A crane is a reserved technical device — like a lift or a boiler, it is subject to mandatory checks. These are governed by Slovak Decree No. 508/2009, which distinguishes three types of checks. Confusing them is a common and expensive mistake. We perform inspections and examinations with our own certified technicians as part of our crane services and inspections.
The three checks you need to know
The expert inspection is a regular check of the device’s condition. It is typically carried out once a year. A technician checks the brakes, ropes, hooks, limit switches, safety devices and electrical installation. The output is a record in the device logbook.
The expert examination — in practice simply called the “revision” — is an in-depth check including functional tests. It is performed before first commissioning, after every major repair or modernization, and then at periodic intervals depending on the device type and how it is used. The output is an inspection report.
The official examination is performed by a state institution authorised for this activity. The crane undergoes it at commissioning and then repeatedly, typically every 10 years. Operating the device without a valid official examination is prohibited.
Expert examination intervals differ by device, its duty class and its manufacturer. That is why we deliberately do not state them here in general terms — the exact period for your device is set by the inspection technician and recorded in the documentation.
Who may perform an inspection
Not just any service technician. Expert examinations may only be carried out by a person holding a certificate for lifting equipment; official examinations only by an authorised legal entity. When ordering an inspection, ask to see the certificate — a reputable provider will show it without being asked twice.
Our team performs inspections and examinations with our own certified inspection technicians; we arrange the official examination in cooperation with the authorised institution.
What an inspection covers
- Load-bearing structure: cracks, deformation and corrosion of the bridge and end carriages, condition of welds and bolted joints.
- Hoisting mechanism: drum, rope winding, rope condition (broken wires, flattening), hook and its safety latch.
- Brakes: function, lining wear, stopping time.
- Safety devices: hoist and travel limit switches, load limiters, emergency stop.
- Crane runway: rail condition, anchoring, alignment and wear of the travel wheels.
An inspection finds a problem before it causes downtime. A worn brake means a replacement costing a few hundred euros — the same brake after failure means a dropped load, a damaged machine under the crane, and an investigation.
What you risk without a valid inspection
Operating a device without an expert examination is a breach of the law. The real-world consequences:
- a fine from the Labour Inspectorate,
- a ban on operating the device until the examinations are done,
- in the event of a workplace accident, the operator bears liability — with an invalid inspection, the insurer may not cover the damage.
How it works with a service contract
For clients with a service contract we track the inspection and examination deadlines — before they expire, we call you, not the inspectorate. The contract also means priority in a breakdown — we always respond in the shortest possible time.
More about the scope of inspections, examinations and service is in crane services and inspections. If you do not know what state your crane’s documentation is in, send us the type and serial number — we will tell you what needs to be arranged.