Garage equipment inspections: LOLER, PUWER and MOT compliance
Garage equipment inspections and MOT calibration cover different risks. A vehicle lift, brake tester and air receiver can each need different checks, records and competent people. Use this guide to organise your equipment register, understand the main requirements and send TPGE a clear enquiry for calibration, servicing, repairs or LOLER and PUWER inspections.
MOT equipment inspections and calibration
DVSA requires MOT testing equipment to stay in good working order and measuring apparatus to be calibrated to its requirements. Keep calibration records for at least two years. Roller and plate brake testers, relevant weighing facilities and headlamp aim testers have six-month calibration requirements; emissions equipment follows its own approved calibration arrangements. An MOT equipment calibration certificate and a lift examination report record different work.
ATL and OPTL steering and suspension play detectors also have inspection requirements. If mandatory equipment is overdue or malfunctions in a way that prevents a proper test, testing using it must stop until the required calibration, inspection or repair is completed. Use the current DVSA guide and the equipment's instructions to confirm the scope.
LOLER thorough examinations for vehicle lifts and lifting equipment
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) cover lifting equipment and lifting operations at work. HSE recommends a competent person thoroughly examines vehicle lifts every six months and issues a Report of Thorough Examination. Its garage guidance also recommends twelve-month examinations for items such as trolley jacks, bottle jacks and engine hoists, and six-month examinations for lifting accessories.
Ask the competent person to confirm the examination scheme for each asset and whether installation, relocation, damage or other changes require additional examination. Routine servicing and daily operator checks remain separate tasks; an examination does not replace them.
PUWER inspections for garage work equipment
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) concern equipment's suitability, condition and safe use. Garage equipment such as axle stands, workshop presses and tools needs assessment against its use and risks. Relevant checks can include guards, controls, isolation, installation, maintenance records and operating instructions. Users also need appropriate information and training.
LOLER and PUWER can both apply to the same item. There is no single annual PUWER certificate covering every garage asset: the inspection scope and timing depend on the equipment, deterioration risks and circumstances. List items individually so the required work can be agreed.
Other garage legislation to include in your safety plan
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR): compressed-air systems and air receivers may need a written scheme of examination and examinations by a competent person. Check the applicable system and its safe operating limits.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH): use HSE's motor vehicle repair guidance when planning work involving hazardous substances, including paint spraying and allied tasks.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR): assess fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances such as solvents, paints and flammable gases.
These wider duties need their own assessment and suitable specialists. Agree TPGE's equipment service scope in your quotation; a calibration or lift inspection is one part of a garage's safety plan.
Prepare one equipment register and plan the visit
Record each asset's make, model, serial number, rated capacity where relevant, location and use.
Attach the latest calibration certificate, examination report and maintenance history.
Identify the work required: calibration, inspection, thorough examination, servicing or defect repair.
Describe known defects and provide photographs of the identification plate and any fault message.
Send your workshop postcode, due dates, number of assets and access requirements.
TPGE is based in Fitzwilliam, West Yorkshire, and supports garage and fleet workshop enquiries. Speak directly with an engineer to confirm equipment coverage and arrange a suitable quotation. Managed calibration scheduling helps coordinate renewals, with each calibration and inspection recorded for its agreed scope.
Source check: 5 October 2026. Consult the linked HSE guidance and current DVSA MOT testing guide when confirming requirements for your workshop.
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