Ensuring the safety and reliability of lifting equipment is critical in industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing. To achieve this, organizations must follow accreditation criteria for in-service inspection of lifting equipment. Accreditation not only ensures compliance with safety regulations but also builds trust, reduces downtime, and extends the lifecycle of assets.

In this guide, we’ll break down the Accreditation criteria for lifting equipment inspections explain why they matter, and show how Inspections Track Software can help streamline inspection processes in the oil and gas industry.

Why Accreditation Matters for Lifting Equipment

Accreditation provides a benchmark for quality and safety. For equipment such as cranes, hoists, forklifts, and winches, in-service inspections ensure they remain safe to operate under load.

Some real-world examples include:

• Oil rigs relying on cranes for subsea operations.
• Construction sites using tower cranes to lift heavy materials.
• Manufacturing plants employing overhead hoists in assembly lines.

Failure to meet inspection and accreditation standards can result in:

• Accidents and injuries.
• Legal penalties.
• Expensive downtime.

Key Accreditation Criteria for In-Service Inspections

1. Compliance with International Standards

Inspections must align with globally recognized standards such as:

• ISO 9927 – Cranes inspection guidelines.
• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) – UK regulations.
• ASME B30 – Safety standards for lifting equipment in the US.

2. Inspector Competence and Certification

Accredited inspections require qualified personnel who:

• Hold certifications (e.g., LEEA, ASME).
• Undergo continuous training.
• Demonstrate hands-on industry experience.

3. Inspection Frequency

Equipment must be inspected at intervals set by law or industry best practices:

Equipment Type	Typical Frequency	Example Use Case
Cranes & Winches	Every 6 months	Offshore lifting operations
Forklifts	Every 12 months	Warehousing and logistics
Hoists & Slings	Every 6 months	Manufacturing and assembly lines

4. Detailed Inspection Reports

Accreditation requires well-documented reports covering:

• Visual checks.
• Load tests.
• Defect identification.
• Corrective actions.

5. Use of Digital Solutions

Traditional paper-based reporting is being replaced by digital inspection tools for accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.

How Inspections Track Software Supports Accreditation

For the oil and gas industry, compliance and safety are non-negotiable. Inspections Track Software helps companies achieve accreditation by:

• Automating inspection scheduling based on equipment type.
• Providing digital checklists aligned with ISO, LOLER, and ASME standards.
• Capturing real-time data and generating detailed inspection reports.
• Offering a centralized dashboard for multiple assets across locations.

Example:
An offshore oil rig with 30 cranes uses Inspections Track Software to schedule inspections. Instead of relying on manual logs, the software automatically alerts inspectors when the next crane inspection is due. Reports are instantly stored and accessible for audits, making compliance easier.

Benefits of Meeting Accreditation Criteria

By following the criteria and leveraging technology, organizations can:

• Improve workplace safety.
• Reduce downtime caused by equipment failures.
• Enhance audit readiness.
• Increase the lifespan of lifting equipment.

Conclusion

Accreditation criteria for in-service inspection of lifting equipment are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and compliance. By adopting digital tools like Inspections Track Software, businesses in the oil and gas sector can simplify accreditation, improve reliability, and ensure smoother operations.

Staying compliant isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about safeguarding lives, assets, and reputation.

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