Auctions of woodworking machinery can seem attractive opportunities to buy equipment at low cost: but those tempted to bid for apparent ‘bargains’ might find that the decision proves costly.

The first and essential point to remember is that the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 must be complied with fully. Smaller companies, in particular, may be uncertain about their legal requirements – or they may be tempted to take the chance that they won’t be caught. However, ignorance of the law is no excuse – and given that PUWER has been in force since the end of 1998 and that woodworking machinery accounts for the worst machinery accident record, the risk of a visit by an HSE inspector is a real one.

If the machine purchased at auction is relatively new and carries the CE mark (indicating compliance with European safety regulations), then it might well be a bargain – though the legal requirement to ensure compliance with PUWER still exists.

However, older machinery without the CE mark is a different matter. Potential buyers must carry out a full machine assessment (see below) before they bid – which is no easy task. There may not even be the opportunity to switch the machine on and check it is working (indeed, it may be partly dismantled). But unless such an assessment is made, the buyer won’t know what work needs to be done to bring the machine in line with PUWER.

In most cases the buyer must remove the item immediately after the sale; and usually there are no guarantees with machinery bought at auction. Subsequent evaluation may show that the cost of upgrading it will make the investment more expensive than buying a new model or a previously-owned machine that has been properly reconditioned by a specialist company. The cost of not upgrading could be even more expensive, in terms of serious injury and potential fines and compensation claims.

Remember, too, that loading, transporting and off-loading the machine are additional costs for the buyer and will add to the price of the ‘bargain’.

Tooling is also offered at auctions, but wise companies will avoid bidding because it may have been misused or damaged, and this may not be easy to ascertain simply by looking at it.

The rule ‘let the buyer beware’ should be borne firmly in mind. Unless great care is taken, buying at auctions can put you, your company and your employees at risk.

Further information and advice is available from the Woodworking Machinery Suppliers Association; e-mail: info@WMSA.org.uk; tel: 01629 826998; fax: 01629 826997

Suggested checklist for buyers of woodworking machinery at auctions

(see note below)*

  • Can you be sure that the machine is complete? How old is the machine? If it was manufactured before 1992 (ie before European CE marking applied), has it been upgraded to meet PUWER 98?

  • Are all the guards and safety devices with the machine and do they meet current requirements?

    &#8220Potential buyers must carry out a full machine assessment before they bid – which is no easy task”
  • Is the machine fitted with a brake to make the spindle(s) stop within 10 seconds – or will an additional braking system have to be fitted and if so at what cost?

  • Will tooling need to be replaced to meet the regulations?

  • Are the operating speeds suitable for modern tooling?

  • Are electrical interlocks necessary for access doors, panels and guards?

  • Are the bearings in good order?

  • Are the motors, electrical control equipment and wiring sound?

  • Is the original manufacturer still in existence? Are spare parts available?

  • Is the manufacturer’s machine handbook available?

  • When was the machine last operated?

  • When was the machine last serviced? Was the machine supplied new or second-hand to the previous owner? If second-hand, was it reconditioned, and by whom?

    *Note: Because of the open-ended nature of many requirements within PUWER 98 and the reliance on Risk Assessment to establish appropriate levels of safety in particular situations, it is not possible to give categorical answers on how to comply with the regulations. The onus for complying rests with the individual company/employer, based on study of the documents. However, this checklist indicates some of the many questions buyers should ask themselves before bidding for a machine at auction.

    Do not put your workforce at risk with unsafe tooling and machinery: make sure you comply with the law