Crane inspections: Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. in practice
Crane inspections in brief
Inspections and tests of cranes are among the most demanding inspection obligations in commercial operations – and, if neglected, among the most expensive in the event of damage. As designated lifting equipment, cranes are subject to special inspection requirements that go beyond the general operator obligation under Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll. (work equipment): in addition to regular inspections, tests carried out by authorised bodies are required depending on the type of crane.
Short definition for featured snippet: Inspections and tests of cranes are prescribed safety checks under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. and Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll. Every crane must be checked regularly by a competent person; the intervals are set by the applicable regulations. Certain types of crane also require tests carried out by authorised bodies. The operator is responsible for ensuring the inspections.
Legal basis: Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. and Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.
The main legal bases for crane inspections:
- Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. (technical equipment): the core regulation with obligations for inspections and tests, qualification requirements for inspectors and documentation requirements for crane inspections
- Government Regulation No. 392/2006 Coll.: overarching rules on work equipment; operators must ensure it is in a safe condition
- Act No. 124/2006 Coll. on occupational safety and health: the general framework of occupational safety rules for operating and inspecting cranes
- Manufacturer specifications: supplement the statutory minimum requirements and may prescribe stricter inspection intervals
How often are crane inspections due?
Regular inspection by a competent person
All cranes must be checked regularly by a competent person under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. (inspections and tests of technical equipment); the intervals are set by the applicable regulations and the manufacturer. This inspection includes visual, functional and, where applicable, load testing.
Tests depending on crane type
Certain types of crane – in particular tower cranes, overhead and gantry cranes and derrick cranes – are also subject to tests carried out by an authorised body (for example TUV). The exact intervals follow the applicable Slovak safety rules and vary by crane type.
Who may inspect a crane?
The qualification requirements for crane inspections are more differentiated than for other work equipment:
| Inspector | Qualification | Scope of inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Competent person | Person with the required competence for cranes; relevant training, professional experience, recent activity in the field | Regular inspection; visual, functional and load testing |
| Authorised body | Inspector of an authorised organisation (for example TUV) | Tests depending on crane type; greater depth of inspection |
Difference from internal inspection: While many items of work equipment can be inspected by an internal competent person, the applicable Slovak safety rules require an external authorised 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 inspections, please contact authorised bodies. Details on competence: Who may carry out inspections? →
Scope: what is checked during a crane inspection?
A complete crane inspection under the applicable regulations includes:
Lifting accessories and load handling:
- Steel wire ropes for broken wires, wear and deformation; check replacement criteria in line with applicable regulations and manufacturer instructions
- Load hooks for opening, twisting and cracks
- Lifting 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 switches and overload protection
- Hoist braking devices
Safety devices:
- Wind speed measuring devices (on cranes in open areas)
- Crane warning signals, lighting, emergency stop
- Safety barriers and fall protection at the crane operator's station
Crane logbook and documentation:
- The crane logbook is a key document for crane inspections; all inspection results are permanently recorded in it
- The crane 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. Guideline ranges:
- Small construction and tower cranes (up to 50 tm): approx. €250–500 per regular 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
- Tests by an authorised body: significantly more effort; obtain individual quotes
Influencing factors: crane type, installation site, accessibility, inspection organisation, travel distance, reporting effort. These ranges are guideline values without guarantee.
Renting inspected cranes: how it works at Luibl
When you rent cranes from Luibl Rental, you receive machines with valid inspections and tests, complete documentation and a valid crane logbook. As the rental company, Luibl Rental takes care of inspections and tests under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. – when renting, you do not need to organise inspections for this work equipment.
Delivery is by low-loader from our own fleet – throughout Slovakia and directly to your site. For crane types, load capacity classes and availability: Crane rental →
Frequently asked questions
How often must a crane be inspected?
Regularly, through an inspection by a competent person under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll.; the intervals are set by the applicable regulations and the manufacturer. Certain crane types also require tests carried out by authorised bodies – the intervals vary by crane type.
Who may carry out a crane inspection?
The regular inspection is carried out by a competent person qualified for cranes. For certain crane types, the applicable Slovak safety rules also require an authorised body (for example TUV).
What is the difference between a competent person and an authorised body?
A competent person is an internal or external person with the required qualification – for the regular inspection. An authorised body is an organisation with formal authorisation (for example TUV) – for the tests prescribed by crane type, which go beyond the regular inspection.
How much does a crane inspection cost?
It depends on the crane type and type of inspection: approx. €250–500 for small construction cranes, approx. €400–800 per inspection for medium cranes. Tests by an authorised body involve significantly more effort – obtain individual quotes from authorised organisations.
Has a rental crane already been inspected?
All cranes from the Luibl rental fleet are delivered with a valid inspection and test and a complete crane logbook. Inspections under Decree No. 508/2009 Coll. are taken care of by Luibl Rental as the rental company – when renting, the operator does not need to organise them.