BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

12644-1:2001
+A1:2008

Cranes — Information
for use and testing —
Part 1: Instructions

ICS 53.020.20

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

BS EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008

National foreword

This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008.

It supersedes BS EN 12644-1:2001 which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in
the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text carry the number of the
CEN amendment. For example, text altered by CEN amendment A1 is indic-
ated by !".
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted Technical Committee
by MHE/3, Cranes and derricks, to Subcommittee. MHE/3/11, Crane safety
and testing.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be

obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

This British Standard was

published under the authority
of the Standards Committee
and comes into effect on
15 March 2001

Amendments corrigenda issued since publication

Date Comments

© BSI 2009 30 June 2009 Implementation of CEN amendment A1:2008

ISBN 978 0 580 60677 9

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12644-1:2001+A1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM July 2008

ICS 53.020.20 Supersedes EN 12644-1:2001

English Version

Cranes - Information for use and testing - Part 1: Instructions

Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Information pour Krane - Informationen für die Nutzung und Prüfung - Teil 1:
l'utilisation et les essais - Partie 1: Instructions Betriebsanleitungen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 December 2000 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 15 June 2008.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN12644-1:2001+A1:2008
EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................4
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................5
4 Hazards ...................................................................................................................................................6
5 Requirements for instructions .............................................................................................................6
5.1 General....................................................................................................................................................6
5.2 Crane Specification ...............................................................................................................................6
5.2.1 General....................................................................................................................................................6
5.2.2 Identification...........................................................................................................................................6
5.3 User´s instructions ................................................................................................................................7
5.4 Crane driver´s instructions...................................................................................................................8
5.4.1 General....................................................................................................................................................8
5.4.2 Information .............................................................................................................................................8
5.4.3 Checks before starting any lifting operation ......................................................................................8
5.4.4 Specific safety aspects during operation ...........................................................................................8
5.4.5 Specific safety aspects before leaving the crane out-of-service......................................................9
5.5 Maintenance instructions (preventative and corrective)...................................................................9
6 Verification of the requirements.........................................................................................................10
Annex ZA (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC"
" .......................................................................................11
Annex ZB (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC"
" ...................................................................................12
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................................13

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 147
“Cranes - Safety”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by December 2009.

This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2008-06-15.

This document supersedes EN 12644-1:2001.

The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).

!For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annexes ZA and ZB, which are integral parts of this
document."

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

Introduction
This European Standard is a type C-standard as defined in EN 414.

This standard has been prepared to be a harmonized standard to provide one means of conforming with the
essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive, as amended.

This is part 1 of a series intended to give information for use to be supplied by the manufacturers of cranes.

The other part of this standard is:

Part 2: Marking

!deleted text"

The extent to which hazards are covered is indicated in the scope of this standard.

1 Scope
This part of EN 12644 specifies requirements for the presentation and content of instruction handbook(s)
supplied by the manufacturer for the use of cranes.

This crane standard has been written to be used in conjunction with other crane standards being prepared by
CEN/TC 147.

NOTE Specific requirements for particular types of crane, are given in the appropriate European Standard for the
particular crane type.

The hazards covered by this standard are identified in clause 4.

This part of EN 12644 applies to cranes which are manufactured after the date of approval by CEN of this
standard.

This standard does not cover hazards related to the lifting of persons.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications apply
to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).

EN 292-2:1991+ A1:1995, Safety of machinery – Basic concepts, general principles for design – Part 2:
Technical principles and specifications

EN 1070:1998, Safety of machinery - Terminology

prEN 13001-1:1997, Crane safety - General design - Part 1: General principles and requirements

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

NOTE Informative annex ZA provides information regarding relevant EU directives, European and International
Standards.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard the terms and definitions given in EN 1070:1998 and the
following apply.

3.1
check
visual and functional assessment (not a test) of the condition of the crane without dismantling.

3.2
crane driver
person operating the crane for the purpose of handling loads.

3.3
examination
verification that the crane can safely continue in service including a functional test of all safety devices i.e.
limiting, indicating equipment, brakes, clutches etc to verify that they operate within the required tolerances.
An examination is more thorough than an inspection.

3.4
inspection
looking at the crane for defects and checking the operation of the controls, limiting and indicating devices
without loading the crane. This is much more than a check but does not normally require any part of the crane
to be dismantled other than removal or opening of cover(s) or housing(s).

3.5
instruction handbook
principal means by which the manufacturer provides information or instructions on how the crane has to be
used.

3.6
rated capacity
load(s) that the crane is designed to lift for a given operating condition (e.g. configuration, position of load).

3.7
service conditions

3.7.1
in-service
crane in use handling or preparing to handle loads up to the rated capacity in conditions as specified by the
manufacturer.

