LOLER Testing, Inspections & Thorough Examinations in Pontefract

Why LOLER Inspections Matter for Businesses in Pontefract

History and industry in Pontefract

Pontefract is a historic market town in West Yorkshire, England, located near Castleford and part of the City of Wakefield metropolitan borough. Known for its rich history dating back to Roman times, Pontefract has long been associated with agriculture, trade, and military importance, particularly through Pontefract Castle, once one of the most important fortresses in northern England. The town is also famously linked to the production of liquorice, which has been grown in the area for centuries and remains part of its cultural identity. Historically, Pontefract was also influenced by the coal mining industry, with many residents employed in surrounding collieries until the industry’s decline in the late 20th century.

In the modern era, manufacturing and food production play a key role in Pontefract’s economy. The town is home to Haribo, one of the UK’s largest confectionery manufacturers, which operates a major factory in Pontefract, continuing the town’s link with liquorice and sweets. Food and drink processing remains a strong local sector, supported by the town’s location and infrastructure. Small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses also contribute to the local economy, particularly in areas like packaging, light engineering, and plastics. These industries often operate from nearby industrial estates and benefit from access to regional transport routes, including the M62 motorway.

Logistics, warehousing, and distribution have become increasingly important to Pontefract’s economic landscape due to its central location in the UK and proximity to key transport networks. Business parks and distribution centres around the town support employment in goods handling and supply chain management, often servicing retail and manufacturing operations throughout Yorkshire and beyond. Additionally, Pontefract maintains a role as a retail and service centre for the surrounding area, with a range of shops, healthcare services, and educational institutions contributing to its local economy. In summary, Pontefract today blends historic charm with modern industry, driven by confectionery manufacturing, logistics, and service-based employment.

For these businesses and industries, staying compliant with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) 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 LOLER 1998

LOLER regulations place strict duties on business owners and equipment operators. Any business in Pontefract that owns or operates lifting equipment must ensure that:

• Lifting equipment is safe to use.

• Examinations are carried out at regular, legally required intervals.

• Inspections are conducted by a competent and impartial 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 Pontefract – whether in heavy industry, healthcare, education, or automotive—depends on reliable, safe equipment. Regular LOLER 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 LOLER Thorough Examination?

A thorough examination under LOLER is a detailed and legally required inspection of lifting equipment. Unlike simple checks or maintenance tasks, a LOLER examination must be performed by an impartial, competent person and results in an official Report of Thorough Examination.

Frequency of Examinations

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

• Every 6 months – For lifting equipment used to lift persons (e.g., passenger lifts, wheelchair lifts, patient hoists), or lifting accessories and attachments.

• Every 12 months – For other lifting equipment (e.g., cranes, forklifts, goods lifts).

• After significant changes or repairs – Equipment must be inspected immediately if it has been modified, damaged, or relocated.

Competent Persons and Impartial Reporting

LOLER requires inspections to be carried out by a competent and independent person—not by the equipment supplier or operator. At SEIS, we meet these exact criteria. Our inspections are impartial, unbiased, and always in line with UK regulations.

Types of Lifting Equipment Covered by SEIS in Pontefract

Businesses in Pontefract use a vast range of lifting equipment, and at SEIS we provide LOLER inspections across them all.

Lifts and Hoists

• Passenger lifts

• Goods lifts

• Vehicle lifts

• Wheelchair and platform lifts

Cranes and Forklift Trucks

• Overhead travelling cranes

• Mobile cranes

• Forklift trucks

• Lifting tackle and accessories

Lifting Accessories and Tackle

• Slings (chains, ropes, webbing)

• Shackles and hooks

• Lifting beams and frames

• Chain blocks and lever hoists

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 Pontefract businesses with impartial, expert inspections. We understand the local industries, from the port 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 lifting equipment. This means you can trust our assessments to be impartial, unbiased, and fully in line with LOLER 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 Pontefract

We make LOLER 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 LOLER Inspections Pontefract?

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

Local Knowledge of Pontefract Industries

From the 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.

Book LOLER Inspection & Examination in Pontefract

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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LOLER By Industry *--- Select Choice ---AutomotiveEducationHealthcareHeavy Industry

LOLER Inspections & Examinations (Heavy Industry) *--- Select Choice ---Chain/Rope HoistsFork Lift TrucksLifting Attachments & AncillariesLifting TackleOverhead Travelling CranesPassenger/Goods LiftsOther

LOLER Inspections & Examinations (Education) *--- Select Choice ---Patient HoistsPatient SlingsPassenger LiftsPlatform LiftsWheelchair Stair LiftsOther

LOLER Inspections & Examinations (Healthcare) *--- Select Choice ---Patient HoistsPatient SlingsPassenger LiftsPlatform LiftsWheelchair Stair LiftsOther

LOLER Inspections & Examinations (Automotive) *--- Select Choice ---Beam JacksBottle JacksEngine Cranes / Engine HoistsScissor Lifting TablesTrolley JacksVehicle LiftsOther

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