Durham Lifting Services
Proof Load Testing
At Durham Lifting, we deliver comprehensive proof load testing services to ensure your lifting and rigging equipment meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and compliance.
With over 20 years of industry experience, our advanced testing facilities and expert technicians provide accurate and reliable results for industries where safety is paramount includng offshore, construction, manufacturing, and more.
Why Choose Durham Lifting for Proof Load Testing?
✔️ Industry-Leading Capacity – Up to 3000 tonnes in tension and 2500 tonnes in compression.
✔️ Certified Compliance – We adhere to recognized standards, including BS EN 13155 and ISO 12482.
✔️ Comprehensive Service – From initial inspection to post-test certification, we ensure complete testing solutions.
✔️ Custom Testing Solutions – Tailored tests for unique equipment, on-site or at our advanced Britannia Testhouse.
Request a Quote
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your proof load testing requirements. We provide fast turnarounds and detailed certification to keep your operations running smoothly.
Our Testing Machines & Capabilities
Our largest-capacity test bed, offering high-force vertical and tensile testing for large-scale structures and offshore systems.
- Working Load: 1500Te Compression | 3000Te Tension
- Applications:
- Large-scale structural and lifting equipment
- Quayside bollards and mooring systems
- Offshore and marine load verification
Engineered for heavy-duty structural testing, this versatile test bed is ideal for validating the integrity of large lifting equipment and wire ropes under extreme conditions.
- Working Load: 1250Te Tension | 1200Te Compression
- Destruction Testing: Up to 1143Te
- Applications:
- Structural and load-bearing components
- Wire ropes, sheave blocks, and lifting frames
- Large-scale lifting and rigging systems
Designed for vertical load-bearing assessments, providing unmatched capacity for large assemblies and structural components.
- Working Load: 2500Te Compression
- Applications:
- Offshore monopiles and turbine components
- Vertical load-bearing structures
- Critical infrastructure and civil engineering components
A robust testing platform for medium-to-heavy loads, ideal for assessing the performance and safety of critical lifting equipment.
- Working Load: 500Te Tension
- Destruction Testing: Up to 110Te
- Applications:
- Lifting beams and spreader beams
- Rigging equipment and offshore lifting assemblies
- Custom-engineered lifting solutions
Optimised for long-span equipment and marine structures, this test bed handles extended components with ease and precision.
- Working Load: 160Te
- Applications:
- Long-span lifting beams and marine components
- Custom lifting frames and structural assemblies
- Offshore and industrial load testing
Specialised for precision load testing of bespoke systems, offering a compact design for intricate component evaluations.
- Maximum Load Capacity: 150Te (50Te per horizontal beam)
- Working Envelope: 3680mm x 3250mm
- Applications:
- Jacking systems and custom load assemblies
- Component stress analysis and structural verification
- Load integrity testing in confined spaces
Our Testing Services
Durham Lifting is a leading provider of proof load testing services for a wide range of industries, including construction, offshore, and renewable energy. Our proof load testing process involves applying a predetermined load to a component or structure to confirm its load-carrying capacity, ensuring that it meets the specified standards and regulations. Our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced technicians can perform proof load testing on a variety of structures and components, including cranes, lifting equipment, and offshore structures.
Durham Lifting provides comprehensive tensile testing services for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and engineering. Our modern equipment and skilled technicians can accurately measure the mechanical properties of materials such as metals, plastics, and composites, including tensile strength and yield strength. Our services enable clients to make informed decisions about their product designs and manufacturing processes.
Our destruction testing process involves applying an increasing load to a material until it breaks or fails. This helps us determine the material’s minimum break load (MBL), which is a critical mechanical property used in designing and manufacturing components and structures.
Our compression testing process involves applying controlled pressure to a material until it deforms or fails. This helps us determine its compressive strength and other mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus and ductility. Our modern equipment and experienced technicians allow us to perform compression testing on a wide range of materials, including concrete, metals, and polymers.
At Durham Lifting, our Shear Testing involves applying a force that causes one layer of material to slide over another layer. This helps us determine the material’s shear strength, a critical mechanical property for many applications. Our team of experienced technicians conduct precise and accurate shear tests on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
Durham Lifting bending testing services assess the mechanical properties of materials used in various industries, such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Bending tests involve applying force to a material until it bends or fractures. This helps us determine its flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, which are critical factors in ensuring the material’s reliability and durability.
At Durham Lifting, we conduct thorough bollard testing. These tests are designed to assess the performance, safety, and reliability of bollards within marine and port environments. With the capability to test bollards up to 200 tonnes, we can ensure the utmost safety and reduce potential risks. We take great pride in being an integral part of the initiative to create a safer maritime environment.
Pre and post-test MPI involves inspecting a material for surface cracks or flaws before and after it has undergone a load or stress test. This helps ensure that the material is free of defects and meets the specified standards and regulations.
Available from your preferred Third Party verification.
Our Testing Process
- Initial Inspection – Visual examination to identify pre-existing defects.
- Load Application – Equipment is tested under a predefined load (typically 1.25–1.5 times the Working Load Limit).
- Performance Evaluation – We assess for deformation, fractures, or structural integrity issues.
- Certification – Comprehensive test certificates are provided upon successful completion.
Industries We Serve
Our testing services cater to a broad range of sectors:
- Offshore & Renewable Energy – Monopiles, subsea tools, and turbine components.
- Construction & Infrastructure – Lifting beams, cranes, and structural steel.
- Marine & Ports – Bollards, mooring systems, and marine lifting equipment.
- Manufacturing – Load-testing factory lifting devices and custom lifting systems.
Wire Rope Services
At Durham Lifting, we offer a full range of wire rope services to ensure your lifting equipment meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance. Our experienced technicians handle every aspect of serving, brooming, and socketing using our in-house dummy sockets, ensuring precise results for onshore and offshore applications.
Proof Load Testing FAQ
Proof load testing is a type of test performed on structures or equipment to verify they load-bearing capacity. The test involves applying a specific load or force to the structure or equipment and measuring how well it performs under that load.
The purpose of proof load testing is to ensure that structures or equipment can withstand the loads or forces they are designed to handle. This helps to prevent accidents, ensure safety, and extend the lifespan of the equipment or structure.
Any structure or equipment that is designed to bear a load, such as cranes, bridges, towers, and buildings, may require proof load testing. Other examples include lifting slings, shackles, and hoists. If you’re unsure if your equipment or structure requires proof load testing, contact a reputable company like Durham Lifting for advice.
Proof load testing helps to ensure the safety and reliability of structures and equipment, which can reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall performance. It can also help to identify any weaknesses or defects in the structure or equipment, allowing for repairs or improvements to be made before they become a problem.
At Durham Lifting, we prioritise safety and reliability in all of our proof load testing services.
The frequency of proof load testing depends on various factors, such as the type of equipment or structure being tested, its age and condition, and the level of usage. It is typically recommended that proof load testing be performed at least once a year, or more frequently if the equipment or structure is subjected to heavy use or extreme conditions. Durham Lifting can advise you on the appropriate frequency of proof load testing for your equipment or structure.
Booking a proof load testing service with Durham Lifting is easy. You can contact us by phone, email, or through our website to request a quote and schedule a testing date that is convenient for you. Our team will work with you to ensure that your equipment or structure is tested safely and efficiently.
Book Your Test
Ensure your lifting equipment meets the highest safety and regulatory standards with Durham Lifting’s advanced testing services. Contact Us to request a quote and discuss your testing requirements.
