Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Wallsend

History and industry in Wallsend

Wallsend is a town in North Tyneside, North East England, located on the north bank of the River Tyne. Its name comes from being at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, which marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. The town has a long history dating back to Roman times, and Segedunum Roman Fort is a major historical site highlighting this heritage. Wallsend’s location by the river and near coalfields made it an ideal place for industrial growth in later centuries.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Wallsend became a centre for shipbuilding. The town’s most famous shipyard, Swan Hunter, built merchant ships, naval vessels, and ocean liners for domestic and international markets. Shipbuilding employed thousands of local residents and supported related industries such as engineering, metalworking, and transport. The river’s accessibility made Wallsend a key industrial hub on the Tyne.

Wallsend was also closely linked to coal mining, with nearby pits supplying fuel for industry and export through the town’s docks. Coal supported shipbuilding, engineering, and other local industries, and many residents were employed in the mines or in businesses connected to coal. This combination of heavy industries shaped the town’s urban layout and community life for generations.

In the late 20th century, the decline of shipbuilding and coal mining caused major economic challenges, including unemployment. In response, Wallsend underwent regeneration, redeveloping former industrial land for business parks, housing, and commercial use. Efforts were made to attract new businesses, diversify the economy, and provide modern employment opportunities for residents.

Today, Wallsend has a mixed economy. While heavy industry is no longer dominant, light manufacturing, retail, public services, healthcare, and education provide significant employment. Tourism also contributes, with attractions such as Segedunum Roman Fort highlighting the town’s heritage. Wallsend has successfully transitioned from an industrial hub to a modern service-oriented town while maintaining pride in its industrial and Roman past.

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 Wallsend 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 Wallsend – 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 Wallsend 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 Wallsend

Businesses in Wallsend 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 Wallsend 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 Wallsend

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 Wallsend?

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

Local Knowledge of Wallsend 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.

Wallsend Facts

1. Wallsend is a town in North Tyneside, North East England.

2. It is located on the north bank of the River Tyne.

3. The town’s name comes from being at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall.

4. Segedunum Roman Fort is a major historical site in Wallsend.

5. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Wallsend became a centre for shipbuilding.

6. The Swan Hunter shipyard was one of the most famous employers in the town.

7. Shipyards in Wallsend built merchant ships, naval vessels, and ocean liners.

8. Wallsend was closely linked to coal mining, which supported local industry.

9. Traditional heavy industries declined in the late 20th century, leading to regeneration.

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

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Wallsend

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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