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Design Work Period (DWP)

Levitate Lifting

Compliance-focused major inspections to AS 2550 / AS 1418 — with clear outcomes, reports, and practical recommendations.

A major inspection is the most comprehensive inspection a crane will undergo across its service life. It’s typically required at key milestones (commonly referred to as 10-year and 25-year major inspections, depending on crane type and duty) or whenever a crane’s continued safe use needs to be confirmed.

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At Levitate Lifting, we carry out major inspections with an engineering-led approach — focused on compliance, safety, and giving you a clear path forward (continue operation, repair, upgrade, or retire).

What is a Major Inspection?

A major inspection is a detailed condition assessment that goes beyond routine servicing and periodic inspections. It commonly includes:

​Structural inspection of the crane and runway (where applicable)

  • Mechanical inspection of critical components

  • Assessment of wear, fatigue, deterioration, and operational risks

  • Review of documentation and compliance history (where available)

  • Reporting that supports a remnant life / continued service decision

 

Major inspections are generally aligned to the requirements and intent of the relevant Australian Standards, including AS 2550 (Safe use of cranes) and AS 1418 (Cranes, hoists and winches).

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When is a Major Inspection Required?

A major inspection is required when:

  • Your crane reaches a service-life milestone (commonly referenced as 10-year and 25-year points)

  • The crane has unknown history, limited documentation, or uncertain duty classification

  • The crane has had heavy use, harsh environment exposure, or repeated breakdowns

  • A plant auditor, insurer, or safety manager requests evidence of ongoing suitability

  • You are considering upgrades, capacity changes, relocation, or refurbishment

  • There has been an incident, overload event, abnormal behavior, or structural concern


If you’re not sure what applies to your crane, we can guide you based on crane type, duty, usage history, and risk profile.

Design Working Period (DWP) Assessment

The first step is to calculate the remaining DWP based on reliable usage data. If this calculation shows the crane or hoist will reach a design limit before the next scheduled periodic inspection, a major assessment is required.

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This evidence-based approach ensures that major inspections are carried out when needed — not simply by the calendar.

Our Major Inspection Process

major_inspection_flowchart_LevitateLifting.png

We follow a clear, structured sequence to ensure thoroughness and transparency:

  1. History & Usage Review

    • Collect logbooks, inspection reports, and usage data.

  2. Design Working Period (DWP) Calculation

    • Engineering analysis to determine remaining service life.

  3. Visual Inspection & Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

    • Identify signs of wear, cracking, corrosion, or fatigue.

  4. Decision Point — Is disassembly needed?

    • If the condition of a component can be confirmed without opening it, we keep it in service.

    • If internal assessment is essential, targeted disassembly is carried out.

  5. Repair or Replacement

    • Any defective or worn components are addressed as required.

  6. Compliance Certification & Documentation

    • A detailed inspection report, compliance certificate, and remnant life estimate are provided.

What to expect after the completion of Major Inspection?

  1. Inspection Report: The inspection will be conducted by a qualified and certified inspector who will provide a detailed inspection report. This report will outline the findings of the inspection, including any deficiencies or issues identified during the inspection.

  2. Compliance with Standards: The inspection will assess whether the equipment complies with the relevant Australian standards, including AS2550. If any non-compliance issues are identified, they will be documented in the inspection report.

  3. Safety Recommendations: If any safety concerns are identified during the inspection, the inspector may provide recommendations for addressing these concerns. These recommendations may include repairs, maintenance, or modifications to the equipment to ensure it meets safety standards.

  4. Compliance Certification: If the equipment passes the inspection and meets all safety and compliance requirements, the inspector may issue a compliance certification. This certification indicates that the equipment is safe to use and complies with AS2550.

  5. Deficiency Remediation: If the inspection identifies deficiencies or non-compliance issues, the client will typically be responsible for addressing these issues. This may involve repairing or replacing components, conducting maintenance, or making modifications to the equipment as recommended by the inspector.

  6. Follow-up Inspections: Depending on the findings of the major inspection and the age and condition of the equipment, the inspector may recommend a schedule for follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.

  7. Remnant Life Estimate: It's essential to keep all inspection reports and certifications on record for compliance and liability purposes. Clients should maintain a record of all major inspections, compliance certificates, and any maintenance or repairs performed on the equipment.

​Contact Us Today:

Don't wait until a problem arises. Ensure the safety and reliability of your lifting equipment with our expert inspection and service. Trust us to keep your operations running smoothly, adhering to Australian Standards AS2550.1 and AS2550.3.

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For more details on our other services, including third-party inspection, long-term inspections, modernization, and spare parts, please explore the respective pages on our website.

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At Levitate Lifting Equipment, we are your trusted partners in crane safety and performance.

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