What to do if the HSE visits your department

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) may carry out unannounced visits or spot checks across UCL premises. These inspections are routine and help ensure legal health and safety requirements are being met.

Your department is not expected to manage an inspection alone. Support is available, and it is important that the appropriate people are informed as soon as an inspector arrives.

If a HSE inspector arrives

If an inspector attends your department or area:

• Notify your Departmental Safety Officer (DSO) immediately – if they are unavailable, contact the Directors of Operations (DOO) or Head of Department.
• Contact your Lead Safety Advisor as soon as possible.
• A member of staff should remain with the inspector while support is arranged.

Early notification ensures that appropriate support is in place and that inspections are managed consistently across UCL. These roles provide advice, guidance and practical support throughout the visit.

Requests for documentation

During a visit, HSE inspectors may request statutory safety documentation, including:

• Written Schemes of Examination (WSE).
• Thorough Examination certificates (e.g. lifting equipment, LEV systems).
• Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) records.

If documentation is not immediately available, contact statutorytesting@ucl.ac.uk for support with providing documents, confirming compliance, or advising on next steps.

New or unidentified assets

If you become aware of:

• New equipment that may require PSSR inspection, or
• Equipment that may not be included on a Written Scheme of Examination

Contact statutorytesting@ucl.ac.uk so records can be reviewed and compliance confirmed.

Why this matters

Engaging your DSO, Safety Advisor and the Statutory Testing Team:

• Ensures accurate and consistent information is provided to the HSE.
• Supports a co-ordinated response to inspections.
• Demonstrates UCL’s effective management of statutory compliance.

HSE visits are a normal part of assurance activity. Prompt notification ensures your department is supported and the visit is managed effectively.

Further information

• Working with enforcing authorities – including HSE inspections
• Statutory testing at UCL – equipment requirements and responsibilities

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