Keuren hijsgereedschappen (OdH)

Lifting accessories are loose devices used to attach a load to a lifting appliance. The examination of lifting accessories is intended to determine whether the equipment can still be used safely and complies with the applicable requirements. In practice, the examination and assessment requirements are set out in EKH’s working instructions, and examinations are carried out by demonstrably competent inspectors.

On this page, you can read how the examination of lifting accessories is organised, what the role of EKH is and which legal requirements apply to inspection, examination and testing.

What does EKH mean by lifting accessories?

Lifting accessories are devices used in combination with lifting appliances to safely lift and move loads. These are loose devices such as lifting slings, round slings, chains, wire ropes and other lifting accessories. Lifting accessories are widely used in industries including manufacturing, construction and logistics. Because these devices are used directly between the load and the lifting appliance, the condition of the lifting accessories is of great importance for safety.

Inspection and examination of lifting accessories

For lifting accessories, a distinction is made between inspection and examination. During an inspection, it is assessed whether the lifting accessory can still be used safely at that particular time. During an examination, it is determined whether the lifting accessory complies with the applicable legal requirements, standards and regulations, and the results are recorded in an examination report.

By law, lifting accessories must be examined at least once a year by a competent person or institution and, where necessary, tested. The inspection and examination requirements are based on manufacturers’ instructions, applicable standards and legal provisions and determine which components must be checked and how these checks must be carried out.

EKH’s role

EKH translates legislation and standards into practical working instructions for lifting accessories. These requirements determine which components must be checked and how this must be carried out. In addition, EKH provides training and certification for inspectors and sets quality requirements for affiliated companies, ensuring that examinations of lifting accessories are carried out with demonstrable competence and reliability.

Important references:

• Lifting accessories Handbook: https://www.ekh.nl/download/
  
• Inspector information: Below-the-Hook Inspector

Intervals and testing of lifting accessories

Regular examination of lifting accessories significantly reduces the risk of these devices contributing to an accident. In the Netherlands, an examination system for lifting accessories has existed since 1939 and still forms the basis for current inspection and examination practices.

The Working Conditions Act stipulates that lifting accessories must be examined at least once a year by a competent natural person, legal person or institution to determine whether they are in good condition. Where necessary, the lifting accessory must also be tested. The person or institution carrying out the examination must have the equipment required for this purpose.

For the examination of lifting accessories, EKH applies fixed intervals for inspections, examinations and testing. These intervals are applied by all certified EKH companies and cover the inspection, examination and testing of lifting equipment.

The intervals specified are minimum intervals. In the event of intensive or rough use, the inspection and examination intervals must be shortened. The manufacturer’s instructions always take precedence in this regard. These instructions are included in the user manual.

Onderstaand vindt u het overzicht van inspectie- en keuringstermijnen hijsmiddelen. In deze tabel is tevens vastgelegd welke proeflast moet worden toegepast tijdens een keuring met beproeving. De proeflast is uitgedrukt in een percentage van de werklast. Deze proeflasten gelden zowel voor de jaarlijkse als voor de vierjaarlijkse keuring van hijsgereedschappen.

Overview of inspection and examination intervals for lifting equipment

Questions about the examination of lifting accessories

Do you have questions about the examination of lifting accessories, working as an inspector or operating as an EKH-recognised inspection company?

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