Why Choose an EKH Quality Mark?
The examination of lifting equipment is a statutory requirement, but in practice it raises many questions. What exactly needs to be checked? How often should this be done? And who is actually authorised to carry out these examinations? The law provides few specific guidelines, which can lead to uncertainty, confusion and sometimes even dangerous situations.
The EKH quality mark provides a reliable solution and gives companies clarity and assurance regarding safe examinations.
An EKH Quality Mark: For Clarity and Safety
Having lifting equipment examined annually is a statutory requirement, but in some cases it is advisable to do this more frequently. As an employer, you are responsible for the safety of your equipment. The general guidelines provided by current legislation create considerable uncertainty for companies and can sometimes even result in dangerous situations. The EKH quality mark removes this uncertainty. Companies working with this quality mark provide assurance regarding the way examinations are carried out. Benefits include:
Benefits of the EKH Quality Mark:
- Examinations carried out by personally certified EKH Inspectors;
- Uniform and up-to-date Working Instructions that apply throughout the industry;
- Annual assessment of affiliated companies by an independent auditing organisation;
- Mandatory certification in accordance with the EKH Quality Management System (Digital Handbook) for affiliated companies;
- Sample-based checks of examinations carried out;
- Demonstrably inspire confidence among supervisory authorities, customers and insurers.
This approach ensures that examinations carried out under the EKH quality mark are always performed by professionals who know what they are doing and work in accordance with the most up-to-date standards.
Is an EKH Quality Mark Mandatory?
In the past, the rules for examining and safely using lifting equipment were clearly laid down in legislation. The Safety Act and associated decrees provided extensive guidelines. The Harbour Labour Inspectorate supervised examinations as a designated inspection company, while the Labour Inspectorate provided clear guidelines and actively contributed to their implementation. Although the rules were clearer at the time, responsibility did not lie with the employer.
Today, responsibility does lie with the employer. Since the introduction of the Working Conditions Act, the legislation has become less specific. There is still a statutory obligation to have lifting equipment inspected at least annually by a competent person, with the results recorded in writing. However, the law does not specify exactly what must be checked, how this must be done or what level of expertise is required. Full responsibility lies with the employer. The employer must ensure safe work equipment and properly informed employees. Whether the employer has succeeded in doing so often only becomes apparent when something goes wrong. The consequences are therefore also borne by the employer.
In short: The law provides insufficient guidance on the examination of lifting accessories and cranes. Engaging an EKH-certified inspection company eliminates this uncertainty. It provides the employer with assurance that they are properly fulfilling their statutory duty of care.
Inspectors and Inspection Companies
The EKH quality mark does not stand alone, but is directly linked to the quality of both the inspectors and the inspection companies that work with it. Only EKH-recognised inspectors and certified EKH companies may carry out examinations in accordance with these guidelines. Would you like to know exactly what requirements they must meet? Read more about the certification of EKH companies and the requirements for EKH-recognised inspectors.
Inspectors Inspection Companies
Contact EKH
Would you like to be sure that you comply with legislation and regulations and minimise the risk of errors or liability? Request more information from an EKH company, complete our contact form or contact us by telephone on 030 – 605 33 44. We will be happy to help you.