Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Spennymoor

History and industry in Spennymoor

Spennymoor is a town in County Durham, North East England, located between Durham and Bishop Auckland. Historically, it developed as a small agricultural settlement, but the discovery of coal in the surrounding area during the 19th century transformed Spennymoor into a thriving industrial town. Coal mining became the dominant industry, shaping the town’s growth, population, and social structure. Housing, schools, and public services expanded rapidly to support the mining workforce, creating a strong sense of community tied to the coal industry.

Coal mining remained the backbone of Spennymoor’s economy for over a century, with several collieries in and around the town providing employment to thousands of residents. Mining not only supplied jobs but also influenced local businesses, with shops, markets, and services catering to the needs of miners and their families. Engineering and small-scale manufacturing industries also grew alongside mining, producing machinery, tools, and other goods for the local and regional markets.

The closure of the coal mines in the late 20th century led to significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and population decline. Since then, Spennymoor has diversified its economy and undergone regeneration. Today, light manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and retail are key industries in the town, taking advantage of transport links such as the A688 and proximity to larger urban centres like Durham and Bishop Auckland.

Public services, education, healthcare, and small businesses now make up a significant portion of local employment, reflecting a shift toward a service-based economy. Cultural and community projects, along with improvements to housing and town infrastructure, have also contributed to Spennymoor’s ongoing regeneration. While the town no longer relies on heavy industry, its industrial heritage remains an important part of its identity and community pride.

For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) is not just a legal requirement—it’s also about safeguarding your employees, protecting your business reputation, and ensuring your equipment remains safe and reliable.

Legal Requirements Under LOLER 1998

LOLER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Spennymoor that owns or operates lifting equipment must ensure that:

• Lifting equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations are carried out at regular, legally required intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent and impartial person.

Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, prosecution, and serious safety risks.

Protecting Your Workforce and Your Business

At SEIS, we know that every business in Spennymoor – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular LOLER inspections reduce the risk of accidents, protect your workforce, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Compliance not only keeps you legal, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety.

What is a LOLER Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination under LOLER is a detailed and legally required inspection of lifting equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a LOLER examination must be performed by an impartial, competent person and results in an official Report of Thorough Examination.

Frequency of Examinations

How often your lifting equipment in Spennymoor needs to be inspected & tested depends on its type and use:

• Every 6 months – For lifting equipment used to lift persons (e.g., passenger lifts, wheelchair lifts, patient hoists), or lifting accessories and attachments.

• Every 12 months – For other lifting equipment (e.g., cranes, forklifts, goods lifts).

• After significant changes or repairs – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

LOLER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent and independent person—not by the equipment supplier or operator. At SEIS, we meet these exact criteria. Our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Lifting Equipment Covered by SEIS in Spennymoor

Businesses in Spennymoor use a vast range of lifting equipment, and at SEIS we provide LOLER inspections across them all.

Lifts and Hoists

• Passenger lifts

• Goods lifts

• Vehicle lifts

• Wheelchair and platform lifts

Cranes and Forklift Trucks

• Overhead travelling cranes

• Mobile cranes

• Forklift trucks

• Lifting tackle and accessories

Lifting Accessories and Tackle

• Slings (chains, ropes, webbing)

• Shackles and hooks

• Lifting beams and frames

• Chain blocks and lever hoists

No matter the type of equipment on your site, SEIS ensures every examination is completed thoroughly, with full reports for your compliance records.

SEIS: Your Local Independent Inspection & Testing Company

SEIS is proud to support Spennymoor businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from the port to food production, and we tailor our service to meet your needs.

Independent, Impartial & Compliant

As an independent inspection provider, we do not sell or repair lifting equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with LOLER regulations.

Experienced Engineer Surveyors

Our team of qualified surveyors have years of hands-on experience across multiple industries. They know exactly what to look for and how to ensure your business remains compliant without unnecessary disruption.

Minimising Disruption to Your Operations

We understand that downtime costs money. That’s why we work around your production schedule, conducting inspections efficiently and professionally so your operations continue smoothly.

Our Inspection Process in Spennymoor

We make LOLER inspections & testing straightforward and hassle-free for local businesses.

Booking and Scheduling

Simply get in touch with our team, and we’ll arrange a time that works for you.

On-Site Examination

Our engineer surveyors visit your site and carry out thorough examinations with minimal disruption.

Report of Thorough Examination

After each inspection, you’ll receive a clear, detailed report highlighting any defects and recommended actions.

Ongoing Compliance Management

We’ll manage your inspection schedule, reminding you before your next due date. Plus, you’ll have access to our online reporting portal, so your certificates are always at your fingertips.

Why Choose SEIS for LOLER Inspections Spennymoor?

Choosing the right inspection provider makes all the difference. Here’s why Spennymoor businesses trust SEIS:

Local Knowledge of Spennymoor Industries

From the heavy industry and food manufacturing to hospitals, schools, and garages, we understand the unique challenges businesses here face.

Trusted by Multiple Sectors

We provide inspections for:

• Heavy industry Education

• Healthcare

• Automotive

Client-Centric Approach

We pride ourselves on safety, compliance, and customer service—always putting your needs first.

Spennymoor Facts

1. Spennymoor is a town in County Durham, North East England.

2. The town originally developed as a small agricultural settlement.

3. Its growth accelerated in the 19th century due to coal mining in the surrounding area.

4. Coal mining was the dominant industry in Spennymoor for over a century.

5. The town’s population and housing expanded rapidly to support miners and their families.

6. Engineering and small-scale manufacturing also developed alongside coal mining.

7. The closure of the coal mines in the late 20th century caused significant economic challenges.

8. Today, the town’s economy includes light manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.

9. Public services, retail, healthcare, and education now provide a large portion of employment.

10. Spennymoor’s industrial heritage remains important to the town’s identity and community pride.

Book LOLER Inspection & Examination in Spennymoor

Booking with SEIS is quick and easy:

✅ Call our friendly team

✅ Fill in our online booking form

✅ Get your inspection arranged around your schedule

We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your equipment is inspected thoroughly, your compliance is up to date, and your workforce is kept safe.

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