The Ministerial Decree of 11 April 2011 imposes an additional investigation for lifting equipment older than 20 years. This additional verification of equipment for lifting persons and loads is intended to guarantee safety standards for those who work and operate at height or transport loads at height. The decree therefore requires the owner of the equipment to carry out a structural check to detect any defects or anomalies. Leader periodically organises these 20-yearly checks on aerial platforms at its own premises and at customer sites, providing support and all the necessary documentation to regularise the equipment.
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What is checked? During this 20-year check, the elements that can determine whether it is possible to extend the lifecycle of the equipment beyond the manufacturer's deadlines are checked in particular. The residual life span of the lifting equipment is therefore checked.
How often?
The Ministerial Decree of 11 April 2011 on Aerial Platforms identifies a periodicity of 20 years from commissioning to structurally check aerial platforms, truck-mounted cranes, lifting platforms and lifting equipment.
What is verified?
During this 20-year check, the elements that can determine whether it is possible to extend the lifecycle of the equipment beyond the manufacturer's stipulated period are checked in particular. The remaining lifespan of the lifting equipment is therefore checked.
The condition of a lifting appliance depends very much on the intensity and frequency with which it is used. If the device has been used little or less than the manufacturer's expectations, then it will have a longer life than the manufacturer's specifications. If, on the other hand, a device is used with a lot of intensity then its condition must be accurately assessed and the number of cycles for which it can continue to be used must be determined.
In order to verify this status, it is essential to carry out full load and more intensive checks than periodic checks. During such an inspection, all structural elements that are subject to wear and tear and that may affect the safety of the vehicle are checked.
The checks performed include:
According to UNI ISO 9927-1, only a qualified engineer may carry out structural checks on lifting devices. This expert engineer must then have a Level II qualification to carry out non-destructive inspections using the visual method, liquid penetrant inspections, ultrasonic inspections and magnetic inspections.
