Purchasing Work Equipment - Frequently asked questions

Before you buy it, think about:

• where and how it will be used
• what it will be used for
• who will use it (skilled employees, trainees etc)
• what risks to health and safety might result from its use, and
• how well health and safety risks are controlled by different manufacturers

This can help you decide what equipment may be suitable, particularly when buying standard 'off the shelf' items. If you are buying more complex or custom-built equipment, you should discuss your requirements with potential suppliers, who can advise you on the options available. When you place the order, specify in writing that the equipment must be safe, meet all relevant product safety legislation includingappropriate conformity marking and be correctly labelled.

Further information is available from Buying new machinery.

Check the machinery has the appropriate including the name and address and is accompanied by:

• a Declaration of Conformity, which covers all relevant product safety legislation (where required) and
• a set of instructions in English, stating how the machinery should be used and maintained

You should also check it is not obviously unsafe (eg missing guards), by assessing the risks that may arise from the way it will be used and maintained.

Further information is available from Buying new machinery.