SIST EN 15056:2026
(Main)Cranes - Requirements for container handling spreaders
- Abstract
This document specifies safety requirements for spreaders used with cranes designed for the purpose of handling freight containers, e.g. those based on ISO 668:2020. The connection between the spreader and the container is by the use of twistlocks that engage into the container’s upper corner castings.
This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant to container handling spreaders, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer.
The spreader is interfaced to the crane’s control and safety system.
This document does not cover the following types of spreaders:
- hand operated spreaders (without external power supply);
- bottom lift grapple spreaders used for swap bodies and road trailers.
This document does not deal with the lifting of persons.
This document is not applicable to container handling spreaders manufactured before the date of its publication.
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 11-May-2025
- Publication Date
- 13-Sep-2026
- Technical Committee
- DTN - Lift and transport appliances
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 08-Jun-2026
- Due Date
- 13-Aug-2026
- Completion Date
- 14-Sep-2026
SIST EN 15056:2026 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 15056:2026, Cranes - Requirements for container handling spreaders. It sets safety requirements for spreaders used with cranes to handle freight containers, with the spreader connected to the container by twistlocks engaging the upper corner castings. The document is aimed at manufacturers, integrators, users, maintenance providers and safety bodies that need a common basis for design, verification, instructions and safe operation.
What does SIST EN 15056:2026 specify?
SIST EN 15056:2026 specifies safety requirements for container handling spreaders used with cranes and covers foreseeable misuse as well as intended use. It organizes the topic into scope, normative references, terms and definitions, safety requirements, verification, and information for use.
The main clauses are:
- Clause 1 Scope
- Clause 2 Normative references
- Clause 3 Terms, definitions and terminology
- Clause 4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures
- Clause 5 Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures
- Clause 6 Information for use
The annexes add supporting material and are informative:
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | List of significant hazards |
| Annex B | Example of loading specifications |
| Annex C | Overview of standards published by CEN/TC 147 |
| Annex ZA | Relationship with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
SIST EN 15056:2026 excludes hand operated spreaders without external power supply, bottom lift grapple spreaders used for swap bodies and road trailers, and lifting of persons. It also states that it is not applicable to container handling spreaders manufactured before its publication.
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 15056:2026?
SIST EN 15056:2026 focuses on preventing load drop, unintended movement, crushing hazards, and control-system failures. In practice, it tells the manufacturer what must be built into the spreader, what must be verified, and what must be explained to the user.
Safety-related functions and control integrity
Clause 4.1.2 requires safety functions to follow EN ISO 13849-1:2023 or EN IEC 62061:2021, with specified minimum safety integrity levels depending on the technology used. The spreader must detect whether the twistlocks are locked or unlocked and must indicate unequal twistlock positions to the crane. It must also detect when the spreader is landed on the container and prevent twistlock rotation unless it is in the landed condition. For a designer, this means the control logic is part of the safety case, not only the operating logic.
Structural strength and connection to the crane
Clause 4.2.1 requires the spreader to be designed against fatigue, wear and structural failure, using the crane design standards named in the document. The designer must specify the container types, maximum load, dynamic coefficient, load spectrum, lifting cycles, uneven loading, operating deviation from horizontal, and intended-use description. Clause 4.2.2 requires a positive locking connection to the crane, either manual or powered, and any electrical indication must show the connection status clearly. This matters because the spreader must remain securely attached and the loading assumptions must match real operation.
Telescopic motion and twistlock system
Clause 4.2.3 covers telescopic motion and requires hydraulic cylinders to meet the relevant proof-of-competence standard, while other parts must stay within the specified limit states and life. Clause 4.3 requires landed, locked and unlocked status to be indicated. It also sets geometrical tolerances for twistlock positions, requires mechanical blockading to prevent unsafe rotation except when landed, and calls for landing pins to show correct landing adjacent to each twistlock. For users, this reduces the risk of lifting with a partial engagement or a false landing indication.
