Apparatus (10) for promoting safe handling of equipment (12) comprises a display (14) for displaying a safety check relating to a prospective user's competency to use the equipment (12). A user manipulatable arrangement (20) enables the prospective user to enter data in response to the check. A controller (16) connected to the arrangement (20) is configured to operate a switch (24) to inhibit switching on or starting of the equipment, should the response data entered not meet with a predetermined criterion.