LOLER & PUWER Inspection Services for Vehicle Garages
Cert Safe Inspection Services Ltd provides independent inspection and examination services to vehicle garages, MOT centres, automotive workshops, dealerships, fleet maintenance facilities and commercial vehicle repair businesses.
Vehicle workshops rely on a wide range of lifting equipment and work equipment to safely carry out servicing, inspection and repairs. Ensuring this equipment is properly maintained, inspected and, where applicable, subject to Thorough Examination is an important part of managing a safe working environment.
We provide independent inspection services for individual pieces of equipment, complete workshops and larger multi-site operations.
Vehicle Lifts & Lifting Equipment
Vehicle lifting equipment is commonly used throughout automotive workshops and can fall within the scope of LOLER where it meets the relevant definition of lifting equipment. Equipment we can examine includes:
- Two-post vehicle lifts
- Four-post vehicle lifts
- Scissor lifts
- Mobile column lifts
- In-ground vehicle lifts
- Commercial vehicle lifts
- Motorcycle lifts
- Workshop lifting equipment
- Other vehicle lifting equipment
Where LOLER applies, the appropriate Thorough Examination arrangements must be established and followed.
Our Engineer Surveyors provide independent Thorough Examination reports identifying the equipment examined and any defects or safety-related findings.
Vehicle Lift Thorough Examinations
Vehicle lifts are safety-critical equipment. Failure of structural components, lifting mechanisms, locking systems or other safety-related parts can create significant risks to people working underneath or around a raised vehicle. Depending on the type of lift, our examination can consider relevant components such as:
- Structural frames
- Lifting mechanisms
- Chains
- Cables
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Hydraulic systems
- Locking mechanisms
- Safety devices
- Mechanical locks
- Anchoring arrangements
- Platforms and arms
- Pads and adaptors
- Wear and deterioration
- Corrosion
- Identification and safe working load markings
The exact scope of examination depends on the design and type of equipment.
PUWER Workshop Equipment Inspections
Vehicle garages also operate a wide range of work equipment that may fall within PUWER.
This can include:
- Vehicle workshop machinery
- Tyre changers
- Wheel balancers
- Presses
- Grinding machinery
- Pillar drills
- Compressors
- Powered tools
- Workshop machinery
- Cleaning equipment
- Welding equipment
- Vehicle testing equipment
- Other workplace machinery
PUWER requires work equipment to be suitable for its intended use, maintained in a safe condition and, where necessary, inspected to ensure that health and safety conditions are maintained.
The requirement for inspection and the appropriate frequency depend upon the equipment, how it is used, its environment and the risks involved.
Lift Accessories
Garages can also use a variety of lifting accessories when handling vehicles, engines and components. Depending on the equipment and how it is used, this may include:
- Engine lifting slings
- Chains
- Shackles
- Lifting beams
- Lifting hooks
- Vehicle lifting accessories
- Other lifting accessories
Where these fall within the scope of LOLER, they require the appropriate Thorough Examination arrangements.
Pressure Systems & PSSR
Some vehicle workshops operate pressure systems that may fall within the scope of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR).
Examples can include qualifying compressed-air systems and associated pressure vessels.
Where PSSR applies, a suitable Written Scheme of Examination may be required, with examination carried out in accordance with the scheme by a competent person.
CSIS can provide pressure system examination services where the equipment and Written Scheme fall within our scope.
Keeping Workshop Equipment Safe
Inspection is only one part of effective equipment management. Vehicle garages should also have suitable arrangements for:
- Routine maintenance
- Servicing
- Pre-use checks
- Operator inspections
- Defect reporting
- Equipment isolation
- Repairs
- Safe operating procedures
- Staff training
- Manufacturer's maintenance requirements
A Thorough Examination or PUWER inspection does not replace these responsibilities.
Why Independent Inspections Matters
Independent examination provides a separate assessment of equipment condition without the inspection provider having a financial interest in carrying out repairs.
This can be particularly useful for garages where equipment is maintained by an existing manufacturer, service company or in-house workshop team.
CSIS can provide the independent examination or inspection while your existing maintenance arrangements remain in place.
Workshop Inspection Programmes
We can provide planned inspection programmes for:
- Independent Garages
- MOT & Testing Centres
- Main Dealerships
- Commercial Vehicle Workshops
- Fleet Maintenance Facilities
- Bus & Coach Workshops
- Plant & Agricultural Machinery Workshops
- Multi-Site Automotive Groups
Where practical, multiple equipment types can be inspected during the same visit.
Clear Inspection & Examination Reports
Our reports provide a clear record of the equipment inspected or examined and the findings identified. Reports can include:
- Equipment identification
- Location
- Examination or inspection date
- Equipment type
- Findings
- Defects
- Required remedial action
- Relevant examination information
- Next examination date where applicable
This provides a useful record for workshop managers, business owners, facilities managers and other responsible persons.
Managing Defects
Where a defect is identified, it will be recorded within the relevant report.
The responsible person must then determine and arrange the appropriate remedial action.
Where a defect presents a significant safety risk, the equipment may need to be removed from service until the necessary repair or other action has been completed.
Equipment should not be returned to service until the responsible person is satisfied that it is safe and suitable for use.
Multiple Sites & Fleet Workshops
For automotive groups and businesses operating several workshops, keeping track of inspection and examination requirements can become increasingly difficult.
CSIS can provide planned inspection programmes covering multiple locations, helping businesses establish a consistent approach to equipment examination and reporting.
Why Choose Cert Safe Inspections Services?
Independent
Independent inspection and examination services without an interest in selling repairs or maintenance
Automotive Equipment Experience
Inspection services covering vehicle lifts, lifting equipment and a wide range of workshop equipment.
Multiple Regulations
LOLER, PUWER and applicable PSSR services can be coordinated where appropriate.
Clear Reporting
Professional reports identifying equipment, findings and any action requiring attention.
Flexible Scheduling
Inspections can be arranged around workshop operations wherever practical.
Local & Nationwide
Based in High Wycombe, providing services throughout Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding areas, with nationwide coverage available.
FAQs
Tell Us About Your Workshop
From vehicle lifts and lifting accessories to workshop machinery and qualifying pressure systems, Cert Safe Inspection Services Ltd provides independent inspection and examination services designed around the needs of automotive businesses.
Tell us what equipment you operate and where your workshop is located.