Onsite Load Testing Services UK

Lifting Gear Products provides specialist onsite load testing services for lifting equipment, structural attachments and anchor points, in addition to our in-house proof load and tensile testing capabilities.

Onsite testing enables verification of equipment performance under real-world operational conditions without the need to remove components from service. This reduces disruption, minimises downtime and allows installed equipment to be validated safely and efficiently.

All onsite testing is conducted by competent engineers using calibrated load measurement systems with traceability to national standards (NPL), with full documentation issued upon completion.

Book Onsite Load Testing

To arrange onsite load testing, live load verification or technical file support testing, please complete the booking form below.


Alternatively, contact our Manchester or Sheffield testing facility directly:

Manchester Service Centre
2 Kelbrook Road
Parkhouse Street Industrial Estate
Manchester, M11 2QA
+44 (0)161 223 1990
enquiries@dale-lifting.co.uk

Sheffield Sales & Support
326–328 Coleford Road
Sheffield, S9 5PH
+44 (0)114 244 3456
sales@liftinggearprod.co.uk

What Onsite Load Testing Services Do We Provide?

  • Our onsite load testing services for lifting equipment include:

    • Live load verification of installed lifting beams, cranes, hoists and runway systems
    • Operational function testing under controlled load conditions
    • Anchor point proof testing to confirm Safe Working Load (SWL)
    • In-situ verification of structural lifting attachments
    • Portable load measurement using calibrated digital tensile dynamometers with traceability to national standards (NPL)
    • Documented reporting suitable for inclusion within technical files and compliance audits

    Testing equipment in-situ reduces downtime and eliminates the need to transport large, fixed or integrated installations to an offsite facility.

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Why Onsite Load Testing Is Important

  • Onsite load testing provides objective verification that installed lifting equipment performs safely under actual operational conditions. 

     

    It is particularly important:

    • Following installation of new lifting equipment
    • After modification or structural repair
    • Where removal for in-house testing is impractical
    • For high-risk or safety-critical lifting applications

    Onsite verification:

    • Confirms Safe Working Load performance
    • Validates structural integrity
    • Provides traceable compliance evidence
    • Reduces operational risk

    Our engineers configure testing to replicate realistic load paths and operational use, ensuring meaningful structural verification while maintaining safety for personnel and infrastructure. This is particularly relevant for installed lifting beams, anchor systems and fixed lifting infrastructure where removal for laboratory testing is impractical.

    For controlled laboratory-based testing up to 100 tonnes, please refer to our Load Proof Testing and Tensile Proof Load Testing services.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Onsite Load Testing

  • What is onsite load testing?

    Onsite load testing is the controlled application of a specified load to lifting equipment, structural attachments or anchor points in their installed location. The purpose is to verify Safe Working Load (SWL), structural integrity and operational performance without removing equipment from service.

  • When is onsite load testing required?

    Onsite load testing may be required:

    • After installation of new lifting equipment
    • Following modification or structural repair
    • Where equipment cannot be removed for in-house testing
    • For safety-critical lifting applications
    • As part of compliance verification for technical files

    It provides objective evidence that installed equipment performs safely under real-world conditions.

  • What is the difference between onsite load testing and inspection?

    Onsite inspection involves visual and functional assessment of lifting equipment to identify wear, defects or compliance issues.

    Onsite load testing involves applying a controlled test load to verify structural performance and Safe Working Load capacity.

    Inspection identifies condition.
    Load testing verifies performance.

    Both services may be required depending on regulatory and operational requirements.

  • How is load applied during onsite testing?

    Load may be applied using:

    • Certified test weights
    • Calibrated digital tensile dynamometers
    • Controlled hydraulic or mechanical loading systems

    All measurement equipment used during testing has calibration traceability to national standards (NPL), ensuring accurate and defensible results.

  • What documentation will we receive after onsite testing?

    Following completion of onsite load testing, you will receive:

    • Proof of applied test load
    • Recorded load measurement data
    • Confirmation of Safe Working Load verification
    • Calibration traceability details
    • Formal test report suitable for compliance records

    Documentation may be used within manufacturer technical files or for audit purposes.

  • What is the maximum load you can test onsite?

    Onsite testing capacity depends on access, structural configuration and load application method.

    For higher capacity-controlled testing up to 100 tonnes, we recommend in-house proof load or tensile testing at our Manchester facility using our computer-controlled horizontal test bed.

  • Can onsite testing support CE or UKCA compliance?

    Yes. Onsite load testing may form part of the conformity assessment process where verification of structural performance is required.

    Test reports can support technical file documentation under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and may form part of the conformity assessment process where applicable.