant with PUWER.
Care
Safety and compliance run through everything. Your wellbeing is our focus, with standards that reassure.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Pallet Truck Inspection
Tell us what you need looked at and when. We'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually the same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Pallet Truck Inspection FAQs
How often does a pallet truck need a PUWER inspection?
PUWER does not set a fixed interval. Regulation 6 calls for inspection at suitable intervals decided by a risk assessment of how hard the truck is worked and the conditions it faces, plus after any exceptional event. In practice that is commonly at least once a year.
Does a hand pallet truck count, or only powered ones?
Both. A manual hand pallet truck is work equipment under PUWER just as a powered one is, and the hydraulics, wheels and forks all wear, so both should be inspected.
What's the difference between PUWER and LOLER?
PUWER applies to all work equipment, which must be suitable, maintained and inspected as the risk requires. LOLER adds extra duties for equipment that lifts. Anything that lifts may need both, while the equipment on this page falls under PUWER.
Do I legally need a PUWER inspection?
If you provide work equipment for use at work, PUWER 1998 makes its safety your responsibility, and Regulation 6 calls for inspection wherever the equipment could deteriorate and become dangerous. A competent person's inspection, recorded and kept on file, is how you show you have met that duty.
Do you carry out inspections on site?
Yes. Our Engineer Surveyors come to your premises across Berkshire and the surrounding counties, and we issue reports promptly.