Why PUWER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Halifax

Halifax is a historic market town located in West Yorkshire, within the metropolitan borough of Calderdale. Known for its impressive Victorian architecture and rich industrial heritage, Halifax played a significant role in the wool and textile industries during the Industrial Revolution. Iconic landmarks such as the Piece Hall—a restored 18th-century cloth hall—highlight the town’s historic importance as a centre for wool trading and manufacture. Today, Halifax has evolved into a modern town with a diverse economy while maintaining its unique character and cultural significance.

One of Halifax’s most prominent sectors is financial services, with the town famously lending its name to the Halifax Building Society, now part of Lloyds Banking Group. The company continues to have a strong presence in the area, making financial services a key local employer. The town also supports industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and digital technology. A number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in precision engineering, plastics, packaging, and food production operate throughout Calderdale’s business parks and industrial estates.

In addition to its industrial and commercial base, Halifax has a growing tourism and creative sector, supported by attractions such as the Piece Hall, Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, and the surrounding Pennine countryside. The retail and hospitality industries also contribute significantly to the local economy. Investment in town centre regeneration, transport infrastructure, and business support initiatives has helped attract new businesses and talent to the area. With a combination of strong heritage, a skilled workforce, and ongoing development, Halifax continues to thrive as a key economic and cultural hub in West Yorkshire.

Halifax is a historic town in West Yorkshire, surrounded by towns and villages such as Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, and Hipperholme. These settlements developed along steep valleys shaped by the River Calder and its tributaries, where water power and transport routes supported early industrial growth. Halifax acted as the main commercial centre, while surrounding communities grew around mills, workshops, and rural settlements.

The area is best known for its textile heritage. During the Industrial Revolution, Halifax and neighbouring towns became centres for woollen and worsted cloth production. Villages such as Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge were filled with mills, while engineering, dyeing, and finishing industries developed to support textile manufacturing. Quarrying and stoneworking were also important in the surrounding hills, providing building materials for mills and housing.

As traditional textiles declined, the local economy diversified. Many former mill buildings were converted for light manufacturing, offices, creative industries, and residential use. Today, employment across the area includes manufacturing, logistics, retail, tourism, education, and healthcare. The blend of historic mill towns, rural villages, and modern industries gives the Halifax area a varied and evolving economic landscape.

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 Halifax 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 Halifax – 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 Halifax 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 Halifax

Businesses in Halifax 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 Halifax 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 Halifax

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 Halifax?

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

Local Knowledge of Halifax 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.

Halifax facts

1. Halifax is a town in West Yorkshire, located in the Calder Valley.

2. It has a long history as a centre of woollen textile production.

3. Halifax grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution due to the textile trade.

4. The town is surrounded by steep valleys and Pennine hills.

5. Halifax Minster is one of the town’s most notable historic buildings.

6. The Piece Hall, a Grade I listed building, was originally built for trading cloth.

7. Halifax was part of the historic West Riding of Yorkshire.

8. The town has strong transport links via rail and road to Leeds, Manchester, and Bradford.

9. Quarrying and stoneworking were also important historical industries in the area.

10. Today, Halifax’s economy includes manufacturing, retail, education, healthcare, and tourism.

Book PUWER Inspection & Examination in Halifax

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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