A broad view of promoting safety and quality

Did you know that TÜV NORD Netherlands, part of the globally operating TÜV NORD Group, has been present in the Netherlands for over forty years? It is the largest inspection body in our country when it comes to periodic inspections of work equipment in general. TÜV NORD Netherlands not only inspects many hundreds of foundation machines annually, but is also closely involved in determining the "rules of the game" of inspection.

The field of activity of TÜV NORD Netherlands is very extensive. "We promote safety and quality through audits, tests and inspections," explains Marcel Kleintjens, marketing manager at TÜV NORD Netherlands. "Our tasks range from auditing management systems to the testing and inspection of work equipment. In addition, we also provide product inspections and certifications." Within TÜV NORD Netherlands, a specific department has been set up that deals exclusively with the certification process in vertical transport, which therefore includes foundation machines. This department also determines, together with the TCVT foundation (affiliated with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment), the industry and branch organizations, the "rules of the game" and inspection schedules for the inspection of equipment in vertical transport.

Mandatory and non-mandatory inspection

TÜV NORD Netherlands inspects many hundreds of foundation machines per year. "We look after the interests of Dutch customers, but do not hesitate to make a trip abroad when equipment is used on projects across the border," says Han Roelofs, technical manager at TÜV NORD Netherlands and responsible for vertical transport. Foundation machines can be subjected to various inspections. "Before work begins, an erection inspection is often required to assess whether an installation can operate safely in its environment. We can of course comply with that. In addition, the foundation machine itself must be inspected periodically, split into mandatory and non-compulsory inspections. For the first part (usually biannual) an accredited body must be engaged, such as TÜV NORD Netherlands, which performs the inspection according to a standardized schedule. The non-compulsory part (annual) may be carried out by a competent person of the customer himself. In practice, we as an independent inspection body are also called in for that part, because the customer wants to avoid inspecting his own 'meat'."

Foundation machines are inspected according to the TCVT inspection schedule W6-01. "This describes, among other things, the points the inspector must complete during the inspection, but also what is expected of the inspector. So the schedule provides clarity in the market," Roelofs believes. "Everyone can read over the points, it prevents discussion. Besides, it's always good to have some strange eyes looking at an installation." And those "strange eyes," in the case of TÜV NORD Netherlands, are very knowledgeable. "Our inspectors recognize the importance of our customers and speak the same language. We think along, also in view of new developments and techniques. Not only with our customers, by the way. We regularly sit down with the industry to see what new developments mean for inspection schedules and applicable legislation."