After several serious accidents involving truck cranes in 2023, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority has clarified how expert inspections should be carried out to ensure safe operation. Warning systems for crane arms and outriggers must be installed correctly, function properly, and be inspected by certified companies.
Example of accident risk
In July 2023, a driver died in Bergen when a truck with a raised crane boom crashed into a footbridge, which fell on the driver's cab. The accident has been thoroughly investigated by the Accident Investigation Board Norway, with a report published at the end of 2024.
Inspections show that inspection practices for warning systems have been uneven, which can compromise safety. The clarification from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority states that the manufacturer's instructions for use shall be the basis for expert inspection. If the instructions for use are missing or inadequate, the standard for truck cranes shall be followed.
The role of expert services
The clarification applies to certified expert businesses, and distinguishes between two types of controls:
1. Periodic annual inspection
During periodic expert inspections, relevant parts of the manufacturer's operating instructions must be followed. This ensures that the crane functions safely and meets all safety requirements.
2. Assembly control
When the crane is mounted on a truck chassis, the inspection must be based on the operating instructions from both the crane manufacturer and the truck manufacturer. Any additional equipment, such as a support platform, must also be inspected in accordance with the assembly declaration.
The inspection should provide the employer with the necessary information about the condition of the crane, so that further use can be assessed in a safe manner.
Employer's responsibility
The employer is responsible for ensuring that both the vehicle and the crane are inspected and in proper condition. If the inspection reveals faults or defects that could pose a hazard, the equipment must be taken out of use until necessary repairs have been made.
This includes:
- Check before use, during regular maintenance and during annual inspection by a certified expert company.
- Ensure that the instructions for use are followed in all respects.
- Ensure installation inspection of the crane on the truck chassis, unless the manufacturer has already carried this out in accordance with the machinery regulations.
Uniform security practices
The Accident Investigation Board Norway has pointed out that certified companies have previously used different inspection forms, with varying scope and implementation. To ensure a uniform level of safety, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority has now clarified how expert inspections should be carried out:
- The manufacturer's instructions for use are the primary reference.
- Missing or inadequate instructions for use: The NS-EN 12999 standard is used as a basis.
- Cranes without an installed and functioning warning system should not be used any longer.
