Cost of Drilling Equipment
across the UK

# Drilling Equipment Accreditation

In the UK, drilling equipment providers may hold accreditation from several relevant bodies depending on their specific operations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees compliance with health and safety regulations, while the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredits certification bodies that verify quality management systems under ISO 9001 and similar standards. For drilling contractors and equipment hire companies, membership with the Drilling Equipment and Contractors Association (DECA) or similar industry groups demonstrates commitment to professional standards. The British Standards Institution (BSI) also plays a key role in setting and certifying compliance with equipment standards such as BS 8103 for structural guidance in drilling operations. Understanding these bodies helps you identify providers who meet formal legal requirements and industry best practice rather than relying on self-declared standards.

To verify a provider's accreditation, ask for documentation directly and cross-reference it with the issuing body's online register. Most legitimate accrediting organisations maintain public lists of accredited members, which you can check through the UKAS website, the BSI register, or relevant industry association directories. Request copies of current certificates rather than taking dated claims at face value, as accreditation can lapse or be suspended. You should also ask what specific aspects of their service are covered by each accreditation, since holding a general quality certification does not necessarily mean every service they offer meets that standard. This verification matters because accreditation provides contractual protection, insurance validity, and recourse if something goes wrong; an unaccredited provider may leave you liable for losses or unable to claim compensation through formal channels.

Accredited drilling equipment providers typically charge between 10 and 25 percent more than unaccredited competitors, reflecting the genuine costs of maintaining compliance, insurance, training, and regular audits. While this premium can seem steep upfront, it usually proves worth