Proof Load Testing
Hydro-Wates® provides proof load testing services to establish equipment fitness for use before initial operation, periodically to confirm ongoing fitness, and following repairs to critical load-carrying components.
In addition to cranes, equipment and machines which are typically proof load tested include lift beams, spreader beams, custom lift frames, slings, custom sling configurations, hoisting frames, derricks, pad-eyes, winch foundations, and other load bearing structures. Testing is most often performed using our water bag load testing equipment. Hydro-Wates® can provide certification of proof load test results to nationally and internationally recognized standards specified by API, OSHA, ASME, NSTE, IMO and others. We have experience in testing vessels, bulk carriers, cruise ships, offshore service vessels, break-bulk, project cargo, and various others.
Generally, proof load testing is performed at loads in the range of 10% to 25% over the normal working load limit (WLL) of the device being tested. However, in some cases, the test load is greater and should always be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended practice.
Requirements From OSHA
Proof load testing is required on all overhead cranes. An initial inspection on new equipment is mandatory followed by periodic maintenance inspections according to OSHA. A "drop test" is required as part of the certification because it can reveal functional errors and lower the risk of a serious accident involving overhead cranes and hoists.
In addition, use of our equipment allows customers to meet the regulatory load testing requirements of OSHA, IMO and SOLAS.
Crane Testing
Cranes being used in any industry can be load tested using water bags. Hydro-Wates offers proof-load testing services to companies across the United States and the world.
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Deflection Measurement
Deflection Measurement Services, provided by Hydro-Wates®, offers comprehensive solutions for accurately measuring and assessing deflection in various structural applications where precision is paramount for safety and operational efficiency. Our industrial quality equipment offers high precision, to 0.1mm accuracy, data logging capability, and can temporarily be affixed to any ferrous surface.
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Derrick Load Testing
The use of water bags for load testing offshore and onshore derricks is recognized as a safe, effective testing technique.
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Lifeboat Davit & Gangway Testing
Hydro-Wates maintains an extensive inventory of water bags, load cells, water meters and ancillary equipment which can be used to proof load test lifeboat davits and personnel gangways in compliance with SOLAS requirements.
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Pad Eye Testing
Hydro-Wates® offers pad eye testing services up to 150 tons using our own in-house pad eye testing machines and personnel.
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Proof Load Testing Services
Proof load testing of equipment is performed to establish fitness for use. Proof load testing is generally performed prior to initial use, periodically to confirm on-going fitness for use, and also following repairs to critical load carrying components
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Spreader Beam Testing
Spreader beams of all types can be proof load tested using water bags. Hydro-Wates has extensive experience load testing the following types of spreader beams.
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Steel Weight Testing
Hydro-Wates® provides crane, hoist and beam proof load testing services using steel test weights in applications where low headroom, restricted access or limited test area prevent the use of water test weights.
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Structural Load Testing
Hydro-Wates has the capability to design, engineer and fabricate custom test fixtures and water bag rigging arrangements to enable proof load testing of irregularly shaped products, fixtures or structures.
View Structural Load Testing OptionsWhy Choose Hydro-Wates for Load Testing Services
Hydro-Wates® performs load testing services with in-house equipment and certified personnel, rather than subcontracting to a third party. Every test is documented to API, OSHA, ASME, NSTE, IMO, and SOLAS standards, with pressure gauges calibrated annually and traceable to NIST. Our team has tested equipment for customers across the United States and internationally, including vessels, offshore structures, and project cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Proof load testing applies a controlled test load, typically 10% to 25% above a device's normal working load limit (WLL), to confirm that a piece of lifting or load-bearing equipment is fit for use. It's performed before initial use, periodically thereafter, and after repairs to critical load-carrying components.
Hydro-Wates provides load testing services for cranes, derricks, pad eyes, spreader beams, lifeboat davits and gangways, and structural fixtures, along with lift beams, custom lift frames, slings, hoisting frames, and winch foundations.
OSHA requires an initial inspection of new overhead cranes and periodic maintenance inspections after that, including a drop test as part of certification. Equipment is generally retested following repairs to critical load-carrying components or per the manufacturer's recommended interval.
Hydro-Wates certifies test results to standards set by API, OSHA, ASME, NSTE, IMO, and SOLAS, depending on the equipment and industry.
Yes. Hydro-Wates has tested equipment for customers across the United States and internationally, including vessels, bulk carriers, cruise ships, offshore service vessels, and project cargo.
The working load limit is the maximum load a piece of equipment is rated to carry in normal use. A proof load test applies a load above the WLL, usually 10% to 25% over, for a limited time to confirm the equipment can safely handle its rated capacity with a margin of safety.
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