Crane Inspection

Crane inspection is the verification, at defined intervals, that the load-bearing structure, the lifting arrangement and the safety devices of the lifting equipment operate safely. It is not confined to visual examination: function trials and a load test demonstrate that the equipment safely carries its rated capacity.

The aim is to detect the wear, deformation and loss of adjustment that arise in service before they become an accident. Lifting equipment accidents are usually not sudden but the outcome of cumulative deterioration; periodic inspection makes that accumulation visible.

• Overhead and gantry cranes
• Jib cranes
• Mobile and truck-mounted cranes
• Tower cranes
• Monorail systems and lifting beams

There is no single universal interval. The inspection interval follows the most restrictive of three sources: the maximum period set by the applicable work-equipment legislation, the instructions in the manufacturer's manual, and the operator's risk assessment. Heavy duty, corrosive environments or shift work shorten it. The next inspection date is stated in the report.

• Load-bearing structure: cracks, deformation, corrosion and weld seams
• Wire rope/chain: wear, number of broken wires, deformation and lubrication condition
• Hook: throat opening, wear, cracks and safety latch
• Hoisting and travel brakes
• Limit switches: upper-lower hoisting and travel limits
• Overload protection device
• Drum and sheaves: groove wear, rope reeving arrangement
• Electrical equipment, emergency stop and controls
• Rail, wheel and buffer condition
• Label, capacity plate and warning signs

• ISO/IEC 17020
• ISO 4309
• EN 13001 series
• EN 12644
• ISO 9927-1
• ISO 12480-1

• Calibrated test weights or a load-measuring dynamometer
• Rope diameter gauges and hook gauge
• Ultrasonic thickness gauge (when required)
• Magnetic particle equipment (for the hook and critical connections)
• Distance and level measuring instruments
• Thermal camera (for electrical connections)

1. 1Preliminary Information and PlanningThe equipment inventory, capacity data, manufacturer's instructions and previous inspection reports are collected; the inspection date and site conditions are planned.
2. 2Document ReviewThe declaration of conformity, user manual, maintenance records and, where applicable, records closing out earlier nonconformities are reviewed.
3. 3Visual InspectionThe load-bearing structure, connections, guards and warning markings are checked visually; wear, deformation and corrosion are assessed.
4. 4Function and Safety Device CheckSafety devices such as brakes, limit switches, emergency stop and overload protection are verified by operating them.
5. 5Measurement and Load TestDepending on the type of equipment, a load test, pressure test or electrical measurements are carried out. Test values are set according to the manufacturer's limits and the relevant standard.
6. 6Evaluation and ReportingFindings are graded as conforming / non-conforming / conditionally conforming; the report and the inspection label are issued.
7. 7Follow-upIf nonconformities exist, a follow-up inspection is carried out once they have been corrected; the next inspection date is stated in the report.

Findings are classified by severity. An out-of-limit increase in hook throat opening, a number of broken wires above the ISO 4309 threshold, or a brake that fails to hold are findings that require the equipment to be withdrawn from service immediately. Findings such as a missing label or insufficient lubrication are corrected within a set period.

• Details of the inspection body and the inspection personnel
• Equipment identification: make, model, serial number, capacity, year of manufacture
• Standard applied and scope of inspection
• Measuring instruments used and their calibration data
• Findings of the visual inspection and function check
• Load / pressure test values
• Nonconformities identified and their severity
• Conclusion (conforming / non-conforming / conditionally conforming) and the next inspection date

Inspection activities are carried out under ISO/IEC 17020, which requires the impartiality of the inspection body, the competence of its personnel and the validity of the inspection methods. Under the impartiality rule, a party that maintains or repairs an item of equipment cannot carry out the independent inspection of that same equipment. EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation under ISO/IEC 17020, granted by accreditation bodies that are signatories to the ILAC mutual recognition arrangement; because accredited scope is defined per inspection type, it is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Forklift Inspection
• Hoist Inspection
• Work Platform Inspection
• Lift Table Inspection
• Lift Inspection
• Pressure Vessel Inspection
• Compressor Inspection
• Boiler Inspection