Auction sales

There are lots of bargains to be had at auctions. If you look around you will find that woodworking machinery can even be bought on internet auction sites like eBay at what look like knock-down prices. If you are tempted to bid for a ‘bargain’ machine at an auction sale or on the internet be very careful.  What you thought was going to be a cheap deal could turn out to be very expensive indeed. You might have to fit extra guards or braking.

Before you can use the machine you have to be sure it is safe and complies with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998). You owe it to yourself and your employees to get this right.

If you buy used machinery it has to have the same safeguards as if it was new. If the seller doesn’t bring it up to standard, then you could be stuck with a very large bill to put things right.

Here are some of the questions you need to ask before buying:

• Is the machine complete with all its guards and safety devices?
• Does it meet the standards required by PUWER 98?
• Is it fitted with a brake that stops it in 10 seconds or less?
• Will it need new limited projection cutter tooling?
• Can it run at the right speeds for modern tooling?
• Is there a manufacturer’s handbook?
• What is its service record?

Once you have the machine in your workshop it is your responsibility to make sure it complies with the law. If an inspector visits and finds a machine that doesn’t comply, you could be faced with a notice that stops you using it until it is put right or ultimately, with prosecution for using unsafe and illegal equipment. And even if the machine does comply, you could still have a hefty bill if it needs parts and servicing.

You won’t get a guarantee and you won’t get a refund if things go wrong, so it is really important that you find out about the machine first. Ask the seller if the machine complies with PUWER 98. If it doesn’t or if they don’t know, you could be buying trouble.

Second-hand machinery is available that you can be sure complies with the law. Reputable dealers including those who are members of the Woodworking Machinery Suppliers Association (WMSA) will be happy to give you the assurance that the machine you buy is up to the right safety standards.

You can check on what woodworking machinery standards are by looking at the guidance in the Approved Code of Practice, Safe use of Woodworking Machinery, L114, (ISBN 0 7176 1630 4, available from http://books.hse.gov.uk, priced £8.00)