What is BS EN 15056 – Cranes about?
BS EN 15056 is a European standard that discusses the requirements for container handling spreaders for cranes. Crane machines are mainly used for lifting heavy things and transporting them to other places.
BS EN 15056 specifies safety requirements for spreaders used with cranes designed to handle ISO containers based on ISO 668 including other lengths such as 45 ft. The connection between the spreader and the container is by the use of twist locks that engage into the container’s upper corner castings.
BS EN 15056 deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to container handling spreaders, when used as intended and under conditions foreseen by the manufacturer. The spreader is interfaced with the crane’s control and safety system.
Note: BS EN 15056 does not cover the following types of spreaders:
- Hand-operated spreaders (without external power supply)
- Bottom lift grapple spreaders used for swap bodies and road trailers.
Note: BS EN 15056 does not deal with the lifting of persons.
Who is BS EN 15056 – Cranes for?
BS EN 15056 on container handling spreaders for cranes applies to:
- Manufacturer of container spreader/ cranes
- Crane manufacturing engineer
- Quality testing personnel
Why should you use BS EN 15056 – Cranes?
Crane machines are mainly used for lifting heavy things and transporting them to other places. A spreader is a device used for lifting containers and unitized cargo. The spreader is placed between the container and the lifting machine. The spreader used for containers has a locking mechanism at each corner that attaches to the four corners of the container.
BS EN 15056 provides the maintenance instructions which includes the following:
- Necessary inspections of components and functions
- Danger zone during maintenance
- After maintenance a functional test shall be carried out
- Warning about the risk of insufficient communication between the crane driver and/or coordination by personnel at the spreader during maintenance of the spreader on the crane.
BS EN 15056 gives you the safety requirements for the container handling spreaders for cranes such as:
- Twist lock
- Flippers
- Electrical system
- Hydraulic systems
As a user of BS EN 15056, you are provided with comprehensive guidance for the container handling spreaders for cranes.