Is the annual UVV inspection of cranes mandatory?
Cranes and lifting equipment must be inspected at least once a year by a competent person. This guide explains the legal basis under DGUV Regulation 52 and 54, the inspection intervals, the scope of testing and the required documentation in the crane logbook.
View lifting equipmentInhalt
Why is the UVV crane inspection mandatory?
Recurring inspection of cranes is not optional maintenance but a legal requirement. It is based on DGUV Regulation 52 (cranes) and DGUV Regulation 54 (winches, lifting and pulling equipment), together with the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety (BetrSichV), which obliges the employer to inspect work equipment regularly.
The employer must ensure that cranes and lifting equipment are inspected at least once a year. Failure to do so can result in fines, loss of insurance cover and personal liability of the responsible person in the event of an accident.
- DGUV Regulation 52: cranes of all types (bridge, gantry, pillar, mobile cranes).
- DGUV Regulation 54: winches, lifting and pulling equipment and slings in the assembly.
- BetrSichV: general duty to carry out risk assessment and inspection of work equipment.
- TRBS 1201: specifies the type, scope and intervals of the inspections.
Chains, ropes and lifting slings are also subject to the annual inspection duty.
Read the guideWhat inspection intervals and types apply?
The standard interval is twelve months. For cranes with heavy use or particular hazards, the competent person may set shorter intervals. Power-driven cranes additionally require an extended inspection by an expert at specific intervals.
- Manually operated cranes: annual inspection by a competent person.
- Power-driven cranes: annual inspection plus periodic expert inspection.
- Tower and mobile cranes: additional stricter requirements based on years in service.
What does the inspection cover and who may perform it?
The recurring inspection consists of a visual and functional check. The competent person examines the condition of the components, the completeness of the safety devices and the function of brakes, limit switches and overload protection.
A competent person is someone who has the necessary expertise through vocational training, professional experience and recent activity. They act free from instructions regarding the inspection results and must not be disadvantaged by the employer.
How is the inspection documented?
Every inspection must be documented so it can be traced. For cranes this is done in the crane logbook, which records the inspection date, scope, defects found, assessment and the name of the competent person. The logbook accompanies the crane throughout its service life.
- Inspection date and date of the next due inspection.
- Name and qualification of the competent person.
- Scope, result and assessment of defects found.
- Proof of defect correction and release for continued operation.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a crane be inspected?
Cranes and lifting equipment must be inspected at least once a year by a competent person. Heavy use may require shorter intervals as determined by the risk assessment.
Who may carry out the UVV inspection?
Only a competent person with training, professional experience and current activity in the field. Power-driven cranes additionally require a periodic expert inspection.
What happens without a UVV inspection?
In the event of an accident there is a risk of fines, loss of insurance cover and personal liability. Cranes that have not been inspected must not continue in operation.
Must the result be documented?
Yes. The result is recorded in the crane logbook, including inspection date, inspector, defects and release. The logbook must be presented to the supervisory authority on request.
Operate lifting equipment safely?
We supply inspected cranes, lifting equipment and slings plus accessories for compliant operation under DGUV Regulation 52 and 54.
Standard-compliant
Products for operation under DGUV Regulation 52 and 54.
Verifiably safe
Lifting equipment with full documentation and inspection proof.
Expert advice
Specialists support selection and inspection planning.
Complete accessories
Slings and spare parts from a single source.