ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Two-yearly tower crane inspection in Spain
A tower crane in Spain that stays installed on the same site undergoes an extraordinary inspection by an inspection body every two years from commissioning, without dismantling (Article 11 of ITC MIE-AEM-2, Royal Decree 836/2003). Between inspections the maintenance company checks it at least every four months.
Tower cranes covered by ITC MIE-AEM-2 (Royal Decree 836/2003) that remain installed on the same site for a long time must undergo an extraordinary inspection every two years, counted from commissioning. It is carried out by an authorised inspection body and the crane does not need to be dismantled (Article 11). The ITC applies to mechanically driven tower cranes of more than 15 kN·m rated moment, on construction sites or in other uses (Article 3).
Before that, for commissioning, the documents filed with the regional authority include an inspection body's report covering an inspection of all parts before erection and another with the crane erected, using the Annex III criteria, and the maintenance contract (Article 5.5). For self-erecting monobloc cranes between 15 and 170 kN·m, inspections are only carried out every two years, regardless of how many times they are erected (Article 5.5.b).
Between inspections, the installed crane and its accessories are checked at least every four months under standard UNE 58-101-92, part 2, and the user must have a maintenance contract with an authorised maintenance company while the crane is installed. If the crane has been out of service for more than three months, it is checked before it is put back into service (Article 8).
At a glance
| Extraordinary inspection | Every two years from commissioning, on the same site (Article 11) |
|---|---|
| Who carries it out | An authorised inspection body, without dismantling the crane (Article 11) |
| Self-erecting monobloc, 15 to 170 kN·m | Inspections every two years, regardless of erections (Article 5.5.b) |
| Maintenance check | At least every four months (Article 8) |
| Out of service over three months | Check before reuse (Article 8) |
| Essential modifications | Require the commissioning documents again (Article 12) |
Who is responsible?
The user, meaning the crane's owner or lessee, is responsible for its use, custody and proper maintenance (Article 2.19) and must have a contract with an authorised maintenance company while the crane is installed (Article 8).
Changes to reach or height
Changing the reach, erection height, load chart, mast or jib composition, ropes, ballast, speeds or safety devices is an essential modification that requires filing the commissioning documents again (Article 12).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each tower crane with the date of the next inspection: two years from commissioning or from the last inspection.
- Add a separate record for the four-monthly maintenance check.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself. The inspection body can upload its report through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the site manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is a tower crane inspected in Spain?
- If it stays installed on the same site, every two years from commissioning, by an inspection body (Article 11 of ITC MIE-AEM-2).
- Does it have to be dismantled?
- No, the extraordinary inspection is done without dismantling the crane (Article 11).
- What checks apply between inspections?
- Maintenance checks at least every four months by the maintenance company, and a check before reuse if it has been out of service for more than three months (Article 8).
- What about self-erecting cranes?
- For self-erecting monobloc cranes of 15 to 170 kN·m rated moment, inspections are only done every two years, regardless of the number of erections (Article 5.5.b).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for tower crane inspection (Spain)
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Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each tower crane inspection (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each tower crane inspection (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.