What needs to be checked during maintenance
Operating instructions
A complete vacuum lifting device (but also all other devices / machines) includes operating instructions in the user's national language.
Which requirements, among others, must be met by the operating instructions if the appliance fulfils EU standard EN 13155?
Section 7.1.1 generally requires, for example
- a short description
- the load-bearing capacity
- the instructions for application / use
- handling and storage
Section 7.1.2.2 has a few more requirements for the vacuum lifting device, including the following:
- Checking the negative pressure
- What to do if the warning device responds
- How should connections and hoses be tested?
- How is the condition of the suction discs checked?
- What holding time does the device have in the event of a power failure
The maintenance instructions for the vacuum lifting device are also included in the operating instructions. This is defined in more detail in section 7.1.3.
- a repair manual
- the use of only original parts
- a list of the components
The testing and inspection of the vacuum lifting device is also required in section 7.1.4. Among other things, information is required for the following points:
- Before commissioning
- Service life
In the case of unknown appliances, a rough check should be made to ensure that the operating instructions cover approximately this range of topics so that the appliance can be assessed as safe.
If the operating instructions are not available, the appliance is not safe. The same applies if the language does not correspond to the country of use.
This is therefore particularly important when buying used appliances.
Nameplate & Co.
A functionally safe device can be unsafe if the labelling is incorrect or incomplete. This should therefore also be checked during maintenance.
It is very important to know that this applies to all work equipment, including self-built equipment. Every new device with CE labelling requires a type plate, operating instructions in the user's national language and a declaration of conformity. If one of these is not present, the appliance is not safe and must not be CE labelled.
The following minimum requirements exist in accordance with point 7.2 of EU standard EN 13155:
- The company name and full address of the manufacturer in the EU or the manufacturer importing the device/machine into the EU. The address of a manufacturer outside the EU is not sufficient here.
- The designation of the device / machine
- The serial number of the device/machine
- The dead weight of the appliance/machine
- The year of manufacture of the appliance/machine in which it was placed on the market
- The load capacity of the appliance/machine
If the holding time is less than five minutes in the event of a power failure, a warning must be displayed on the device. In this case, the load must not be lifted above 1.8 metres. A corresponding warning notice must then be present.
Point 7.2.3. of EU standard EN 13155 recommends the attachment of the following additional signs:
- Standing under suspended loads is not permitted. (Danger of falling loads should be communicated)
- Only use load handling attachments for suitable loads
- Ban on construction site use if it is not designed for it
- Read the operating instructions before using the appliance
The consequence
Therefore, if the formal items on the vacuum lifting device are not present, the vacuum lifting device is not safe to operate, even if everything is technically in order. Therefore, these things should also be checked and listed accordingly in the maintenance log. The device may only be used once this has been changed.
All so that you, as the person responsible for occupational safety, have carried out everything necessary. After all, that should be the aim of conscientious maintenance.