When is proof load testing legally required in New Zealand?
1. Land-based cranes and lifting equipment
Under the Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999 (PECPR), equipment must be safe, operated within its design limits, maintained in a safe condition, and must not be operated unless it has a current certificate of inspection.
If a repair or alteration affects operational safety, the repaired or altered equipment must return through the inspection pathway.
WorkSafe's Approved Code of Practice for Cranes says a proof load test must be carried out and witnessed by an equipment inspector at the first inspection, unless the manufacturer says doing so is impractical. The same code also says cranes must be inspected and issued with a certificate of inspection at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
Note: The WorkSafe Crane ACOP predates the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, which replaced the earlier HSE Act. The PECPR regulations themselves remain current. When relying on the ACOP for specific proof-load requirements, read it alongside current legislation and any relevant equipment-specific standards.
The important nuance is that, on land, there is not one fixed nationwide proof-load retest interval for every item of lifting gear. The applicable inspection period and method often depend on the recognised industry standard that applies to the specific equipment.
2. Maritime lifting appliances and cargo gear
For ships, the position is more prescriptive. Maritime Rules Part 49 applies to lifting appliances on New Zealand ships, loose cargo gear carried on New Zealand ships, and certain foreign ships and cargo gear used for cargo work in New Zealand.
It requires a valid certificate of test, prohibits use without a valid certificate, and requires testing before first use and after any substantial alteration or repair. Lifting appliances must be re-tested at least once every five years, and thoroughly examined at least every 12 months.
Maritime Rules Part 49 — Proof Load Quick Reference
| Asset SWL | Part 49 Rule | Required Proof Load | Band |
|---|
| 10 t | SWL × 1.25 | 12.5 t | A (≤20 t) |
| 15 t | SWL × 1.25 | 18.75 t | A (≤20 t) |
| 20 t | SWL × 1.25 | 25 t | A (upper) |
| 25 t – 50 t | SWL + 5 t | 30 t – 55 t | B (>20–50) |
| 75 t | SWL × 1.1 | 82.5 t | C (>50 t) |
| 100 t | SWL × 1.1 | 110 t | C (>50 t) |
| Worked example: 35 t SWL → Band B → proof load = 35 + 5 = 40 t minimum. Where class or survey instructions set a stricter basis, follow that. |
Fishing ships are handled separately under Part 40D. For loading and unloading, lifting appliances and working gear must be tested by a competent person before service or after substantial repairs, with the proof load set at 25% above safe working load.
3. Where AS/NZS standards fit in
AS/NZS and AS standards do not replace the law, but they are a major part of how compliance is demonstrated in practice. WorkSafe's crane guidance references standards such as AS 1418, AS 2550, and AS 4991, and equipment-specific guidance points back to the relevant standards for inspection methods, testing scope, and documentation requirements.
In practice, the law sets the duty and certification framework, while the relevant standard often helps determine the correct test procedure and the evidence needed to support certification.
