UK power tools rules and regs you need to know

Whenever you’re working with power tools, it’s important to adhere to the current UK power tool rules and regulations. Not only can this legally protect you in the case of an accident at work, but it can also extend the lifespan of your trusty tools and equipment.

All power tool users must follow the current legislation and regulations in place, whether you’re an at-home DIY user or a professional tradesperson. However, professional tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, builders, and joiners must pay extra close attention to the rules to avoid legal troubles.

Let’s take a closer look at the legal limits, safe usage guidance, noise laws, and workplace compliance regulations you need to know when using our fully-compliant power tools.

  1. Noise nuisance laws

In the UK, local authorities are allowed to act on noise complaints under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This is important for power tool users to note, as the sheer power and force of these tools can often result in loud noises during operation, especially if you’re using SDS hammer drills or circular saws.

Under this legislation, noise complaints can act as a ‘statutory nuisance’ and require legal intervention, especially if it is:

  1. Excessive or unreasonable
  2. Affecting someone else’s enjoyment of their property

Unfortunately, this legislation doesn’t outline any legally fixed timeframes where power tool usage is or isn’t allowed, but many local councils follow the general guidance below:

Day of the week

Permitted hours

Weekdays

8 am — 6 pm

Saturday

9 am — 1 pm

Sunday & Bank Holiday

No noisy work permitted

What can happen if the noise nuisance laws are not followed?

If you consistently use a loud power tool that causes a nuisance outside of these timeframes, your local authority may issue you a Noise Abatement Notice. This means you must stop using the loud power tool or reduce its noise level.

If you fail to follow the terms of the Noise Abatement Notice, you may have to:
 

  • Pay up to £5,000 for domestic power tool use
  • Pay up to £20,000 for commercial power tool use
  • Have your noisy power tool confiscated

It’s also important to check the specific rules of your local council, as these may differ. Some areas have extended permitted hours for commercial power tool usage, and some have even stricter rules.

How to prevent a Noise Abatement Notice

As a power tool user, it’s important to avoid a Noise Abatement Notice when possible. Some ways you can do this include:

  • Pre-warning neighbours of any work that could cause a disturbance
  • Limit usage wherever possible

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations for power tool use

The main Health and Safety (HSE) legislation for power tool use is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), and it is a key part of UK health and safety law.

The rules outlined in PUWER apply to all power tool users, including employers, self-employed people, employees, contractors, and subcontractors. It also applies to all handheld power tools, from grinders and sanders to drills and pressure washers.
 

What must employers do to comply with PUWER regulations for power tools?

The groups listed above must carry out specific duties to adhere to the rules. Employers must:

  1. Ensure that all tools are appropriate for the task at hand, fit for purpose, and safe to use.
     
  2. Maintain their power tools with pre-use checks, scheduled servicing, and PAT testing.
     
  3. Stop using a damaged or faulty power tool as soon as an issue arises, and either repair or dispose of it.
     
  4. Provide sufficient training and refresher training covering tool selection, best practices, and inspections.
     
  5. Carry out risk assessments to identify any potential hazards of using power tools.
     
  6. Put the correct control measures in place to prevent these risks, including PPE, barriers, and clear signage.
     
  7. Check that all power tools have clearly legible markings, specifically the tool’s voltage, speed, safety warnings, manufacturer information, and CE/UKCA markings.
     
  8. Choose tools with a comfortable, ergonomic design suitable for extended use to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and accidents.

What happens if you don’t follow PUWER rules?

If an employer does not comply with these rules, they may:

  • Receive a Prohibition Notice from the HSE (this will put an immediate stop to any task where health and safety is at risk)
     
  • Be prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
     
  • Face a fine or imprisonment
     
  • Have any insurance claims invalidated in the case of an accident

Electrical safety guidelines

The UK electrical safety guidelines will be especially important if you frequently use corded power tools. Corded power tools have a higher risk of fires and electrical injuries, such as shocks and burns.

The most important legislations for employers to bear in mind are:

  • PUWER 1998: All electrical equipment must be suitable, maintained, and used for its intended purpose.
     
  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: All employers must uphold their duty of care towards employees and members of the public.

To adhere to these rules, power tool users should conduct a daily pre-use inspection and implement a PAT testing programme based on the findings of any risk assessments. Users are also encouraged to use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) if they mainly use their power tools outdoors or in damp conditions to prevent electric shock injuries.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

One way employers can show that they regularly maintain their power tools to a high standard is by carrying out PAT testing. It applies to all corded electrical appliances, including power tools.

