What this covers
Certain categories of work equipment cannot legally remain in service without periodic examination by a qualified engineer, and certain planning and compliance submissions require an engineering report before they can proceed. Neither is discretionary — the equipment's continued operation, insurance standing, and the site operator's own liability exposure depend on the certificate or report being current and issued by someone with the standing to issue it.
Categories
Pressure vessels
Periodic examination and certification of vessels in service.
Machinery safety
Guarding, interlocks and safe operating condition of fixed and mobile plant.
Mechanical systems
General mechanical plant and building services sign-off outside the named categories.
Compressed air systems
Compressors, receivers and associated pipework and protective devices.
HVAC installations
Mechanical building services sign-off, including as a PA permit condition.
Scaffolding
Structural adequacy and safe condition of erected scaffold systems.
Re-examination intervals vary by equipment category and are confirmed against the applicable requirement as part of scoping, rather than assumed.
What you need to provide to start
- Equipment type and, where available, make, model and manufacturer's data plate details
- Whether this is a first certification or a re-certification — and if the latter, the most recent existing certificate or report
- Installation location and site access arrangements for the inspection
- Any known defects, prior incidents, or modifications made to the equipment since it was last examined
- The reason certification is needed now — routine renewal, a change of use, an insurance requirement, or a Planning Authority condition
The process
- Scoping — equipment type and certification history reviewed, inspection quoted accordingly.
- Site inspection — thorough examination carried out against the applicable regulatory requirement.
- Findings — any defects identified are recorded, with a clear statement of severity and whether continued use is safe pending remedy.
- Certification — report issued and signed under warrant, dated for the next required examination.
Timeline depends on equipment access and complexity, and is confirmed at scoping rather than quoted generically.
Related engineer's reports are also prepared for Planning Authority submissions and other technical requirements — lighting and ventilation adequacy for basement or below-grade spaces, noise and vibration assessments including for lift installations, swimming pool plant room mechanical compliance, and generator or genset installation compliance.
Common questions
What equipment needs a warranted engineer's sign-off?
Pressure vessels, machinery safety systems, mechanical systems, compressed air installations, HVAC systems and scaffolding.
Is this the same as OHSA's Competent Persons Register?
No. That register applies to specific categories, such as racking system certification, and is a separate mechanism. General mechanical equipment sign-off is carried out directly under the engineering warrant.
Do you certify racking systems?
That falls under a different standard — EN 15635 and SEMA guidance — and is handled as a distinct service. Enquire directly if that's what you need.
How often does my equipment need re-certification?
It depends on the equipment category. The applicable interval is confirmed against the specific requirement at scoping.
Is there a fixed fee?
No. Certification is scoped against equipment type, condition, and whether it's a first inspection or a re-certification, and quoted individually.