Thorough Examinations & Statutory Inspections

Written Schemes of Examination (WSE)

Written Schemes of Examination are a key part of statutory compliance for certain equipment. They define:

• Which items and parts of a system must be examined
• The nature of the examinations and tests required
• The intervals between examinations
• Any special measures needed to ensure safe examination
• The competence required of the examining person

Certex UK develops, reviews and maintains Written Schemes of Examination for:

• LOLER equipment – for example, complex lifting systems, cranes, service lifts and safety‑critical lifting arrangements
• PSSR pressure systems – including wind turbine hydraulic and pneumatic systems, accumulators, receivers and safety devices

We can:

• Create new WSEs where none exist
• Review and update existing WSEs to reflect modifications, ageing equipment or changing operating conditions
• Align WSE intervals with your maintenance and inspection regimes

Store WSEs in our digital system for easy access, traceability and audit purposes

What is a Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination is a formal, detailed and systematic check of equipment carried out by a competent person at specified intervals, in line with relevant regulations and standards. It is designed to:

• Verify the safety and integrity of equipment
• Identify defects and non-conformances before they lead to incidents
• Confirm equipment is suitable for use and correctly installed
• Provide documented evidence of compliance for duty holders and regulators

Certex UK carries out thorough examinations under:

• LOLER – Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
• PUWER – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
• PSSR – Pressure Systems Safety Regulations
• Work at Height Regulations – for height safety systems and personal fall protection

We also work in line with relevant standards, including BS 7121 for the safe use and examination of cranes.

Where it adds value, we combine examinations across these areas into a single visit or campaign.

Where We Work

Our teams are experienced in delivering thorough examinations in demanding environments across the UK and worldwide, including:

• Offshore installations – fixed platforms, jack-ups, FPSOs and support vessels
• Onshore and offshore wind farms – turbines, transition pieces, offshore substations and ports
• Factories, manufacturing plants and industrial sites
• Workshops, maintenance facilities and warehouses
• Ports, marine terminals and logistics hubs
• Utilities, power generation and other critical infrastructure

We can support single sites, multi-site operations or full fleet campaigns.

Digital Asset & Certification Management

All our examinations and inspections are supported by a digital asset and certification management system that provides:

• A central, online register of all inspected assets
• Instant access to certificates, Reports of Thorough Examination, PUWER reports and WSE-related documentation
• Visibility of inspection status, next due dates and defect history
• Exportable data for audits, regulatory inspections and internal reporting

This gives you greater control over compliance, particularly when managing large equipment fleets across multiple locations.

How We Deliver Thorough Examinations

• Initial review & planning – We review your existing registers, certificates, Written Schemes of Examination, risk assessments and inspection requirements.
• Coordinated scheduling – We plan LOLER, PUWER, Work at Height and PSSR examinations together where possible, to minimise downtime and site disruption.
• On-site examinations – Our competent engineers attend your site (onshore or offshore) to inspect and test equipment in line with relevant regulations and standards, including BS 7121 for cranes.
• Clear, actionable reporting – You receive structured reports highlighting compliance status, defects, recommendations and priorities.
• Follow-up and remedial support – We can support with repairs, replacements, retesting and ongoing inspection programmes.

Why Choose Certex UK for Thorough Examinations?

• Multi-discipline capability – LOLER, PUWER, PSSR, Work at Height, height safety and wind-specific systems
• Written Scheme of Examination expertise – development, review and maintenance for both LOLER and PSSR
• Competent engineers – experienced in offshore, wind, marine, industrial and construction environments
• Worldwide reach – onshore and offshore support for UK and international sites
• Digital systems – improved traceability, planning and audit readiness
• Integrated services – inspections, supply, installation, repair and recertification
• Safety and compliance focus – helping you manage risk, demonstrate compliance and reduce downtime