While PAT testing isn’t a legal obligation, it can show that employers have maintained their electrical equipment (a legal requirement stated in the legislation above).

Vibration and noise exposure limits

Commercial power tool usage comes with a lot of risk, and one of these risks is vibration and noise-related injuries.

For example, power tool users may experience Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) — a serious and permanent condition caused by the prolonged use of vibrating power tools. 

Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers must implement preventative actions if the Exposure Action Value (EAV) of a power tool exceeds 2.5m/s² A, and must never exceed the Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5.0m/s² A over an 8-hour working day. 

To estimate your daily exposure, you can use the HSE’s Hand-Arm Vibration Calculator.

Similarly, excessive noise from power tools can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must abide by the following limits:

Note: For power tools that generate impulse noise, like nail guns, limits are based on peak sound pressure.

Measurement

Limit

Action

Lower Exposure Action Value (LEAV)

80 dB (A) 

 

137 dB (C) for impulse noise

Provide information on preventative measures via training.

Upper Exposure Action Value

85 dB (A) 

 

140 dB (C) for impulse noise

Provide hearing protection and training.

Exposure Limit Value (ELV)

87 dB (A) 

 

140 dB (C) for impulse noise

Never exceed.


Some power tools with the highest risk of vibration and noise-induced injuries include grinders, SDS hammer drills, demolition tools, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers.

Dust control and respiratory protection

Certain power tools like sanders, saws, and grinders can generate dust particles, increasing the risk of respiratory health problems. Prolonged or repeated exposure to these fine airborne particles could cause:

  • Occupational asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Silicosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Skin and eye irritation

To lower the risk of these illnesses and injuries, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2022 must be adhered to. Some important rules include:

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended in 2022) are also relevant here, as they state that appropriate PPE must be provided when risks can’t be controlled by other means.

In this context, appropriate PPE would include dust masks, goggles, ear protection, knee pads and gloves. However, PPE should never act as a first line of defence — dust extraction methods must be prioritised first.

Battery storage and charging guidelines for cordless tools

If you use cordless power tools, it’s important to stay aware of the risks of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. 

These batteries are commonly used to power cordless power tools because they are lightweight and charge quickly, but they can also cause fires and electrical injuries if they are not stored or charged correctly, because they are so sensitive.

To properly maintain your cordless power tool batteries and reduce the risk of injury, you should:

  • Only use the manufacturer’s charger designed for your batteries
  • Charge them in a dry and well-ventilated space
  • Place them on a non-flammable surface when charging
  • Disconnect the charger when fully charged
  • Adhere to the battery’s safe temperature range in the manufacturer’s guidelines
  • Store each battery in its own fire-resistant storage box (for storage between frequent usage)
  • Partially discharge the battery to 40 – 60% (for long-term storage over weeks or months)

Licensing and age restrictions

You don’t need a licence to own or operate a power tool in the UK if you are using it for domestic or professional use. However, you may need a licence or specific certification if:

  • You are using a power tool as part of a regulated trade, such as gas work or electrical installations
     
  • You will be using a power tool at height or on a construction site
     
  • You are operating heavy-duty or plant machinery

Age restrictions for power tools in the UK

While you may not need a licence to buy or use a power tool, there are age verification rules in place in the UK.

You must be aged 18 or over to buy:
 

  • Power tools with blades or cutting discs
     
  • Power tools with a nail gun or similar ejection mechanism
     
  • Blades and replacement discs for power tools

If you are under 18 years old, you may be able to buy basic power tools, but the final decision depends on the retailer's discretion and their safety policy.

When can under-18s use power tools?

There are some circumstances where a 16 or 17-year-old can use power tools, like during an apprenticeship. However, there are strict regulations that employers must adhere to so that young workers are safe while using these power tools:

Most importantly, employers should conduct a thorough risk assessment and only allow under-18s to operate power tools if it is essential for their training and the risk assessment shows that it is safe. They must also always be supervised by a competent person when operating power tools.

Stay compliant and stay safe with ToolStore UK

At ToolStore UK, we’re proud to offer customers fully-compliant power tools designed by trusted brands like DEWALT, MAKITA, BOSCH, Milwaukee, and more.

No matter which power tool you choose, always remember to maintain your power tools regularly and use best practices to limit health and safety risks to yourself and those around you.

Enjoy free UK delivery on orders over £55 and a 1-year warranty on all of our products. Want to learn more about our power tool collection? Get in touch with our team by calling 0333 004 3777 today.

27th May 2025

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