EN 13000 cranes amendment expected in 2010

An amendment to the EN 13000 Cranes - Mobile Cranes European standard for safe crane operation is expected by 2010.

The news comes from FEM (Fédération Européene de la Manutention) following meetings in Paris last month during the Intermat construction equipment exhibition. It applies to all new mobile cranes sold in Europe.

According to the FEM mobile cranes product group the amendment of EN 13000:2004 is planned to be distributed for enquiry from June to November 2009. Publication of the changed document is then expected between 18 February 2010 and 18 May 2010. The amendment will come into force on publication so there will be no transition period, According to FEM.

All new cranes delivered in Europe after publication of the amendment will need to comply. The European manufacturers in FEM plan to implement the changes by 1 January 2010 as written in the standard, according to FEM.

The amendment comprises the following main differences from EN 13000 of 2004:

* The override key must be outside the operator cabin.

* Deadlocks can be overcome by a push button in the operator cab that will allow some further load capacity at reduced speed.

* When the override key is activated, the speed of movements is reduced.

* All activation of the override key is recorded by a data logger.