Flippers and access hazards
Clause 4.4 requires flippers to be identified by colour or another clear marking, and the crushing-hazard zones around them to be marked. Clause 4.7 requires access to maintenance and inspection points to be possible from the ground, by permanent access ways, by external access arrangements, or by a mobile elevating work platform. Where access involves the spreader or headblock, EN 13586:2020 applies, and fall-protection anchorage points are required when personal protective equipment is needed. This matters because maintenance work has to be planned around safe access, not improvised access.
Electrical, stop and communication requirements
Clause 4.5 requires the electrical equipment to meet EN IEC 60204-32:2025 and the motion limiters and indicators to meet EN 12077-2:2024. The spreader must have emergency stop or spreader stop arrangements, incorrect plug-and-socket connection must be prevented by design, cableless control must follow EN 62745:2017, and EMC emission and immunity must meet the listed EMC standards. If the spreader uses a communications network, interruption must stop motion and recovery must not restart movement. Where wireless or similar connectivity is part of the safety-related control system, a security risk assessment and countermeasures are required.
Hydraulic systems and documentation
Clause 4.6 requires hydraulic equipment to meet EN 13135:2013+A1:2018, EN ISO 4413:2010 and EN 13001-3-6:2026. Clause 5 requires verification by visual inspection, testing, calculation or engineering assessment, and stand-alone spreaders must undergo specified test loading and be checked for visible defects afterward. Clause 6 requires clear marking, manuals, functional-test instructions, maintenance instructions, warnings for overloading and instability, operating limits for temperature and humidity, and inspection instructions. In practice, the document expects the spreader to be safe to use only when the user has the right information as well as the right hardware.
What terms does SIST EN 15056:2026 define?
- mid frame - The middle section of a container handling spreader.
- telescopic beam - The extending frame section that slides in and out of the mid frame to fit different container sizes.
- twistlock - The rotating locking device that connects the spreader to a container corner casting.
- mechanical blockading - Mechanical blocking used to stop unsafe twistlock rotation.
- landing pin(s) - Mechanical devices with electrical indication that show when the spreader has landed correctly on the container.
- flipper (gather guide) - A guidance device that helps align the spreader to the container and can be moved manually or by remote control.
- twin lift operation - Lifting two containers with one spreader.
Who uses SIST EN 15056:2026?
SIST EN 15056:2026 is used by spreader and crane manufacturers, control-system designers, maintenance providers, testing and inspection bodies, and market-surveillance or accident-prevention organizations. It is also relevant to machine users and employers who operate container-handling equipment and need to define safe use, inspection and maintenance routines.
The document is practical for:
- design teams that need safety requirements for the spreader and its interface to the crane
- quality and compliance teams that need verification methods and marking content
- maintenance planners who need access, inspection and test instructions
- safety authorities and inspectors who review risk reduction and user information
What changed in SIST EN 15056:2026 from the previous edition?
SIST EN 15056:2026 supersedes EN 15056:2006+A1:2009. The European foreword lists these significant technical changes:
- updated reference documents and cross-references
- revision of the list of significant hazards and its move to Annex A
- revision of Annex ZA and addition of the Bibliography
- revision and update of Clause 2 and Clause 3
- addition of new subclauses 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.2.3, 4.5.4, 4.5.5, 4.5.6 and 4.7
- revision and update of subclauses 4.1.2, 4.2.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.7 and 6.2.10
- revision and update of Table A.1 and Annex C
Which standards are used with SIST EN 15056:2026?
