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Garage and Workshop Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe your garage or workshop operations — vehicle types, lifting equipment, substances used, welding or bodywork. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant risk assessment covering LOLER, COSHH, fire safety and all motor vehicle repair hazards in minutes.
Used by MOT stations, independent garages, mobile mechanics and commercial vehicle workshops across the UK
🚗 Operating a two-post or four-post lift? Mention your lifting equipment and we'll include LOLER-compliant pre-use checks, safe working load limits, and statutory inspection requirements under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
Legal requirements for garages and workshops
All UK garages and vehicle repair workshops are legally required to carry out a written risk assessment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, specifically Regulation 3. This applies whether you run an MOT station, a small independent garage, a mobile mechanic service, or a large commercial vehicle workshop.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) require that all vehicle lifts, jacks and lifting equipment are thoroughly examined at least every 12 months by a competent person. A written risk assessment must document safe use of this equipment, including pre-use checks and maximum safe working loads. Failure to comply can result in prohibition notices from the HSE and invalidate your employer's liability insurance.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require assessment and control of exposure to hazardous substances including brake cleaner, engine oil, antifreeze, welding fume, grinding dust and spray paint. Material safety data sheets must be available and control measures (ventilation, PPE, safe storage) must be documented.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all garage equipment including tyre machines, brake testers, wheel balancers, air compressors and diagnostic equipment. Equipment must be maintained, inspected and used safely — all documented in your risk assessment.
According to HSE data, the motor vehicle repair sector reports over 1,000 serious injuries annually, with vehicle lifting equipment, slips on oil spills, and manual handling of heavy vehicle parts being the leading causes. A comprehensive, up-to-date risk assessment is not just a legal requirement — it is the foundation of safe workshop operation.
How it works
1. Describe your garage or workshop
Tell us the type of work you do (MOT testing, servicing, tyres, bodywork, commercial vehicles), the equipment you use (lifts, jacks, tyre machines, welding equipment), and the substances you handle (oils, brake fluid, cleaning agents, paints). If you work alone or employ staff, mention it.
2. We'll write it for you
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant garage and workshop risk assessment referencing LOLER, COSHH, PUWER and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Every hazard is covered — from vehicle lifting to fire risk to manual handling.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Keep it on file for HSE or DVSA inspections, show it to your insurer, or hand it to new employees as part of their induction. £29, no subscription, instant delivery.
What it covers
Every garage and workshop risk assessment is written in full — covering all motor vehicle repair and maintenance hazards relevant to your operations.
Vehicle lifting equipment — two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts, trolley jacks
LOLER compliance — pre-use checks, safe working loads, statutory inspections
COSHH assessment for brake cleaner, oils, antifreeze, degreaser, welding fume
Fire risk from flammable liquids, LPG systems, welding and hot work
Manual handling of tyres, batteries, exhausts and heavy vehicle parts
Slips, trips and falls on oil spills, air lines and workshop clutter
Working at height — access to vehicle roofs, underneath vehicles on lifts
Tyre inflation hazards — tyre explosion risk and safe use of tyre machines
Hand-arm vibration from impact wrenches, grinders and air tools
Confined space working inside vehicle cabins, fuel tanks or under bonnets
Electrical safety — battery charging, jump starting, hybrid and electric vehicles
Noise exposure from air tools, exhaust testing and workshop equipment
Welding and grinding — fume control, eye protection, fire prevention
MOT brake testing and emissions testing — safe procedures and ventilation
Works for
From MOT stations to mobile mechanics, Anyrisks covers every type of garage and workshop operation.
What customers say
"We run a small MOT station and needed a risk assessment for our DVSA audit. Anyrisks covered our two-post lift, brake tester and all the COSHH stuff we use daily. Saved us hours and the DVSA inspector had no issues with it."
Dave Thompson
MOT station owner, West Midlands
"I'm a mobile mechanic working alone most of the time. Anyrisks produced a risk assessment that covered lone working, manual handling, and all the tools and chemicals I carry in the van. Proper professional document for £29."
Rachel Foster
Mobile mechanic, South East
"We do HGV and commercial vehicle repairs. Anyrisks covered our four-post lift, LOLER requirements, diesel fume extraction and manual handling of heavy parts. It references all the right regulations and looks professional."
Ian Murray
Commercial vehicle workshop manager, Scotland
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| LOLER compliance for vehicle lifts | ✓ | ✗ |
| COSHH assessment for garage chemicals | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fire risk controls for flammable liquids | ✓ | ✗ |
| Manual handling of tyres and heavy parts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers MOT testing, servicing and bodywork | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment for an MOT station?
Yes. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a written risk assessment for all work activities. MOT stations involve vehicle lifting, brake testing, emissions testing and working at height — all high-hazard activities that must be assessed. DVSA inspections may request sight of your risk assessment.
Does it cover COSHH for brake dust, oils and cleaning fluids?
Yes. Describe the substances you use (brake cleaner, engine oil, degreaser, antifreeze) and the assessment will include COSHH controls referencing the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Material safety data sheets should be kept on file alongside the assessment.
What about vehicle lifting and jacking?
The assessment covers vehicle lifting equipment including two-post lifts, four-post lifts, scissor lifts and trolley jacks. It references the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and includes pre-use inspection requirements and maximum safe working load checks.
Can I use it for both a small car garage and a commercial vehicle workshop?
Yes. Describe the type of vehicles you work on (light vehicles, HGVs, vans, motorcycles) and the assessment will be tailored accordingly. Commercial vehicle workshops have additional hazards including larger lifting equipment and diesel particulate exposure.
Is fire risk covered?
Yes. Garages and workshops are high fire risk environments due to flammable liquids, LPG systems and welding or hot work. The assessment includes fire prevention measures, extinguisher types and emergency procedures.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your garage or workshop operations, the types of vehicles serviced, and any specific equipment or substances used. Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced garage risk assessment instantly.
Does it cover tyre fitting and wheel balancing?
Yes. Mention tyre fitting or wheel work and the assessment will include controls for manual handling of tyres, inflation hazards (tyre explosion risk), and safe use of tyre machines and balancers.
What if I also do bodywork or welding?
Describe any bodywork, welding, grinding or spray painting activities and these will be covered. Welding fume control, grinding dust, confined space working inside vehicle cabins, and fire risk from hot work will all be included in the assessment.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator