Lifting equipment is used in a wide range of industrial, construction, and technical sectors. Their use facilitates faster and more efficient transport of loads or people at height. The certification of lifting equipment is a legal obligation under FEK 1186/2003 in order to ensure its safe operation and protection of their operators, the products being transported and the facilities where they are located.
Lifting machines are classified into categories based on their risk level (High Y1, High Y2, Medium, and Low) and are subject to mandatory initial and periodic inspection by an Accredited Inspection Body.
Initial (first time) Inspection of Lifting Equipment
Cranes, overhead cranes, forklifts, basket trucks, vehicle lifting equipment, construction machinery, work platforms, concrete pumps, hoists and other construction lifting equipment must undergo an initial inspection to ensure their proper installation and operation.
The Initial inspection Type AA must be conducted immediately after installation or within 24 months, depedning on the risk classification of the lifting equipment.
Regarding the initial inspection, all lifting machinery imported and operating within the EU after 31.12.1994 must have a CE marking and a CE declaration of conformity from their manufacturer in accordance with the European Machinery Directive in force at the date of manufacture of the lifting machine.
For the initial inspection of lifting equipment that was installed, operated, converted, or underwent a major conversion after 25.02.2004, the manufacturer's corresponding Technical File is also required for the assessment and affixing of the CE marking, as required by the applicable European Machinery Directive.
On the contrary, for older machines manufactured before 01.01.1995, the CE Declaration is not required for the initial inspection. However, if the year of manufacture is not indicated on the machine's manufacturer's plate, a Declaration/Certificate from the owner regarding the year of manufacture of the lifting machine is required.
Periodic Inspection of Lifting Equipment
Periodic inspection is classified in Type A inspection (full inspection) and Type B inspection (partial inspection) with a periodic inspection interval ranging from 1 to 5 years, based on the equipment's risk classification.
For the certtification of any type of lifting equipment, in addition to the on-site inspection, the previous inspection certificate and/or the CE Declaration and/or the Technical File for the manufacture of the lifting machine are also required.
The absence of a valid certificate incurs a fine from state inspection services of up to €2,500 per lifting machine, in accordance with FEK2062/B/2013.
Relevant Documents
General Inspection Regulation
Product Certification Regulation
Related Services
