Apologies but the search engine on the forum doesn't seem to be working for me.
Pre-use / pre-shift checks on equipment such as FLT, overhead cranes - I cannot seem to find if there is anything in PUWER on whether it is a daily requirement.
Any advice would be appreciated.

The LOLER ACOP references pre-use checks (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l113.pdf p.42)

The ACOP states that such checks should be carried out daily (before the equipment is used) or the beginning of each shift, whichever works best for you.

In answer to the original post:

Regulation 6 of PUWER, Inspection, was designed to deal with formal inspections and not pre-start checks. This is clarified within p131 of the acop.

Hence, there is no specific requirement for pre-start checks under PUWER. It all depends on the type of equipment used and the risks involved.

If you are using lifting equipment however (such as the FLT's and cranes as you describe) this comes under LOLER. Pre-start checks are implied under these regulations and specifically under the acop to check for defects. e.g. Reg 8, Guidance p287:

"The purpose of these pre-use checks is to identify faulty equipment. The operators of the equipment should act as the first line of defence in identifying any faults or damage. Such checks should be carried out before the lifting equipment is used by an operator during each working day or at the beginning of each shift. The aim of such checks is to pick up faults due to day-to-day wear and tear and malfunction of safety-related equipment." ref: HSE 1998, L113.

Guidance to regulation 3 of loler also states:

"You should note that these thorough examinations do not remove the need for the user to ensure that necessary inspections and pre-use checks are carried out and defects reported and remedied as necessary". ref: HSE 1998, L113.

There's also British Standards, such as BS7121 which gives further informartion on checks and inspections for cranes which you may wish to refer to. All in all, although not specifically quoted in law, or PUWER, as it is in the guidance to LOLER most people rightly consider it as good as a legal requirement.

Regards,
Ian