Inspection certificate
Legislation in Belgium requires certain equipment, such as hoists, be provided with an inspection certificate (ARAB 280). An inspection certificate or commissioning report is issued by an approved technical inspection body (EDTC). This report is based on the inspector’s findings and relates specifically to the equipment examined. The inspection is not limited to reviewing documentation or carrying out a visual check – it may also include a series of practical tests. Once the inspection is completed, the inspector draws up a report based on their findings. A positive result determines whether the equipment can be put into service or remain in use. If the outcome is negative, the equipment must not be used. If the inspection report is negative, the equipment must no longer be used.
An inspection must be carried out before a device is put into service for the first time, and then periodically every 3 months. In the past, this was often referred to as a commissioning report. Today, some inspection bodies use this term less frequently and prefer to speak of advice for commissioning.
CE certificate
A CE certificate, on the other hand, is a document issued by the manufacturer when supplying a new device. In this document, the manufacturer declares that the equipment complies with the standards set by the European Community. By issuing this CE declaration of conformity, the manufacturer accepts responsibility for any defects resulting from manufacturing or material faults. Every lifting device sold within the European Community must be provided with a CE marking, a declaration of conformity, and a manual in the language of that community.
Don’t be mistaken! An inspection before commissioning is always the responsibility of the user, not the supplier. It is incorrect to assume that a lifting device with a CE marking has already been inspected! In Belgium, no lifting device may be put into service without a commissioning report. You must contact an approved technical inspection body yourself to carry out this inspection. But who wants to wait for an inspection when you need your equipment straight away? That’s why SKP takes care of the inspection for you. Our products are ready for immediate use.