A jib crane must be inspected in the Netherlands at least once a year by an accredited inspection body. This is legally required under the Working Conditions Act and the associated regulations concerning work equipment. In addition to the annual inspection, periodic interim inspections are necessary, depending on the intensity of use and working conditions. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the inspection of a jib crane.
What does the law say about inspecting a jib crane?
The law requires employers to keep work equipment, including jib cranes, safe and to have them periodically inspected. The legal basis for this lies in the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) and the Working Conditions Decree, specifically in the provisions concerning the use and inspection of lifting and hoisting equipment. A jib crane, as a lifting device, falls under these regulations and must demonstrably be safe for use.
In practice, this means the employer is responsible for having inspections carried out, maintaining an inspection file, and following up on any recommendations or defects identified during an inspection. It is not sufficient to merely visually check a crane. The law requires a formal inspection by a competent party, resulting in the issuance of an official inspection certificate.
How often must a jib crane legally be inspected?
A jib crane must legally be inspected at least once every twelve months. This is the standard frequency for crane inspections that applies in the Netherlands for lifting and hoisting equipment. In situations where the crane is used intensively, operates in a harsh environment, or is subject to special loads, the inspecting body may recommend a higher inspection frequency.
In addition to the annual inspection, there are also obligations regarding initial commissioning. Before a new or thoroughly overhauled jib crane is put into service for the first time, it must be inspected and approved. This also applies after major repairs or modifications to the structure or hoisting mechanism.
Interim inspections are supplementary to the annual inspection and are tailored to the intensity of use and the risk class of the crane. Some companies opt for quarterly inspections to continuously ensure safety and prevent unexpected downtime.
What is the difference between an inspection and a certification inspection?
An inspection and a certification inspection are two different activities with different purposes and different legal statuses. An inspection is a periodic check in which the technical condition of the jib crane is assessed for visible wear, defects, or deviations. A certification inspection is a formal, legally required assessment that results in an official inspection certificate.
During an inspection, the crane is typically checked visually and functionally, but no official certificate is issued. A certification inspection goes further: structural elements, safety provisions, brakes, load-handling devices, and electrical components are thoroughly tested, often including a test load. Only an accredited inspection body may carry out and certify an official jib crane inspection.
Both are important. Inspections help to identify problems early and extend the service life of the crane. Certification inspections provide the legal assurance that the crane is used safely and in accordance with applicable standards.
Who is authorized to officially inspect a jib crane?
In the Netherlands, a jib crane may only be officially inspected by an accredited inspection body or a certified inspector. This is someone who demonstrably possesses the required technical knowledge, training, and authority to assess lifting and hoisting equipment in accordance with applicable standards, such as NEN-EN 13001 and relevant European directives.
Accredited inspection bodies are organizations that are officially certified to carry out inspections of work equipment. They work according to established protocols and can issue a valid inspection certificate that is legally recognized. An internal employee or a non-certified technician may carry out inspections, but is not authorized to perform an official certification inspection or issue an inspection certificate.
It is therefore advisable, when choosing an inspection party, to always verify that they hold the appropriate certification and have experience with the type of crane to be inspected.
What happens during an inspection of a jib crane?
During an inspection of a jib crane, the inspecting body carries out a comprehensive technical assessment of all relevant components and systems. The aim is to determine whether the crane is safe for use and complies with applicable laws and regulations. The inspection typically consists of the following elements:
- Visual inspection: examination of the structure, weld joints, bolts, and fastenings for visible wear or damage.
- Functional test: assessment of movements, brakes, limit switches, and safety provisions under operating conditions.
- Test load: the crane is loaded with a test weight exceeding the nominal working load to confirm structural integrity.
- Electrical check: inspection of the electrical installation, controls, and emergency stop functions.
- Documentation check: verification of technical documentation, previous inspection reports, and maintenance records.
Upon completion, the owner receives an inspection report with the findings. If the crane meets all requirements, a valid inspection certificate is issued. If defects are identified, these are recorded along with a deadline by which repairs must be completed.
What are the consequences of operating a jib crane without a valid inspection certificate?
Operating a jib crane without a valid inspection certificate is not permitted by law and carries serious risks. The consequences can be legal, financial, and operational. An employer who has an uninspected crane in use is liable in the event of accidents and can be fined by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate.
Specifically, the consequences may include:
- Shutdown of business operations by the Labour Inspectorate until the crane has been inspected and approved.
- Heavy fines imposed by the supervisory authorities for identified violations.
- Liability for damage or injury: in the event of an accident involving an uninspected crane, the employer is in most cases fully liable.
- Insurance issues: many business insurance policies do not pay out for damage caused by work equipment without a valid certificate.
- Reputational damage and loss of trust among customers and business partners.
Complying with the inspection obligation is therefore not only a legal requirement, but also a direct protection of people, business assets, and the continuity of the company.
How BKRS helps with the inspection of your jib crane
As an accredited inspection company, we handle the complete inspection and examination process for jib cranes and other crane systems. Whether it concerns an annual statutory inspection, an initial commissioning inspection, or an interim inspection, we are ready with certified staff and years of specialist expertise.
What we can do for you:
- Annual inspections in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including an official inspection certificate
- Periodic inspections tailored to your intensity of use and working environment
- Test loads and functional tests by certified staff
- Maintenance and repair of identified defects, so your crane is quickly back in safe operation
- A single point of contact for planning, communication, and follow-up throughout the entire inspection process
- Complete documentation and inspection files for your records
Would you like to know what we can do for your crane systems? View our full range of services or contact us directly via our contact page for a no-obligation consultation. Together we ensure that your jib crane is always safe, inspected, and ready for operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a jib crane inspection cost on average?
The costs for a jib crane inspection variëren depending on the type of crane, the capacity, and the location. Contact an accredited inspection body such as BKRS for a no-obligation customized quote.
Can I continue to use my jib crane if a defect is identified during the inspection?
That depends on the severity of the defect. If there is a safety risk, the crane must be taken out of service immediately until the problem has been resolved. The inspecting body will indicate whether continued use is still responsible and within what timeframe repairs must take place.
How do I correctly store my inspection documentation?
Store all inspection reports, certificates, and maintenance records in a central, accessible location — preferably both digitally and physically. The Labour Inspectorate may request these documents, so ensure they are always up to date and complete.
Does the inspection obligation also apply to a second-hand jib crane?
Yes, a second-hand jib crane must also be inspected before it is put into service. A previous inspection carried out for the former owner is not transferable; the new owner is responsible for obtaining a valid, current inspection.