Proofload Testing: Certainty about the actual strength of your lifting equipment
You want to be able to rely on your equipment with complete confidence. But can that steel wire rope or lifting block truly handle the load? With proof load testing and tensile testing, Mennens gives you that certainty. We test your lifting equipment under controlled conditions: in our workshop or at your location.
You need to be able to trust your equipment without hesitation. But can that steel wire rope or lifting block really handle the required load? With proof load testing and tensile testing, Mennens provides the certainty you need.
We test your lifting equipment under controlled conditions, either at our workshop or on-site at your facility.
- Largest testing capacity in the Benelux: Testing up to 14,000 kN at our facility in Dongen.
- Mobile service: We come to your location to minimise downtime and disruption to your operations.
- Safety certification: Following the test, you immediately receive a test certificate confirming the results.
Measuring is knowing: Prevent accidents
A certificate says a lot, but a physical test says everything. In practice, we regularly see lifting equipment that appears compliant on paper but still fails during testing due to metal fatigue, internal corrosion, or manufacturing defects.
A real-life example: Recently, we tested a lifting beam with a theoretical capacity of 30 tonnes. During the proof load test, the beam failed completely—before the maximum load was even reached. Because this occurred in our controlled test setup, a potentially fatal workplace accident was prevented.
At Mennens, we don’t just test to meet standards—we test to guarantee your safety.
What do we test? (Proof load & break testing)
We perform two types of tests, depending on your objective:
Proof load test (non-destructive): We load the equipment beyond its working load limit (WLL), according to a specified factor (e.g. 1.5x or 2x). Purpose: to demonstrate that the equipment can be used safely.
Break test (destructive): We load the equipment to failure to determine its actual breaking load (MBL). Purpose: to validate a design or perform batch testing.
We test, among others:
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Steel wire ropes and Dyneema® slings
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Chain assemblies and shackles
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Hoists and bottom blocks (single- and double-sheave)
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Custom-built equipment and structural fabrications
Frequently Asked Questions
WLL stands for Working Load Limit (the maximum load you can lift safely). MBL stands for Minimum Breaking Load (the force at which the equipment fails). During a proof load test, we go above the WLL but stay well below the MBL to prevent damage.
This depends on the applicable standards (such as NEN or EKH). A proof load test is often required when new lifting equipment is put into service, after major repairs, or as part of periodic inspections.
Be certain about what you're lifting?
Don’t take risks with the safety of your people and equipment. Whether you want to test a heavy-duty shackle or an entire batch of lifting slings on-site, Mennens takes care of it.
