Second-Hand Lab Equipment

Even though the equipment may have a CE marking never assume that it is safe. The manuals supplied by the manufacturer should include:

1. Drawings of the machinery and its control circuits
2. Specifications and standards used in the design
3. Relevant test results and other data
4. Operating instructions
5. Technical reports

Any work equipment first put into use on or after 5 December 1998 must fully comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Under PUWER, there is no distinction between new and second-hand equipment—second-hand machinery is treated as new to the organisation and must meet the same legal requirements. This applies to all second-hand equipment brought onto site.

Old equipment might mean poor condition.

For the most part, second-hand equipment will likely mean it is outdated. Weigh up older, cheaper versions with their newer counterparts; will the savings offset the improved productivity and efficiency of a new model? Additionally, this may also mean the equipment you’re buying is in poor condition, incurring further costs if you need to repair it once it arrives. Spares availability may be non-existent so repairs cannot be performed, in a lot of cases manufacturers change their design every 5 years so the parts from the new equipment are not compatible with old equipment although they might look the same.

There are many suppliers and sources of laboratory equipment including.

1. OEM manufacturers who can offer second-hand equipment (usually demonstration equipment) which can be purchased with a full warranty.
2. Online auctions sites such as ebay – university policy does not support purchases of equipment from these platforms as the equipment is usually untested with no manuals or warranty and might possibly being dangerous.
3. Third party suppliers – these are companies who specialise in supplying second-hand lab equipment. Things to be considered when going down this route:
   1. Some offer warranties on their equipment but check what these cover in some cases only credit will only be offered if equipment is faulty and not a full refund or repair.
   2. Ask for demonstrations you need to see the equipment going through a full test better suppliers will be more than happy to send a video of a demonstration.
   3. Read reviews and ask for referrals: you want piece of mind that the supplier is reliable and trustworthy. Ask around and do your research before committing to anything.
   4. Ask about the history of the equipment: Ask the seller about any known problems with the equipment. Is there any maintenance history with the machine to say it has been properly maintained.

Please note if you considering purchasing a second-hand piece of equipment or disposing of an old piece of equipment please contact the Compliance Team: 

• Max Tolley - 01792 604460
• Carl Roberts - 01792 295275
• Greg Barber - 01792 602238

The University has produced a document for staff to have clear information and guidance to enable the removal and sale of specialist equipment.

• HSE Simple Guide to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• HSE Guidance on Using Work Equipment Safely
• HSE Guidance on Buying New Machinery