Documented training for machinery and tools

Last updated: July 2026

This article explains the requirements for documented safety training and equipment-specific training under Norwegian regulations and guidance from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet). Certified safety training is not covered here.

What are the training requirements before using machinery and tools (work equipment)?

Employers are required to ensure all employees receive necessary training before using machinery, tools, and other equipment that can cause injury. This is required by law in Regulations concerning the Performance of Work, sections 10-2 and 10-4 (see Lovdata) and explained by Arbeidstilsynet.

The requirement includes two levels that must be documented:

1. Documented safety training: General training for a specific equipment category.
2. Equipment-specific training: Practical training on the exact brand and model being used. This training is always required in addition when relevant.

Arbeidstilsynet regularly supervises compliance, and missing documentation may lead to sanctions, work stoppage, and administrative fines.

What must an employer do?

1. Identify equipment categories that involve risk and require training. Document the risk assessment.
2. Complete required training before use. Document the training.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Must machinery and tool training be documented?

Yes. If the equipment can cause injury during use, the law requires documentation of training. It is the employer’s responsibility to keep the documentation available and up to date.

What is the difference between documented safety training and equipment-specific training?

• Documented safety training provides a basic foundation for safe use of an equipment category.
• Equipment-specific training covers the exact model and brand the employee will use, including any relevant attachments.

Important rule: Even when base competence is documented or certified, equipment-specific training is still required in addition when relevant.

Who can provide documented safety training?

Training can be provided by the employer or other qualified persons (internal or external) with sufficient competence for the equipment in question. External certification is not required for documented safety training (unlike certified training for certain categories such as cranes, forklifts and earthmoving machines).

When is new equipment-specific training not required?

According to Arbeidstilsynet, new training is not required when the equipment is identical in functionality and operation to equipment the employee has already been trained on, and the risk assessment shows the previous training is sufficient.

Documentation requirement: If the employer concludes that new equipment-specific training is not required, a written justification must be available. Kvipp helps you document this directly in the risk assessment process.

Simple field documentation with Kvipp from DigiQuip

What is Kvipp?

Kvipp is a digital solution from DigiQuip built for fast, simple, and compliant documentation of training directly in the field. No paper forms and no complicated setup. Everything is done on mobile at the worksite.

Can I complete risk assessments and document training with Kvipp?

Yes. Kvipp combines risk assessment and training in one workflow. The solution is designed to handle risk assessment, documented safety training (category level), and equipment-specific training (brand/model) in one system.

If an employee will use equipment that is identical to what they already know, you can record the written justification in Kvipp. This keeps your documentation ready for audits and makes training requirements clear to employees.

Do employees receive a training certificate in Kvipp?

Yes. Kvipp generates a digital training certificate that meets documentation requirements. The certificate includes who received training, who provided it, completion date, and which equipment category and machine (brand/model) the training applies to.

Should documented safety training and equipment-specific training be completed at the same time?

Yes, this is usually the best approach. It makes training more efficient in practice, easier to plan, and easier to document as one process.

With Kvipp, you can complete and document both documented safety training and equipment-specific training in the same flow, in the same place, and in one process.

Is Kvipp integrated with K-REG (the Competence Register)?

Yes. Kvipp is integrated with K-REG, which makes it possible to transfer and register completed training for better central overview and control.

Want a full overview of how to meet legal requirements? Read more about risk assessment, how to provide training, and how to manage training certificates in DigiQuip.