Periodic inspection of cranes: Belgian rules in practice

The periodic inspection of cranes is one of the most demanding inspection obligations in commercial use - and one of the most expensive in the event of damage if it is neglected. Cranes are covered by the ARAB/RGPT (Art. 280 and 281) and the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment): in addition to checks by the user, an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) inspects every crane before it is put into service and then in full at least every 12 months; ropes, chains, hooks, brakes and other safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months.

Short definition for featured snippet: The periodic inspection of cranes is a mandatory safety inspection under the ARAB/RGPT (Art. 280 and 281) and the Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV. An external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) inspects every crane before it is put into service and then in full at least every 12 months; safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months. The manufacturer's instructions may be stricter. The user of the crane bears responsibility.

The main legal bases for crane inspection:

• Act of 4 August 1996 on well-being at work: framework act on the well-being of workers in the performance of their work
• Code on Well-being at Work, Book IV (work equipment): the employer must ensure work equipment is in proper condition
• ARAB/RGPT, Art. 280 and 281: inspection before commissioning and periodic inspection by an approved EDTC/SECT (full inspection at least every 12 months, safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months)
• Manufacturer's instructions: supplement the legal minimum requirements and may prescribe stricter inspection intervals

Periodic inspection by an EDTC/SECT body

All cranes undergo a thorough and complete examination by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) at least every 12 months (ARAB/RGPT Art. 281); ropes, chains, hooks, brakes and all safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months. This inspection includes a visual check, a function test and, where applicable, a load test.

Additional checks by crane type

Certain crane types - in particular tower cranes, overhead and gantry cranes and derrick cranes - require special attention during inspection. The statutory intervals are the same for all cranes: inspection before commissioning and after every modification, then every 12 and every 3 months. Only appliances that lift goods exclusively and are rarely used may, on the concurring advice of the EDTC/SECT, have a reduced frequency, with at least one inspection every 12 months. Agree the inspection scope for each crane type with an accredited EDTC/SECT body.

The requirements for who checks a crane are more differentiated than for other work equipment:

Inspector	Qualification	Scope
Internal check	Competent company employee familiar with the crane, following the manufacturer's instructions	Checks before and during use; visual and function check
External technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT)	Accredited external inspection body	Inspection before commissioning and periodic inspection (full every 12 months, safety-relevant parts every 3 months); greater inspection depth

Distinction: While many pre-use checks can be carried out internally, the periodic inspection of cranes is reserved for an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT). This applies to all cranes and other lifting appliances covered by the ARAB/RGPT, including aerial work platforms.

Luibl Rental does not offer inspection or qualification services for third parties. For periodic inspections, contact an accredited EDTC/SECT body. More on who may inspect: Who may carry out the periodic inspection? ->

A complete crane inspection, in line with applicable Belgian safety rules and NBN EN standards, covers:

Lifting accessories and load handling:

• Steel wire ropes for broken wires, wear and deformation; check discard criteria according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Load hooks for opening, twisting and cracking
• Attachment points and spreader beam mountings

Running gear and travel units:

• Wheels and rails for wear and tracking (on overhead and gantry cranes)
• Travel drives and brakes

Hoist and drive:

• Hoist motor, gearbox, rope drum and rope guide
• Hoist limit switch and overload protection
• Hoist braking devices

Safety devices:

• Wind measuring devices (on cranes operating outdoors)
• Crane warning signals, lighting, emergency stop
• Safety bars and fall protection at the crane operator's station

Inspection reports and documentation:

• Before commissioning, the EDTC/SECT draws up an official report stating the maximum permissible load; every periodic inspection results in a detailed report
• The reports stay with the user and must be available to the inspectorate at all times; the law does not set a fixed retention period in years

Crane inspections are among the more expensive work equipment inspections. Belgian EDTC/SECT bodies generally do not publish price lists; the price is available on request:

• Small construction and tower cranes (up to 50 tm): price on request from the EDTC/SECT
• Medium cranes (50-200 tm): price on request from the EDTC/SECT
• Large and heavy-duty cranes (>200 tm): price on request from the EDTC/SECT
• Extended inspections: considerably more effort; request individual quotes

Influencing factors: crane type, location, accessibility, inspection body, travel, reporting.

Anyone renting cranes from Luibl Rental receives periodically inspected machines with complete documentation and valid inspection reports. As the rental company, Luibl Rental takes care of the periodic inspection of its cranes - when renting, you do not have to organise the inspection of this work equipment yourself.

Delivery is by low-loader from our own fleet, throughout Belgium and directly to your site. For crane types, load capacity classes and availability: Rent cranes ->

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How often must a crane be inspected?

Before commissioning and then in full at least every 12 months, by an external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT); ropes, chains, hooks, brakes and other safety-relevant parts at least every 3 months (ARAB/RGPT Art. 280 and 281). These intervals apply to all crane types.

Who may carry out the periodic inspection of a crane?

The periodic inspection is carried out by an accredited external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT). Checks before and during use can be carried out by a competent company employee, following the manufacturer's instructions.

What is the difference between an internal check and an inspection by an EDTC/SECT body?

The internal check is carried out by a competent company employee - before and during use. The periodic inspection is carried out by a formally accredited external technical inspection body (EDTC/SECT) and goes further than the internal check in terms of inspection depth.

What does a crane inspection cost?

Belgian EDTC/SECT bodies generally do not publish prices; costs depend on the crane type and type of inspection and are available on request. Extended inspections involve considerably more effort - request individual quotes from an accredited EDTC/SECT body.

Is a rental crane already inspected?

All cranes from the Luibl rental fleet are delivered with a valid periodic inspection and complete inspection reports. As the rental company, Luibl Rental takes care of the periodic inspection - when renting, the user does not have to organise the inspection.