Crane Inspections in Kent | EIS

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Cranes are among the most safety-critical items of lifting equipment found on construction sites, in ports, and across heavy industry. The forces involved in crane operations mean that any undetected defect can have catastrophic consequences. Thorough examinations verify that every structural, mechanical, and safety system is functioning within safe parameters.

Our local network of qualified Engineer Surveyors provides independent crane inspections across Kent. Kent businesses often require flexible scheduling to accommodate the county's spread-out geography, from the Thames Estuary in the north to the Romney Marsh in the south. Our local Engineer Surveyors operate across the entire county, reducing travel time and enabling responsive service.

Crane Inspections Across Kent

Crane activity in Kent is concentrated around two major drivers: the Thames Gateway regeneration programme in the north, and port and infrastructure operations across the county. Tower cranes and mobile cranes support large-scale construction at Ebbsfleet, Dartford, and the Medway towns, while overhead and gantry cranes operate in Kent's engineering workshops and port facilities. Every crane used for lifting operations must be thoroughly examined after each erection and at least every 12 months.

Key Sectors Driving Crane Inspections Demand in Kent

Construction and civil engineering (Thames Gateway, HS1 corridor)
Port operations (Dover, Sheerness, Thamesport)
Heavy engineering and fabrication (Medway)
Infrastructure and utilities
Steel erection and structural work

Crane Inspections Equipment in Kent

Tower cranes on major construction sites
Mobile cranes (all-terrain and rough terrain)
Overhead travelling cranes in workshops
Loader cranes (lorry-mounted hiab type)
Gantry cranes at port and industrial facilities
Mini cranes and spider cranes

Crane thorough examinations assess structural integrity of the boom, jib, and mast sections. Wire rope condition is checked for broken strands, corrosion, and distortion. Hook blocks, safety catches, and load indicators are tested. Slew rings, bearings, and outrigger systems are inspected for wear. Limit switches, overload protection, and emergency stop systems are verified as operational.

Key Industrial and Commercial Areas in Kent

Crossways Business Park, Dartford

Eurolink Industrial Estate, Sittingbourne

Larkfield Trading Estate, Aylesford

Chatham Maritime and Gillingham Business Park

Discovery Park, Sandwich

Orbital Park, Ashford

Legal Requirements and Inspection Frequency

Under LOLER Regulation 9, cranes must be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months. Cranes used for lifting persons must be examined every 6 months. After installation, erection, or any assembly that could affect safety, a crane must be thoroughly examined before being put into service. The competent person must also assess the adequacy of the crane's installation including ground conditions and proximity hazards.

Required Inspection Interval

Every 12 months (every 6 months if used for lifting persons); also after each erection or assembly

Scheduling Note for Kent

Crane thorough examinations in Kent often need to be coordinated around construction programme schedules, port vessel timetables, and site access restrictions. Our engineers hold the necessary site induction certifications for major Kent construction sites and port facilities.

Common Defects Identified

During crane inspections across Kent, our Engineer Surveyors regularly identify:

Wire rope deterioration — broken strands, birdcaging, or corrosion
Hydraulic hose wear, chafing, and oil leaks
Structural cracking at boom weld joints
Limit switch or anti-two-block device malfunction
Outrigger pad cracking or deformation
Slew ring bearing wear beyond tolerance

Infrastructure and Major Projects

Kent's infrastructure drives significant demand for crane inspections. Key sites and projects include:

Port of Dover
Channel Tunnel / Eurotunnel terminal, Folkestone
M20 and M2 motorway corridors
Thames Gateway regeneration zone
High Speed 1 (HS1) rail link
Medway ports at Sheerness and Thamesport

LOLER & PUWER Compliance Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do cranes need a thorough examination?

Cranes require thorough examination at least every 12 months under LOLER. If the crane is used to lift people, the interval reduces to 6 months. A thorough examination is also required after every installation, erection, or assembly at a new location.

Can a crane be used if the examination certificate has expired?

No. Operating a crane beyond its thorough examination due date is a breach of LOLER and a criminal offence. The crane must be taken out of service immediately until a valid report of thorough examination has been issued by a competent person.

Who is responsible for arranging crane inspections?

The duty holder — typically the employer or the person who controls the use of the crane — is legally responsible for ensuring thorough examinations are carried out on time. This responsibility cannot be delegated to the crane operator.

Do you cover all of Kent including rural areas?

Yes. Our Engineer Surveyors are based across Kent and cover the entire county from the Thames Estuary towns in the north through to the Romney Marsh in the south. We regularly attend sites in rural locations, farms, and small workshops as well as major industrial estates and construction sites.