3.7.2
out-of-service
crane out of use, without load and left in conditions as specified by the manufacturer.

3.8
test
specific operation of the crane with or without a defined load in order to establish whether the crane is fit for
use.

3.9
use
any operation with or on the crane e.g. transportation, erection, dismantling, maintenance, movements of the
load.

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

3.10
user; user organisation
person or organisation which has direct control over the crane use.

4 Hazards
Cranes can present hazards to persons in the danger zone.

Instructions regarding use, handling, maintenance etc. of cranes are necessary to reduce or eliminate the
risks associated with the hazards.

This standard specifies requirements for instructions in order to prevent or minimize hazards or hazardous
situations.

A list of hazards is given in the appropriate standards for each crane type.

5 Requirements for instructions

5.1 General

An instruction handbook with information for safe use of the crane shall be supplied. Presentation of this
information shall comply with clause 5 of EN 292-2:1991. The provisions of language versions shall meet the
requirements of A.1.7.4 revised in EN 292-2:1991.

The instruction handbook may be published in one or more parts. Where appropriate, cross reference to other
parts should be made to avoid unnecessary repetition. All handbook parts shall have clear identification as to
which cranes they apply to, including as a minimum:

a) title of handbook;

b) title of other parts (if appropriate);

c) model and serial number of the crane (if appropriate);

d) list of contents, number of pages and/or index.

The instruction handbook shall be written with internationally recognised terms, definitions, units and symbols
with their key or signification.

The text should be simple and adapted to the individuals who will use it with all information being explicit and
comprehensive. Clear and simple illustrations, diagrams, graphs and tables should be used in preference to
written text and be placed adjacent to any corresponding text.

5.2 Crane Specification

5.2.1 General

This section of the instruction handbook shall contain all the necessary information for identification and
technical data. The following items shall be included in the instruction handbook if appropriate.

5.2.2 Identification

a) name and address of the manufacturer;

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

b) designation of series or type(s);

c) serial number(s);

The instruction handbook shall clearly indicate the crane, series, types, serial numbers and
configurations to which it applies.

5.2.3 Technical data

a) a drawing/sketch of the crane with overall dimensions and the number and designation of main
components;

b) a description and explanation about classification (see prEN 13001-1:1997), rated capacity and design
standards;

c) the design capability of the crane for overload test;

d) a description and explanation about in-service and out-of-service conditions;

e) those activities for which the crane is designed and those for which the crane shall not be used;

f) description of the limiting and indicating devices;

g) description of the control system(s);

h) where appropriate, a description of emergency escape(s);

i) technical data of importance for the erection, dismantling and transportation (e.g. dimensions and mass of
components, reaction on supporting parts, power supply and test conditions);

j) where appropriate, requirements for the tracks/rails and of the ground support conditions;

k) where appropriate, the type and the means of installation of the ballast;

l) information concerning airborne noise emission and, where appropriate, vibration emission by the crane,
with the method used to measure it and the operating conditions of the crane during measurement, and
an instruction that whenever a noise test code exists for the type of crane concerned, it shall be used;

m) where appropriate, a description of the technical requirements necessary to operate in a potentially

explosive atmosphere;

n) information on materials and parts requiring specialised repair techniques.

5.3 User´s instructions

This section of the handbook shall include requirements on the user to ensure that the purpose for
which the crane is intended is compatible with the crane specification including:

a) the need to ascertain that ground or support conditions are adequate for the maximum loadings imposed
by the crane;

b) checking that the specification for in-service conditions given in the instruction handbook, is in
accordance with the site conditions (e.g. effects of wind including site effects, snow, adverse temperature,
visibility);

c) checking that the power supply is adequate;

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

d) checking that there are no parts added to the crane which have not been verified for fitness for purpose.

NOTE Further guidance is given in ISO 12480-1.

5.4 Crane driver´s instructions

5.4.1 General

This section of the instruction handbook shall contain any requirements relative to the crane type.
NOTE The intention of this section is not to replicate the requirements which are normally known by a competent
crane driver.

5.4.2 Information

This section is to help the user to inform the crane driver of the following:
a) the technical data, rated capacity and safety devices which are necessary for the crane driver to know
before accessing and driving that crane;

b) the controls and their layouts;

c) the telephone, radio or closed circuit television communications (if provided);

d) safety advice together with the appropriate safety signs and information;

e) pictograms used on the crane;

f) recommendation, when relevant, for the wearing of hearing protectors (this will apply in particular to
cranes without an enclosed cabin).

5.4.3 Checks before starting any lifting operation

This section shall include :

a) information given by all indicators of the crane (electrical power, fluid level and pressure, wear limits, wind
speed, etc.);

b) correct operation of the controls;

c) where practicable, the need for a clear and unrestricted view of the load and operational area. If this is not
practicable a check of the correct functioning of communications equipment;

d) correct position (e.g. level of a mobile crane).

