EN 13157:2019 Manual Crane Safety Requirements Explained
EN 13157:2019 — Cranes — Safety — Hand-powered cranes is the European standard governing hand chain hoists. It specifies lifting capacity (0.5–20 t), hand pull force (≤350 N), safety factor (≥4), chain requirements (Grade 80 alloy steel), and self-locking ratchet braking.
Technical Requirements & Safety Standards
EN 13157 is the mandatory safety standard for manually operated lifting equipment in Europe. The hand pull force limit of ≤350 N for hoists rated 0.5–20 t is based on ergonomic studies of sustained one-person operation. The Grade 80 alloy steel chain, with a minimum safety factor of 4, complies with EN 818-7. The self-locking ratchet and pawl mechanism allows the pawl to slide during hoisting but engages firmly into the ratchet teeth when lifting stops, preventing unintended load descent. Load testing at 1.5× rated capacity for 10 minutes confirms the pawl holds without slipping. The bottom hook rotates 360° freely and is fitted with a hook latch to prevent load detachment. Enclosure protection is rated IP54. The unit carries CE Certification. Kelude Heavy Industry manufactures manual hoists to EN 13157 specifications for export to Europe.
Key Parameters & Mechanical Design
The ratchet braking mechanism on hand chain hoists is purely mechanical — it requires no electrical power or hydraulic system, which keeps the design simple, enhances reliability, and makes the hoist ideal for environments without power supply. The ≤350 N hand pull force ensures comfortable, sustained single-operator use. Chain markings include specification, grade, and manufacturing batch number for full traceability and quality control.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| hand pull force | <=350NSingle-Operator Operation |
| Safety factor | >=4 |
| chain | 80Class Alloy Steel EN 818-7 |
| Braking | ratchet and pawl Self-Locking1.5Times10min Non-Slip |
Inspection & Certification
Load tests are performed at 1.5 times the rated load with a 10-minute holding period, during which the pawl must not slip and the chain must not descend. Both the hand chain and load chain are clearly marked for identification. CE Certification involves a Type Test and factory audit, followed by annual surveillance inspections.
| Inspection | Content |
|---|---|
| static load | 1.5Times10min |
| Braking | pawl Non-Slip |
| chain | 80Class Marking Clearly Visible |
FAQ
Q: What are the EN 13157:2019 safety requirements for hand chain hoists?
A: For hoists with a lifting capacity of 0.5–20 t, the hand pull force must not exceed 350 N for single-operator use. The load chain is Grade 80 alloy steel with a safety factor of at least 4, complying with EN 818-7. The ratchet and pawl mechanism provides self-locking braking. Ingress protection rating is IP54. CE Certification is included.
Q: How does the manual hoist braking system work, and what is the test method?
A: The self-locking ratchet-and-pawl brake works as follows: during hoisting, the pawl slides over the ratchet teeth; when lifting stops, the pawl drops into the tooth gap and locks the ratchet, preventing reverse rotation. The load test applies 1.5 times the rated load for 10 minutes — the pawl must not slip and the chain must not descend. The bottom hook rotates 360° freely and is designed to prevent load detachment.
Q: What EN-standard configurations do Kelude manual hoists offer?
A: Kelude manufactures manual hoists for export to Europe in accordance with EN 13157:2019. Available in lifting capacities from 0.5 to 20 t, these hoists feature Grade 80 alloy steel load chains and a self-locking ratchet brake. Each unit passes a load test at 1.5 times the rated load for 10 minutes and carries CE Certification, meeting European market access requirements.
Q: What are the marking and quality requirements for the chains?
A: Both the hand chain and the load chain must be marked with their specification, grade (Grade 80), and manufacturing batch number to ensure traceability and quality control. The minimum breaking force of the chain must be at least 4 times the rated load. The chain surface receives anti-rust treatment to provide corrosion resistance during storage, transport, and service.
