2.7.1 Supply

It is recommended that all cranes are designed and manufactured in accordance with the applicable national standards and legislation.

Many electric bridge and gantry cranes are traded second hand and often modified to suit the new application. This may involve structural modifications and modernised by fitting a new hoist or control systems such as pendant or remote control. In such circumstances there is an element of new manufacture in the finished crane which the supplier must take responsibility for. From a legal point of view, if such modifications are extensive, it may be regarded as a new crane manufactured using some second-hand materials and components. In that case the crane must comply fully with the applicable supply legislation, marked accordingly and supply with new documentation and instructions.

It is not possible to define the point at which the modifications are extensive enough for that to apply but the purchaser is advised to make enquiries in order to be sure about fulfilling the duty placed on an employer, for guidance on this subject reference to LEEA guidance document, LEEA 067 Guide to second hand, modified or refurbished cranes, is recommended. In general, it is recommended that second-hand cranes be updated where necessary. For example, where there is a risk to safety of persons that can be reduced with the integration of modern technology. For older cranes, this is likely to require the fitting of overload protection devices and possibly additional limit switches and brakes.

The supplier should have a technical file containing the drawings and documents which support the modifications and provide the evidence that the finished crane complies with the essential health and safety requirements of the applicable standards and legislation. The supplier should issue a document stating the modifications and provide appropriate information for use and maintenance including, for example, the new or modified wiring diagrams. Any documents supplied with the new equipment fitted should also be provided.