Under the Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit), employers are legally required to have their lifting equipment inspected and certified at the prescribed intervals. Although the legislation does not specifically refer to inspection as a separate activity, regular inspections are essential for maintaining the highest possible level of safety.
For this reason, both EKH and the industry association AI-17 distinguish between inspection and certification, recognising that each plays an important role in ensuring the safe use of lifting equipment.
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Certification of Lifting Equipment
The certification of lifting equipment involves much more than a visual inspection. In many cases, the equipment is partially dismantled and may also undergo proof load testing or non-destructive testing (NDT), such as tensile testing or crack detection.
In general, lifting equipment must undergo a mandatory annual certification. This does not mean that every item must be proof load tested every year. The required testing depends on the type of equipment. For equipment that does not require annual proof load testing, the annual assessment is referred to as an inspection.
Inspection of Lifting Equipment
During an inspection, lifting equipment is assessed by a competent person. In most cases, the inspection can be carried out on-site without dismantling the equipment. Unlike certification, no proof load testing is performed.
The Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit) does not prescribe detailed inspection procedures. Therefore, inspections should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or the guidelines issued by EKH (Association of Approved Inspection Companies for Lifting Equipment).
Although inspections are commonly carried out annually, some types of lifting equipment require more frequent inspections—for example, every three months. The inspection intervals stated in the Working Conditions Decree should be regarded as minimum requirements. They must be shortened when equipment is subjected to intensive use, harsh operating conditions, or adverse environmental influences. Determining the appropriate inspection frequency is the responsibility of the equipment owner as part of the Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E).
Requirements Vary by Equipment Type
Take a lifting chain as an example. According to the guidelines issued by EKH and the industry association AI-17, lifting chains must undergo an annual visual inspection by a competent person. This inspection may also include dimensional measurements to determine whether the chain has stretched or shortened, which could indicate overloading.
In addition to the annual inspection, lifting chains must undergo proof load testing every four years.
The requirements differ depending on the type of lifting equipment. For example, lifting clamps and manual chain hoists require annual proof load testing.
Proof load testing is also required after repairs involving partial or complete dismantling of the equipment.
Pre-Use Inspection
Certification and formal inspections are carried out by a competent person at least once a year. However, this does not replace the need for a pre-use inspection before every lifting operation.
Certification and inspection provide only a snapshot of the equipment's condition. Damage can occur at any time during normal use.
For example, synthetic lifting slings are particularly susceptible to wear and can easily be cut when used on loads with sharp edges. For this reason, the person using the lifting equipment should always carefully inspect it before use to confirm that it remains in safe working condition.
This is arguably the most important inspection of all. In addition, always check that the lifting equipment has a valid certificate number or inspection label before putting it into service.
Knowledge file Safe Lifting
Use lifting equipment safely and correctly. Learn how to sling loads properly and how to inspect, examine, and certify lifting equipment to ensure safe and responsible lifting operations.
