Periodic inspection of cranes under the Working Conditions Decree in practice
Crane inspection in brief
The periodic inspection of cranes is one of the most demanding inspection obligations in the commercial sector — and one of the most expensive in the event of damage if it is neglected. Cranes are subject to special requirements within the periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment): in addition to periodic inspection by a competent person, an inspection by an accredited inspection body may be required, depending on the type of crane.
Short definition for the featured snippet: Crane inspection is a safety inspection within the periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree. Every crane must be inspected periodically by a competent person. Certain crane types additionally require an inspection by an accredited inspection body. The employer using the crane is responsible for the inspection.
The legal basis: Working Conditions Act and Working Conditions Decree
The main legal bases for crane inspection:
- Working Conditions Act (Arbowet): framework law for safe and healthy work; the employer is responsible for safe work equipment
- Working Conditions Decree, Chapter 7 (work equipment): requirements for work equipment and its periodic inspection; the employer must ensure the crane is in good condition
- Applicable Dutch health and safety rules and NEN-EN standards: specify the requirements for the use and inspection of cranes
- Manufacturer specifications: supplement the statutory minimum requirements and may prescribe stricter inspection intervals
How often must a crane be inspected?
Periodic inspection by a competent person
All cranes must be inspected periodically by a competent person, as part of the periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree. This inspection comprises a visual check, a function test and, where necessary, a load test.
Additional inspection by an inspection body depending on crane type
Certain crane types — in particular tower cranes, overhead and gantry cranes and derrick cranes — may additionally require an inspection by an accredited inspection body. The exact requirements and intervals follow from applicable Dutch health and safety rules and vary by crane type.
Who may inspect a crane?
The requirements for the inspector are more differentiated for cranes than for other work equipment:
| Inspector | Qualification | Scope of inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Competent person | Competent person with specific crane expertise; relevant training, work experience and current practice | Periodic inspection; visual check, function test and load test |
| Inspection body | Inspector of an accredited inspection body | Additional inspections depending on crane type; greater depth of inspection |
Difference from the in-house competent person: While many types of work equipment can be inspected by an in-house competent person, applicable Dutch health and safety rules require an external inspection body for certain crane types. The distinction depends on the crane type.
Luibl Rental does not offer inspection or qualification services to third parties. For external competent persons and inspections, please contact accredited inspection bodies. More about the competent person: Who may carry out the periodic inspection? →
Scope of inspection: what is checked on a crane?
A complete crane inspection under applicable Dutch health and safety rules covers:
Lifting gear and load handling:
- Wire ropes for broken wires, wear and deformation; check discard criteria according to the manufacturer's specifications and applicable standards
- 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 systems
Safety devices:
- Wind gauges (on cranes operating in the open)
- Crane warning signals, lighting, emergency stop
- Safety bars and fall protection at the crane operator's cab
Inspection records:
- The inspection records (logbook) are an essential document for crane inspections; all inspection results are recorded in them permanently
- The logbook stays with the crane permanently — not just until the next inspection
How much does a crane inspection cost?
Crane inspections are among the more expensive inspections of work equipment. Indicative ranges:
- Small construction and tower cranes (up to 50 tm): approx. €250–500 per periodic inspection
- Medium cranes (50–200 tm): approx. €400–800 per inspection
- Large cranes and heavy-duty cranes (>200 tm): approx. €700–2,000 per inspection
- Inspections by an inspection body: considerably more effort; request an individual quote
Influencing factors: crane type, location, accessibility, inspection body, travel distance, reporting effort. These ranges are indicative values without guarantee.
Renting inspected cranes: how it works at Luibl
Anyone renting cranes from Luibl Rental receives periodically inspected machines with complete documentation and a valid logbook. As the rental company, Luibl Rental takes care of the periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree — so the inspection effort for this equipment does not apply when renting.
Delivery throughout the Netherlands, by low-loader to your site. For crane types, load capacity classes and availability: Rent cranes →
Frequently asked questions
How often must a crane be inspected?
Periodically by a competent person, as part of the periodic inspection of work equipment under the Working Conditions Decree. Certain crane types additionally require an inspection by an accredited inspection body — the requirements vary by crane type.
Who may carry out a crane inspection?
The periodic inspection is carried out by a competent person with specific crane expertise. For certain crane types, applicable Dutch health and safety rules additionally require an inspection by an accredited inspection body.
What is the difference between a competent person and an inspection body?
The competent person is an in-house or external person with the required crane expertise — for the periodic inspection. The inspection body is an accredited organisation with formal recognition — for the additional inspections that, depending on the crane type, go beyond the periodic inspection.
How much does a crane inspection cost?
Depending on crane type and type of inspection: approx. €250–500 for small construction cranes, approx. €400–800 per periodic inspection for medium cranes. Inspections by an inspection body involve considerably more effort — request an individual quote from accredited inspection bodies.
Is a rental crane already inspected?
All cranes from the Luibl rental fleet are delivered with a valid periodic inspection and a complete logbook. Inspection under the Working Conditions Decree is the responsibility of Luibl Rental as the rental company — when renting, you do not need to organise the inspection yourself.