When you have your lifting installation—such as an overhead crane—inspected and certified by Mennens, you will receive an EKH inspection report once the inspection has been completed. In this article, we explain what this report includes and how it contributes to the safety of your lifting installation.
An EKH inspection report is a standardised inspection report developed by the Dutch Association of Approved Inspection Companies for Lifting Equipment (EKH). This industry association is committed to improving the safety of lifting equipment by establishing inspection procedures and certification schemes based on, among other things, Dutch health and safety legislation, NEN standards, and the Machinery Directive. EKH also provides training and certification for inspectors and inspection companies.
Download our whitepaper
What should you look for when inspecting and certifying lifting chains, fall protection equipment, cranes, and wire rope? And what exactly are the differences between inspection, certification, and testing? Discover expert insights and practical advice from our specialists.
This whitepaper is only available in Dutch!
An EKH-Certified Inspection Company
Mennens is an EKH-certified inspection company, and all of our inspectors hold personal EKH certification. This means they carry out inspections in accordance with EKH procedures and use the official EKH inspection report. In addition, EKH regularly conducts audits and random inspections to verify that our inspections are performed correctly and in full compliance with its requirements.
Critical Inspection Points
The EKH inspection report identifies all the critical components of a lifting installation that must be inspected. These include the crane logbook, load capacity markings, trolley runway, overload protection, emergency stop system, brake discs, shafts and bearings, crane runway, wire rope or load chain, and many other essential components.
Inspection Procedures
The inspector assesses every critical component from a safety perspective and checks for any defects. This is done strictly in accordance with EKH inspection procedures, which specify exactly how each component must be inspected and which standards apply. For every inspection point, the inspector records whether it complies, whether there are any observations, or whether a safety risk has been identified.
Risk Classifications
The EKH inspection report also includes a risk classification system, designed to give the owner or operator a clear overview of the condition of the lifting installation.
For every inspected component, the inspector indicates whether it is present, whether it complies with the requirements, or whether a risk has been identified by assigning a risk classification. Once all critical inspection points have been assessed, the report also records the highest overall risk classification for the installation.
The classifications are:
Class 1: Approved. No significant defects identified.
Class 2: Minor defects. Repair required.
Class 3: Major defects. Repair required.
Class 4: The crane is rejected. It is recommended that the crane is taken out of service until the defects have been rectified.
Demonstrable Expertise
One of the major benefits of an EKH inspection report is that it demonstrates the competence of the inspection company.
Dutch legislation requires lifting equipment—including cranes—to be inspected by a competent person, but it does not clearly define what qualifies someone as competent.
Because Mennens is EKH certified, our expertise is independently verified. Our inspectors are trained to carry out inspections in accordance with recognised standards and established inspection procedures, giving you confidence that your inspection has been performed professionally and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Complete Transparency
An EKH inspection report also provides complete transparency. You can clearly see how your lifting installation has been inspected, which standards have been applied, and the reasoning behind every assessment made by the inspector.
After completing the inspection, our inspector will also review the report with you in detail and explain all findings and recommendations.
A Win-Win Situation
An EKH inspection report, combined with the official EKH inspection procedures, benefits everyone involved.
As the owner of the lifting installation, you can demonstrate that the inspection has been carried out by a qualified, independent inspection company. Should an accident or incident occur, this helps show that you have fulfilled your legal responsibilities regarding inspection and maintenance.
At the same time, the report provides an objective framework against which Mennens' work can be assessed. Unlike in many other countries, Dutch companies are permitted to inspect, reject, repair, and even supply new lifting installations. In theory, this could create the impression of "the butcher judging his own meat."
The EKH inspection procedures and reporting system prevent this by ensuring that every inspection is carried out objectively and according to fixed, independent criteria—even when the equipment being inspected was originally supplied by Mennens.
More information
Would you like more information about the inspection and certification of your lifting installation? Or would you like to schedule an inspection? Contact your nearest Mennens location for expert advice.
