NEN EN 818 Inspection

NEN EN 818 inspection of lifting equipment and lifting accessories, such as lifting chains, chain slings and other chain components used for lifting purposes.

What is a NEN EN 818 inspection and when is it mandatory?

NEN EN 818 is the European standard for short link lifting chains, chain slings and chain components used for lifting purposes. The Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) requires employers to ensure that their employees work with safe work equipment. A periodic inspection in accordance with NEN EN 818 helps to verify whether lifting equipment and lifting accessories can still be used safely.

During the inspection, attention is paid to wear, deformation, cracks, damage, markings, connections and the general condition of the lifting chains and their components. This reduces the risk of accidents, damage and dangerous situations in the workplace.
How often lifting equipment and lifting accessories have to be inspected depends on factors such as the type of equipment, the intensity of use, the load and the working conditions. Intensive use or demanding conditions may call for a shorter inspection interval.

Why do my lifting equipment and lifting accessories have to be inspected in accordance with NEN EN 818?

It is essential not to neglect NEN EN 818 inspections. In the event of a workplace accident, the Dutch Labour Authority and your insurance company may check whether the lifting equipment and lifting accessories used were safe and had been inspected periodically. Your organisation can demonstrate this with a valid inspection in accordance with NEN EN 818.
If your organisation cannot demonstrably meet this obligation, this may have consequences for your liability. Avoid problems by having lifting chains, chain slings and other lifting components inspected on time. In doing so, you show that your organisation actively works towards safe work equipment and meets the applicable safety requirements.

What does a NEN EN 818 inspection involve?

During a NEN EN 818 inspection, lifting chains, chain slings and other chain components used for lifting purposes are checked for safety and suitability for use. This includes checking for wear, deformation, cracks, damage, connections, hooks, links, markings and the general condition of the lifting accessory.

What happens if my lifting chain or lifting accessory fails the NEN EN 818 inspection?

Our experience shows that a rejection does not always mean that the lifting accessory has to be replaced immediately. A lifting chain, chain sling or lifting component may be rejected because of wear, deformation, damage, a missing marking or a defective part. In some cases, repairing or replacing parts can make the lifting accessory safe to use again.

That is why, alongside the standard NEN EN 818 inspection, we also offer a practical repair service. If we identify a defect during the inspection, we assess straight away whether repair is possible and justifiable. This may involve replacing parts, restoring markings or taking equipment out of service when it can no longer be used safely. This way you avoid unnecessary risks, your lifting equipment remains reliable and your workplace stays safe and well organised.

Standard inspection

Visual inspection

Damage to lifting chains, links, hooks and chain components
Deformation, cracks, dents or fractures in the material
Wear on chain links, connecting links, hooks and couplings
Condition of hooks, safety latches and fastenings
Presence of loose, missing or unsound parts
Effects of dirt, paint, oil, moisture, rust or corrosion
Legibility of markings, labels, working load and identification data
General condition and suitability for safe use

Inspection by measurement and testing

Checking the dimensions of chain links, hooks and connecting parts
Measuring wear, elongation, deformation or damage to chains and components
Testing of safety latches, fastenings and couplings
Checking for play, misalignment or deviations in moving parts
Assessment of the load capacity and suitability for safe use
Functional check of assembled lifting accessories and attachment points
Checking whether the lifting accessory can be loaded and used safely

Our possibilities

Administration & Certification
After completion, you will receive a complete documentation package with an inspection report, an overview of the inspected equipment and test certificates, either digitally or on paper.
Emergency repairs
In the event of a malfunction or defect, we will quickly dispatch a technician to resolve the issue immediately. Please call us directly on 0180 – 51 04 55.
On-site maintenance
When you contact our breakdown service, they will send a technician to your location. This means you do not need to take any further action yourself.

The results

Approved lifting equipment and lifting accessories are provided with an inspection sticker
Rejected lifting chains, chain slings or lifting components are clearly marked
Any defects, wear or points requiring repair are recorded
Where possible, we carry out minor repairs or replacements on the spot
You receive an overview of the inspected work equipment
You can demonstrate that your organisation works with safe and inspected lifting equipment and lifting accessories in accordance with NEN EN 818

Records

After the NEN EN 818 inspection you receive a clear documentation package with complete and demonstrable records of all inspected lifting chains, chain slings and other lifting equipment and lifting accessories. This documentation package includes an overview of the inspected work equipment, the inspection status per item, any remarks or points requiring repair and the accompanying inspection reports.

You can receive the documentation package in hard copy and/or digitally on CD-ROM or by e-mail.

NEW: Always up to date with our digital inspection portal

In addition to the standard inspection reporting, we now also offer a digital inspection portal. This online environment gives you access at all times to inspection reports, certificates and the current inspection status of your ladders, steps and scaffolding.

Thanks to unique identification and QR codes, documents are easy to call up on the shop floor. This gives you inspection records that are always current and clearly organised, without having to search through e-mails or separate files.

The advantages of working with Van Dulst

Complete administration
You will receive a complete overview of test results, inspection reports, and certificates. Everything is available digitally or on paper.
Tailored advice
Our specialists work with you to put together an inspection programme that suits your organisation. From a one-off check to a multi-year maintenance plan.
Complying with legal obligations
Our services ensure that your company complies with the legal obligations relating to wiring safety within companies.
Inspections carried out on site
Van Dulst's specialists serve companies throughout the Netherlands.