Lifting equipment, power presses, pressure systems, and many other items of plant or work equipment are essential for a wide range of business operations. These machines are known to pose a significant risk to workers and the public, especially if they are not properly maintained and inspected.
To help control this risk, businesses must carry out regular statutory inspections to ensure their equipment is fit for purpose and safe for use under the necessary regulations.
What Are Statutory Inspections?
Statutory inspections are the periodic inspections of plant and workplace equipment to ensure all applicable items comply with regulatory requirements. A statutory inspection is required by law and must be complied with to control the risk of dangerous machinery. Inspection reports must be kept by the business for at least two years and made available to relevant authorities on request.
The frequency and scope of a statutory inspection depend on the type and use of the equipment. It must be carried out by a competent person with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to assess the equipment and identify any defects or hazards. They must also provide a detailed report of the inspection, including the date of the inspection, plant list, and recommendations for action.
To avoid a conflict of interest, the assessor must not be the person who maintains the equipment for the organisation. This is essential for achieving a higher level of safety and avoiding any legal or financial consequences that may result from an accident found to be due to a faulty or biased inspection report. Find out more about why you should choose an external assessor for statutory inspections.
What Regulations Apply to Statutory Inspections?
There are several different requirements in force, and for some types of machinery or operation, more than one regulation may apply.
These include but are not limited to:
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (CoSHH)
- Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)
- Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
What Industrial Equipment Requires Statutory Inspections?
Statutory inspections apply to a range of plant and work equipment under different regulations and their requirements, for example:
- LOLER – The inspection & testing of lifting / handling equipment (access platforms, chains, slings, cranes, excavators, loaders, telehandlers, forklift trucks & most types of lifts)
- PUWER – The inspection & testing of dangerous machinery (power presses, press brakes, guillotines & hydraulic presses)
- PSSR – The inspection & testing of pressure systems (compressed air systems, steam boilers, air receivers, refrigeration & pressure vessels, air compressors, & written schemes of examination)
- CoSHH – The inspection & testing of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) / extraction equipment (fume & dust extraction plant, spray booths, metal and wood extraction systems & LEV plant)
For more information and guidance, see our Industrial Equipment Checklist where you will find all the details of the most common types of plant, machinery, and equipment and their corresponding regulations.
Why Are Statutory Inspections Important?
Regular statutory inspections carried out by a qualified, independent assessor enable businesses to protect their employees, equipment, and bottom line with confidence.
Maintain Equipment Efficiency
Statutory inspections help to identify any maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. Catching these issues early can prevent the development of more serious problems and prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
Consequently, well-maintained equipment will operate much more efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. When equipment is working at peak performance, you can save time and money on your operations.
Legal Compliance
An independent inspection provider can help you organise a regular statutory inspection schedule, offering peace of mind that your equipment is always in working order and compliant with the necessary regulations.
This means you can focus on your work without worrying about the condition of your equipment, the risks to your employees, and the prospect of legal penalties that could arise from inadequate, faulty, or fraudulent inspections.
Health & Safety
The safety of your employees and the surrounding public should be one of your top priorities. Without routine statutory inspections, potential faults and damage to your equipment will go undetected and greatly increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
As a result, you can expect lost productivity, additional costs, and enforcement action from your authorities. Statutory inspections are critical for ensuring your equipment is safe to work with and be around.
Company Reputation
A regular, professional statutory inspection schedule demonstrates your commitment to safety and quality standards.
This greatly enhances your reputation and credibility as a company, helping you build and maintain lasting relationships with customers, suppliers, and regulators.
Statutory Engineering Inspections by ISI
ISI conducts an expansive range of engineering inspections and thorough examinations, helping clients meet the requirements of Health and Safety legislation for statutory and non-statutory plant.
We know that understanding the UK’s safety inspection regulations can be a challenge. That’s why we make it our duty to keep up to date with the latest regulations so we can support all your statutory inspection requirements.
Not sure which regulations apply to your equipment? ISI can help! Please get in touch with our engineering experts for up-to-date advice.