Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Gateshead

History and industry in Gateshead

Gateshead is a large town and metropolitan borough in North East England, located on the south bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne. Historically, Gateshead developed alongside Newcastle, benefiting from its strategic position on the river and close links to trade and transport. The River Tyne played a crucial role in Gateshead’s growth, allowing raw materials and finished goods to be moved easily and helping the area become an important industrial centre.

During the Industrial Revolution, Gateshead became heavily industrialised. Coal mining in the surrounding areas supplied fuel for industry, while ironworks, glassmaking, and engineering developed along the river. The town was also closely linked to shipbuilding and related industries on the Tyne, providing employment for large numbers of workers. This period of rapid industrial growth shaped Gateshead’s urban landscape and population.

Like many industrial areas in the North East, Gateshead faced economic decline in the late 20th century as traditional industries such as coal mining and heavy engineering declined. This led to job losses and the need for regeneration. In response, large areas of former industrial land were redeveloped, particularly along the riverside, helping to modernise the local economy and environment.

Today, Gateshead has a diverse economy with a strong emphasis on service industries. Retail is a major employer, supported by large shopping centres and retail parks. Public services, healthcare, education, and professional services also provide significant employment. Manufacturing still exists in smaller, more advanced forms, including specialist engineering and production.

Culture and tourism now play an important role in Gateshead’s economy. The town is home to major attractions such as the Angel of the North, the Sage Gateshead (The Glasshouse), and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. These cultural industries, alongside hospitality and leisure, contribute to regeneration and help position Gateshead as a modern, creative area within the wider Tyneside conurbation.

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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead – 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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead

Businesses in Gateshead 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 Gateshead 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 Gateshead

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 Gateshead?

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

Local Knowledge of Gateshead 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.

Gateshead Facts

1. Gateshead is a town and metropolitan borough in North East England.

2. It is located on the south bank of the River Tyne, opposite Newcastle upon Tyne.

3. Gateshead developed as an important industrial centre during the Industrial Revolution.

4. Coal mining played a major role in the area’s early industrial growth.

5. The town was also known for ironworks, glassmaking, and engineering.

6. Gateshead experienced industrial decline in the late 20th century.

7. Large areas of former industrial land have been regenerated, especially along the riverside.

8. Gateshead is home to the famous Angel of the North sculpture.

9. Cultural attractions such as the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Glasshouse are key to the local economy.

10. Today, Gateshead has a diverse economy, including retail, public services, culture, and tourism.

Book LOLER Inspection & Examination in Gateshead

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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