{"id":57934,"date":"2025-06-18T15:05:36","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T13:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soltecshop.com\/maintenance-of-lifting-equipment-a-guide-for-safety-and-regulatory-compliance\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T15:05:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T13:05:37","slug":"maintenance-of-lifting-equipment-a-guide-for-safety-and-regulatory-compliance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.soltecshop.com\/en\/blog\/maintenance-of-lifting-equipment-a-guide-for-safety-and-regulatory-compliance\/","title":{"rendered":"Maintenance of lifting equipment: A guide for safety and regulatory compliance"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The 2025 safety guide<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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In the industrial, construction, and logistics sectors, the daily use of lifting equipment \u2014 such as cranes, hoists, overhead cranes, and slings \u2014 is essential. However, with frequent use comes responsibility: keeping this equipment safe, functional, and compliant with regulations is not optional \u2014 it\u2019s a legal obligation.<\/p>\n

In this article, you\u2019ll learn everything you need to know about maintaining lifting equipment: from best practices and legal requirements to frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why Maintenance Matters<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Regular maintenance not only avoids the risk of serious accidents, but also improves the efficiency of lifting processes and reduces the costs of unexpected breakdowns.
\nMoreover, it is a legal obligation: neglecting maintenance can lead to fines, stoppages of operations or, in the worst cases, criminal liability in the event of accidents.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Regulatory Framework: What the Law Requires<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Maintenance of lifting equipment is not only a best practice \u2014 it is legally required<\/strong> across the European Union. Here are the key regulations and directives you need to know:<\/p>\n

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  • Directive 2006\/42\/EC \u2013 Machinery Directive<\/em>
    \nThis is the main European reference for the design, maintenance, and inspection of machinery, including lifting equipment. It mandates that equipment must be maintained in safe working condition throughout its lifecycle, and any risk of mechanical failure must be minimized through proper maintenance.<\/li>\n
  • Directive 2009\/104\/EC \u2013 Use of Work Equipment<\/em>
    \nThis directive states that employers must ensure periodic inspections and maintenance of work equipment to detect and eliminate safety risks. Equipment must be inspected by competent persons and records of inspections must be kept.<\/li>\n
  • National Laws and Inspections<\/em>
    \nEach country may implement additional national rules. In Italy, for instance:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    1. The D.Lgs. 81\/2008 (Consolidated Safety Law) obliges regular maintenance and risk assessment.<\/li>\n
    2. The DPR 462\/2001 defines the periodic verification procedures for certain electrical and mechanical installations, including lifting equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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      • ISO and EN Standards
        \n<\/em>Several ISO and EN technical standards apply to lifting devices, including:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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        1. ISO 12480-1: Safe use of cranes<\/li>\n
        2. EN 13157: Hand-powered lifting equipment<\/li>\n
        3. EN 15011: Bridge and gantry cranes \u2013 maintenance and inspection<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Failing to comply with these regulations can result in:<\/p>\n

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          1. Fines or operational suspensions<\/li>\n
          2. Increased accident risk<\/li>\n
          3. Loss of insurance coverage<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Keeping your maintenance procedures aligned with these laws ensures safety, compliance, and business continuity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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