Practical Compliance Guidance for UK Garages
Practical compliance guidance for UK garages, workshops, MOT centres and bodyshops. Each guide explains what a common requirement means, what records may be useful and what practical steps to consider. Start with the free health check to see which areas may apply to your business.
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Workshop equipment
Workshop risks
MOT, bodyshop and vehicle technology
Business assurance and waste
All guidance articles
Employers' Liability Insurance Requirements for Garages
Almost all UK employers, including garages, are legally required to hold employers' liability insurance.
Read guidance Equipment inspectionsGarage Air Compressor and Pressure System Requirements
A practical guide to garage air compressor and pressure-system requirements, including Written Schemes of Examination, air receivers, inspections and records.
Read guidance OtherGarage Asbestos Information and Management Requirements
Older premises may contain asbestos-containing materials, and the law requires this risk to be identified and managed.
Read guidance Staff health arrangementsGarage COSHH Assessments and COSHH Register Requirements
A practical guide to creating a COSHH register for garages, linking workshop chemicals to COSHH assessments, safety data sheets, storage controls and review dates.
Read guidance ElectricalGarage Electrical Installation Inspection Requirements
The fixed electrical installation and portable equipment used in a garage typically need periodic inspection and testing to remain safe.
Read guidance Fire and premisesGarage Fire Risk Assessment Requirements
All non-domestic premises, including garages and workshops, are legally required to have a suitable and sufficient fire-risk assessment.
Read guidance WasteGarage Hazardous Waste Carrier Requirements
Garages producing hazardous waste such as waste oil, batteries or solvent-contaminated materials need a registered carrier and consignment documentation.
Read guidance Staff health arrangementsGarage Health Surveillance Requirements
Staff exposed to noise, vibration, dust or fumes from welding, spraying or workshop chemicals may need health surveillance to detect early signs of ill health.
Read guidance Extraction and ventilationGarage LEV Testing and Welding Fume Extraction
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems used to control welding fume or other airborne contaminants typically require regular thorough examination and testing.
Read guidance WasteGarage Waste Transfer Notes and Waste Records
Garages producing waste such as oil, tyres and packaging need to keep waste-transfer documentation showing waste is passed to an authorised carrier.
Read guidance Extraction and ventilationSpray Booth and Isocyanate Requirements for Garages
Paint spraying with isocyanate-containing products carries specific health risks and typically requires LEV examination, health surveillance and strict control measures.
Read guidance Equipment inspectionsVehicle Lift LOLER Inspections for Garages
How vehicle lifts are thoroughly examined under LOLER, the records a garage should keep, and the practical difference between servicing and a competent-person thorough examination.
Read guidanceThis guidance is general information for UK garages and does not constitute legal advice. It must be applied to your individual business — requirements vary by premises, activity and equipment. Complete the free health check for a personalised view of what may apply to your garage.