About EKH
EKH (Recognised Inspection Companies for Lifting Equipment) is a Dutch umbrella organisation for companies that inspect and examine lifting equipment. As an organisation, we develop uniform Working Instructions and courses for inspectors and safeguard the quality of examinations through certification and sample audits. EKH and its Members provide customers and insurers with additional assurance through clear guidelines and controlled quality.
The Establishment of EKH
EKH was founded on 14 September 1993 by a group of industry professionals who recognised the need for clarity and structure regarding the examination of lifting equipment. The examination of lifting equipment came under pressure in 1992 when the government decided to abolish the Harbour Labour Inspectorate. This abolition changed the policy: “active supervision” suddenly became “retrospective assessment”. Because there was already considerable uncertainty about the practical application of legislation and regulations, uncertainty about the safe use of lifting equipment increased further. EKH was established to put an end to this uncertainty and to provide a reliable, uniform framework for inspection and examination.
Our mission and approach
EKH’s mission is to bring the level of safety in the field of lifting equipment to the highest possible level. We put the statutory standards and guidelines for the examination of lifting equipment into practice in a consistent manner. This provides users (both employers and employees) of lifting equipment with the guidance currently provided by the government.
The foundation of EKH’s approach consists of:
- EKH Working Instructions
- The EKH-Course for EKH Inspector – Above the Hook
- The EKH-Course for EKH Inspector – Below the Hook
EKH – The Quality Mark for Safety and Professional Expertise
Safety, professional expertise and trust are central to EKH. We specialise in the inspection, examination and certification of lifting equipment and serve as the authority within the sector. Organisations that prioritise a safe working environment and want to comply with strict standards and legislation and regulations can have their lifting equipment regularly examined by an EKH-certified inspection company.
The EKH quality mark demonstrates that the safety of users is central and that strict industry requirements are met, thereby minimising legal and financial risks.
Thanks to experienced and certified EKH Inspectors, reliable Working Instructions and professional support, the quality of every process is safeguarded. Thorough audits and continuous training based on competence scheme W1-01 also provide additional assurance in terms of safety and reliability. The EKH quality mark not only gives companies a competitive advantage, but also strengthens customer confidence. Through cooperation with international organisations such as LEEA, EKH continues to stay at the forefront of global safety standards and best practices.
The Role of EKH as an Association
EKH brings together specialised inspection companies that focus on lifting equipment. This includes both lifting and hoisting accessories and lifting appliances. These affiliated companies can participate in the Lifting and Hoisting Accessories section (“Below the Hook”) and/or the Cranes section (“Above the Hook”). The “Lifting and Hoisting” chapter provides a detailed overview of the equipment concerned.
To ensure maximum safety, we have developed clear Working Instructions and inspector courses for both sections. This ensures that examinations carried out by our Members are performed professionally and uniformly by specialists whose expertise can be demonstrated. Customers of EKH Members can therefore rely on their lifting equipment being professionally and uniformly examined by qualified professionals whose expertise can be demonstrated. This enables the customer to fully comply with their statutory duty of care.