Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Durham

Durham City is a historic city in County Durham, North East England, built around a peninsula formed by the River Wear. It is best known for Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city developed as an important religious and administrative centre in medieval England, and its history has strongly influenced the type of industries found there over time.

For many centuries, Durham’s economy was closely linked to the church and education. The cathedral and the Prince Bishops of Durham brought wealth, employment, and influence to the city. Craftspeople, traders, and service workers supported religious life, while markets helped Durham function as a local commercial centre for surrounding rural communities.

Unlike many nearby towns, Durham City did not become heavily industrialised during the Industrial Revolution. While coal mining was widespread in County Durham, most mines were located outside the city itself. Instead, Durham served as an administrative, residential, and service centre for mining villages nearby, with rail and road links connecting it to the wider coalfield economy.

Today, education is one of Durham City’s most important industries. Durham University is a major employer and attracts students, researchers, and investment from around the world. The university supports jobs in teaching, research, accommodation, catering, and retail, making it central to the city’s economy and identity.

Tourism and service industries also play a major role in Durham City’s modern economy. Visitors are drawn by its historic buildings, museums, cultural events, and riverside setting. Hospitality, retail, healthcare, public administration, and professional services provide significant employment. Overall, Durham City has a service-based economy, shaped by its history, education sector, and cultural importance rather than heavy industry.

For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 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 PUWER 1998

PUWER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Durham that owns or operates work equipment must ensure that:

• Work equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations and maintenance are carried out at regular intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent 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 Durham – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular PUWER 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 PUWER Examination?

An examination under PUWER is a detailed and legally required inspection of work equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a PUWER examination must be performed by a competent person and records should be taken to document the inspection carried out, by means of an inspection report.

Frequency of Examinations

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

• On initial install – Work equipment should be inspected on initial install, after assembly at a new site or location, and prior to first being put into service.

• At suitable intervals – Whether this be decided by manufacturers guidance, or dependent on how quickly the work equipment or parts are liable to deteriorate .

• After exceptional circumstances which may jeopardise the safety of the work equipment  – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

PUWER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent person—whether that be the us at SEIS, equipment supplier or highly trained operator. At SEIS, our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Work Equipment Covered by SEIS in Durham

Businesses in Durham use a vast range of work equipment, and at SEIS we provide PUWER inspections across them all.

Industrial Power Press

• Press brakes

• Hydraulic power press

• Guillotine press

• Mechanical power press

Industrial Machinery

• CNC machines

• Lathe

• Pillar drills

• Injection moulding machines

Miscellaneous Work Equipment

• Storage racking

• Roller shutter doors

• Ladders

• Staging

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 Durham businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from heavy industry 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 work equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with PUWER 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 Durham

We make PUWER 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 PUWER Inspections in Durham?

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

Local Knowledge of Durham Industries

From 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.

Durham Facts

1. Durham City is located in County Durham, North East England.

2. The city is built around a peninsula formed by the River Wear.

3. Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe.

4. Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

5. Durham developed as an important religious and administrative centre in medieval England.

6. The city was ruled by the Prince Bishops of Durham, who held significant power.

7. Unlike nearby towns, Durham City was not heavily industrialised during the Industrial Revolution.

8. Durham University is a major employer and central to the city’s economy.

9. Tourism plays a significant role, with visitors attracted by historic buildings and culture.

10. Today, Durham City has a mainly service-based economy, focused on education, tourism, retail, and public services.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Durham

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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