Durham Lifting carried out proof load testing on a bespoke lifting arrangement consisting of a 300-tonne spreader beam and matching link plate.

The test was completed at our Britannia Test House facility in Middlesbrough, where large-scale lifting equipment can be tested under controlled conditions before it is put into service.

Before lifting equipment can be put into service, it must demonstrate that it can safely withstand loads beyond its rated capacity. This is a critical step in providing confidence that the equipment will perform as intended when it reaches site.

Using the historic Avery Test Bed at our Britannia Test House facility, the spreader beam was proof loaded to over 400 tonnes, with the full test carefully monitored and documented throughout.

Seeing equipment of this scale under load is always impressive, but it also highlights the importance of independent testing and proper verification.

For bespoke lifting equipment, proof load testing provides reassurance that the finished assembly has been manufactured correctly, performs as expected and is suitable for the lifting operation it has been designed to support.

This project is another example of the testing capability available at Durham Lifting, supporting customers with the verification of large, specialist and engineered lifting equipment.