29 September 2025
Protecting the craft: what HSE’s new safety inspections mean for classic motor trade businesses
1 minute
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a nationwide campaign of 1,000 targeted inspections across motor vehicle repair businesses in Great Britain - and for those of us working in the classic motor trade, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of protecting not just our vehicles, but our people.
At Howden, we work closely with restorers, paint specialists, and workshop owners who dedicate their lives to preserving automotive history. Whether you’re refinishing a 1960s Jaguar or rebuilding a vintage race car, the risks involved in paint spraying - particularly with isocyanate-containing materials - are real and serious.
Why this matters
Isocyanates, commonly found in two-pack (2k) paints and lacquers, are the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK. Once symptoms develop, even minimal exposure can trigger severe attacks, often forcing skilled workers to leave the industry altogether.
The HSE’s inspections will focus on ensuring compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations - a legal framework that requires employers to:
- Implement effective control measures
- Provide proper respiratory protection
- Maintain safe spray booth ventilation
- Conduct regular health surveillance and biological monitoring (urine testing)
These aren’t just tick-box exercises, they’re essential steps to safeguard the skilled hands behind every restoration.
What classic restorers should do
If you run a workshop or restoration business, now is the time to review your safety protocols. That includes:
- Ensuring your spray booths maintain negative pressure
- Using certified air-fed breathing apparatus
- Displaying clear clearance times for paint mist dissipation
- Scheduling regular health checks and biological monitoring for your team
Kate Jones, HSE’s biological monitoring lead, puts it simply: “A quick urine test is a cost-effective way to check that control measures are working and being used properly.”
Howden’s role in supporting you
We know that classic motor trade businesses are built on passion, precision, and pride. That’s why our insurance solutions go beyond cover, we offer free risk management services to help you stay compliant, safe, and confident.
Whether you’re a sole trader restoring vintage gems or a larger operation preparing historic race cars, we’re here to support your business - from tailored insurance policies to guidance on workplace safety.
Learn more
To read the full HSE guidance and access resources for your workshop, visit gov.uk/vehicle-repair-safety.
And if you’d like to speak to our team about how we can help protect your business and your people, get in touch today.