When to ask for a competent machinery assessment before selling
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Ask for competent specialist advice when the proposed sale depends on a technical or safety question you cannot answer from reliable evidence. This is particularly relevant to complex, modified or unfamiliar equipment. A quick visual look should not be presented as a complete assessment.
For Great Britain, HSE's second-hand equipment guidance identifies manufacturer or competent-person advice where a seller is unsure about complex machinery's operation or safety. Confirm the requirements relevant to the actual equipment and jurisdiction, including Northern Ireland where applicable.
Brief the specific concern
| Brief section | Information to supply |
|---|---|
| Equipment and proposed transaction | Asset identity, location and intended sale route |
| Known concern | Specific fault, uncertainty or question needing an answer |
| Modifications | What is known to have changed and supporting records |
| History | Available use, maintenance and storage evidence, with gaps marked |
| Documents | Manuals, reports and configuration records actually available |
| Access and activity | Site constraints and whether operation is being proposed |
| Decision needed | What must be established before the sale instruction proceeds |
| Hold point | Activity or claim awaiting the professional answer |
Avoid asking for a blanket 'safe to sell' statement without defining the asset, circumstances and intended use. The professional should establish the appropriate assessment scope and explain its limits.
Use the assessment to answer a decision
A concern may relate to a modification, missing safety information, an unresolved defect or an unfamiliar configuration. Record the question clearly enough that the resulting advice can be connected to the next instruction.
Use the safety evidence register to assemble records without claiming the checklist establishes compliance. If a document is missing, explain the search made and the source of any replacement information.
Keep commercial choices separate
The repair-before-sale guide compares costs and potential commercial benefit. That calculation does not decide what is required for the intended supply. A repair with limited resale return may still raise a separate issue requiring professional advice.
Likewise, sold-as-seen wording does not remove the need to address relevant responsibilities. Avoid turning a price discount into an assumed substitute for assessment.
Do not add an improvised demonstration
If operation is proposed, use the demonstration planning process and have the responsible competent parties decide the arrangements. The seller's desire for a video or an answer should not determine a technical method.
Keep the final report, its scope and any outstanding actions identifiable. Record who confirms the resulting sale instruction and which earlier claims or dates must change.
Discuss unresolved assessment points with UK Auction Group before marketing promises are made. Agree who will obtain the specialist answer and how the sale remains conditional while that work is outstanding.
Explore the sale preparation guides.
Sources
- UK Auction Group: asset disposal Checked
- HSE: second-hand products Checked
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.