Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Spennymoor

Spennymoor is a town in County Durham, North East England, located between Durham and Bishop Auckland. Originally a small agricultural settlement, the town expanded significantly in the 19th century due to the growth of coal mining in the surrounding areas. The development of the mining industry shaped the town’s economy, population, and infrastructure, leading to new housing, schools, and community facilities for workers and their families.

Coal mining became the dominant industry in Spennymoor for over a century. Several collieries operated in and around the town, providing employment to thousands of local residents. Mining also encouraged the growth of related industries, including engineering, blacksmithing, and transport, which supported the operation of mines and the movement of coal. The town’s layout and daily life were closely connected to mining activities.

In addition to coal, small-scale manufacturing and brickmaking were important industries in Spennymoor. Local workshops produced goods for construction and domestic use, taking advantage of the town’s transport links and the materials available nearby. These industries helped diversify the economy beyond mining and provided alternative employment for residents.

The decline of coal mining in the late 20th century caused economic challenges, including unemployment and the need for regeneration. In response, the town began to diversify its economy, redeveloping former industrial sites for business parks, light manufacturing, and commercial uses. These efforts have helped attract new employers and provide modern employment opportunities.

Today, Spennymoor has a mixed economy. Light manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, retail, and public services provide the majority of jobs. Community projects, recreational facilities, and tourism also contribute to the local economy. While the town’s industrial past is no longer dominant, its heritage remains a key part of its identity and continues to influence regeneration and community pride.

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 Spennymoor 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 Spennymoor – 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 Spennymoor 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 Spennymoor

Businesses in Spennymoor 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 Spennymoor 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 Spennymoor

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 Spennymoor?

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

Local Knowledge of Spennymoor 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.

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. Several collieries in and around the town employed thousands of residents.

6. Related industries such as engineering and transport supported the coal mines.

7. Small-scale manufacturing and brickmaking also developed in the town.

8. The decline of coal mining in the late 20th century caused economic challenges.

9. Former industrial land has been redeveloped for business parks, light manufacturing, and commercial use.

10. Today, Spennymoor has a mixed economy, including light manufacturing, retail, logistics, public services, and tourism, while its industrial heritage remains central to its identity.

Book PUWER 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.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Company Name *

Location Postcode *

Phone Number *

My Is

Email *

My Enquiry Is Regarding *- Select -LOLERPSSRPUWERCOSHH

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Fork Lift Truck / Mobile Hydraulic HandlerCrane - Overhead / Goliath / Mobile etcPassenger lift / Goods lift / Platform liftPatient hoist / Patient sling(s) / Stair lift / Wheelchair Stair liftChain hoists & blocks / Lifting attachments / Lifting ancillaries / Lifting tackleVehicle lifts / Vehicle jack / Engine craneMobile Elevating Work PlatformTailboard lift / Lorry mounted crane / HIABOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Air receiver / Air compressor / Air oil receiver / Expansion vesselAir dryer units / Abrasive blast potsRefrigeration system(s)Steam boiler - Horizontal / VerticalSteam receivers / Steam heated roller / Steam heated platen / Blow down vessel / Steam jacketed panAutoclave / Coffee steam boilerWritten scheme of examination write up & certificationOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Pallet truck - Manual / PoweredLadders / StagingCNC machine / Industrial machineryPower pressStorage rackingAxle stands / hand toolsRoller shutter doorsOther

Plant Type *--- Select Choice ---Local exhaust ventilationWelding extractors / Welding hoodsDust extraction systemsFume cupboardOther

Comment or Message

Submit

PUWER Inspections & Examinations Spennymoor FAQ's