Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Derby

Derby is a city located in the East Midlands, known for its rich industrial heritage and strong engineering and manufacturing base. It sits on the banks of the River Derwent and benefits from excellent transport links, with the M1 motorway, East Midlands Airport, and direct rail services to London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Historically, Derby played a central role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly in textiles and rail engineering. It became one of the UK’s earliest centres of industrial innovation, and this legacy has continued into the modern era.

Today, Derby is recognised as a national hub for advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, rail, and automotive engineering. It is home to major global companies such as Rolls-Royce, which operates its civil aerospace division from the city, employing thousands of skilled workers. Alstom (formerly Bombardier) manufactures trains in Derby, making it the UK’s primary centre for rail vehicle production. These industries are supported by a strong network of suppliers, research institutions, and training centres, including partnerships with the University of Derby, which has a strong focus on engineering and applied sciences.

Beyond its engineering and manufacturing sectors, Derby also has a growing economy in professional services, healthcare, retail, and education. The city centre has seen ongoing regeneration, including the development of the Cathedral Quarter, new office spaces, and cultural venues. Derby’s central location and access to a skilled workforce continue to make it attractive to investors and businesses across a range of sectors. With a solid foundation in high-value industries and continued investment in infrastructure and innovation, Derby is well-positioned for sustained economic growth.

Derby is surrounded by a range of towns and villages that have played an important role in the city’s industrial development. Places such as Ilkeston, Heanor, and Ripley to the north and west grew rapidly during the 19th century due to coal mining, ironworking, and engineering. These settlements were closely connected to Derby through canals, railways, and later roads, allowing raw materials and finished goods to move easily across the region.

To the south and east, towns and villages including Swadlincote, Melbourne, and Borrowash combined industry with agriculture. Swadlincote became well known for its coal mining and brickmaking industries, supplying building materials across the Midlands. Other villages supported lace making, textile work, and small-scale manufacturing, often alongside farming, reflecting a more mixed local economy.

In more recent times, traditional heavy industry has declined across the area, but new industries have taken its place. Business parks, logistics centres, and advanced manufacturing now provide employment, supported by Derby’s strong links to engineering and transport. The surrounding towns and villages continue to reflect Derbyshire’s industrial heritage while adapting to a more modern and diverse economy.

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 Derby 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 Derby – 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 Derby 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 Derby

Businesses in Derby 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 Derby 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 Derby

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 Derby?

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

Local Knowledge of Derby 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.

Derby Facts

1. Derby is a city in Derbyshire, England, located on the River Derwent in the East Midlands.

2. It officially became a city in 1977 as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

3. Derby is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution due to early factory systems and water-powered mills.

4. The city has strong historical links to engineering and manufacturing, particularly through companies such as Rolls-Royce.

5. Derby Cathedral features a tall tower that dominates the city skyline and dates back to the 16th century.

6. The River Derwent played a key role in Derby’s industrial growth by providing power and transport routes.

7. Derby is close to the Derwent Valley Mills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. The city has a long sporting history and is closely associated with Derby County Football Club, founded in 1884.

9. Derby has Roman origins and was once the site of a Roman settlement known as Derventio.

10. Today, Derby has a diverse economy including engineering, transport, education, healthcare, and retail.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Derby

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 *

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

My Name

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

Comment or Message

Submit

PUWER Inspections & Examinations Derby FAQ's