5.4.4 Specific safety aspects during operation

This section shall include (if appropriate) :

a) slinging of the load;

b) evaluating and monitoring of the load;

c) loading and unloading;

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

d) verticality of hoist line;

e) starting and stopping motions;

f) load control and balancing of the load;

g) combined movements;

h) correct use of emergency stop;

i) minimum clearance between the load lifting attachment/load and the structure of the crane.

5.4.5 Specific safety aspects before leaving the crane out-of-service

This section shall include (if appropriate) :

a) out-of-service condition of the crane and lifting attachment;

b) isolation of the power supply;

c) security of the control equipment.

5.5 Maintenance instructions (preventative and corrective)

This section shall include:

a) drawings and parts lists as appropriate;

b) preventative maintenance tasks and intervals;

c) safety precautions during maintenance;

d) maintenance parameters (pressure settings, torque values, rope discard criteria, tolerances, etc.);

e) checklists, test values and associated schematic diagrams;

f) reference to specialist repair processes;

g) reference to special tools;

h) checks, inspections, examinations and tests, which are needed in accordance with the design of the
crane, including the safe conditions for carrying them out, with advice for the recording of all defects and
incidents;

NOTE Guidance for periodical checks, inspections, examinations and tests is given in ISO 12480-1.

i) criteria and, if appropriate, adequate records to enable determination of the approach to the design
constraints of the cranes components. If specific indicating or recording devices are used to achieve this,
instructions for use and maintenance are to be given;

NOTE Guidance is given in ISO 12482-1.

j) precautions required to maintain the crane for significant periods of non-use (on site or dismantled);

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

k) where appropriate, the examination and test programme after a significant period of non-use, the
necessary action before using the crane (such as lubricating, cleaning components, check of electric
wiring etc.). The same, or a specific programme, shall apply following severe weather condition;

NOTE Further guidance is given in ISO 12480-1.

l) repair conditions or reference to the manufacturer for advice. The instruction handbook shall draw
attention to and warn against servicing of the crane by non-specialised personnel, and to replacement
parts which are not guaranteed in accordance with the manufacturers specification;

NOTE Guidance for the content of spare parts manual is given in ISO 10973.

m) conditions which are allowed to repair the elements of the crane instead of replacing them. In this
situation the manufacturer needs to consider if the original fitness for purpose result can still be valid after
certain repairs. Those components which are needed for preventative maintenance shall be listed in the
handbook. Any necessary reference and source of supply, together with replacement procedures and
tools that are needed shall also be given.

5.6 Transportation, erection and dismantling

Instructions shall be given regarding transportation, erection and dismantling procedures. The instructions
shall describe all the necessary details to enable these processes to be completed safely.

If appropriate, the instruction handbook shall give a test programme to verify the new site condition after
reassembly.

6 Verification of the requirements

Before first use of any crane it shall be verified by a visual assessment that instruction handbook(s) have been
provided in accordance with this standard.

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 BS EN12644-1:2001+A1:2008
EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

Annex ZA
(informative)

!Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the
New Approach Directive 98/37/EC amended by 98/79/CE on machinery.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has
been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the normative
clauses of this standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity
with Essential Requirement 1.7.4 of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING - Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the
scope of this standard."

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BS EN12644-1:2001+A1:2008
EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

Annex ZB
(informative)

!Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the
New Approach Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has
been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the normative
clauses of this standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity
with Essential Requirement 1.7.4 of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING - Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the
scope of this standard."

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EN 12644-1:2001+A1:2008 (E)

Bibliography

A.1 EU Directives
EU Directive 98/37/EC dated 22.06.1998 for adjustment of the legal provisions of the member countries
relating to machinery.

EU Directive 89/655/EEC dated 30.11.1989, and its amendment 95/63/EEC on the minimum safety and health
requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work.

A.2 European Standards

EN 292-1:1991, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts; general principles for design - Part 1: Basic
terminology, methodology

Crane standards in preparation by CEN/TC 147.

A.3 International standards

ISO 9926-1:1990, Cranes - Driver´s training - Part 1: General

ISO 9927-1:1994, Cranes - Inspections - Part 1: General

ISO 9928-1:1990, Cranes - Crane driving manual - Part 1: General

ISO 10973:1995, Cranes - Spare parts manual

ISO 12478-1:1997, Cranes - Maintenance manual - Part 1: General

ISO 12480-1:1997, Cranes - Safe use - Part 1: General

ISO 12482-1:1995, Cranes - Condition monitoring - Part 1: General

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BS EN
12644-1:2001
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