| Standard | Contribution in SIST EN 15056:2026 |
|---|---|
| EN 12077-2:2024 | Limiting and indicating devices |
| EN 13001-1:2015 | General design principles |
| EN 13001-2:2021 | Load actions |
| EN 13001-3-1:2025 | Proof of competence of steel structure |
| EN 13001-3-6:2026 | Proof of competence of hydraulic cylinders |
| EN 13135:2013+A1:2018 | Design requirements for equipment |
| EN 13586:2020 | Access |
| EN IEC 60204-32:2025 | Electrical equipment of hoisting machines |
| EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019 | EMC immunity for industrial environments |
| EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019 | EMC emission for industrial environments |
| EN 61000-6-7:2015 | EMC immunity for functional safety equipment |
| EN 62745:2017 | Cableless control systems |
| EN ISO 4413:2010 | Hydraulic fluid power safety requirements |
| EN ISO 12100:2010 | Risk assessment and risk reduction principles |
| EN ISO 13849-1:2023 | Safety-related parts of control systems |
| EN ISO 13850:2015 | Emergency stop function |
| EN ISO 14120:2015 | Guards design and construction |
| EN ISO 20607:2019 | Instruction handbook drafting principles |
| EN IEC 62061:2021 | Functional safety of safety-related control systems |
| ISO 4306-1:2007 | Cranes vocabulary |
What does the SIST EN 15056:2026 document contain?
SIST EN 15056:2026 contains text, figures, verification rules and informative annexes that support design and compliance work. Figures identify the main parts of a spreader, show fine-positioning movements, and illustrate twistlock and stop arrangements.
It also contains Table 2, which links each requirement to its verification method, and Annex A, which maps significant hazards to the clauses that address them. Annex B gives an example loading specification and an example description of intended use, while Annex C places this document in the wider CEN/TC 147 crane-standard framework. Annex ZA maps the standard to the essential requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
- Effective Date
- 24-Jun-2026
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 15056:2026 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Cranes - Requirements for container handling spreaders". This standard covers: This document specifies safety requirements for spreaders used with cranes designed for the purpose of handling freight containers, e.g. those based on ISO 668:2020. The connection between the spreader and the container is by the use of twistlocks that engage into the container’s upper corner castings. This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant to container handling spreaders, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer. The spreader is interfaced to the crane’s control and safety system. This document does not cover the following types of spreaders: - hand operated spreaders (without external power supply); - bottom lift grapple spreaders used for swap bodies and road trailers. This document does not deal with the lifting of persons. This document is not applicable to container handling spreaders manufactured before the date of its publication.
This document specifies safety requirements for spreaders used with cranes designed for the purpose of handling freight containers, e.g. those based on ISO 668:2020. The connection between the spreader and the container is by the use of twistlocks that engage into the container’s upper corner castings. This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant to container handling spreaders, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer. The spreader is interfaced to the crane’s control and safety system. This document does not cover the following types of spreaders: - hand operated spreaders (without external power supply); - bottom lift grapple spreaders used for swap bodies and road trailers. This document does not deal with the lifting of persons. This document is not applicable to container handling spreaders manufactured before the date of its publication.
SIST EN 15056:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 53.020.20 - Cranes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 15056:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 13001-3-1:2025, SIST EN ISO 14120:2016, SIST EN 62745:2017/A11:2020, SIST EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019, SIST EN ISO 13850:2016, SIST ISO 4306-1:2012, SIST EN 13586:2021, SIST EN 13001-1:2015, SIST EN 61000-6-7:2015, SIST EN 13001-3-6:2026, SIST EN IEC 62061:2021, SIST EN ISO 13849-1:2023, SIST EN ISO 12100:2011, SIST EN ISO 4413:2011, SIST EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 15056:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2006/42/EC, 2023/1230; Standardization Mandates: M/396, M/605, M/BC/CEN/91/1. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
SIST EN 15056:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Žerjavi - Zahteve za kontejnerska prijemala
Cranes - Requirements for container handling spreaders
Cranes - Requirements for container handling spreaders
Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Exigences pour les spreaders
manutentionnant des conteneurs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15056:2026
ICS:
53.020.20 Dvigala Cranes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 15056
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 53.020.20 Supersedes EN 15056:2006+A1:2009
English Version
Cranes - Requirements for container handling spreaders
Appareils de levage à charge suspendue - Exigences Krane - Anforderungen an Spreader zum Umschlag von
pour les palonniers pour conteneurs (spreaders) Containern
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 April 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 15056:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms, definitions and terminology . 7
3.1 Terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Terminology . 9
4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures . 11
4.1 General. 11
4.1.1 General requirements . 11
4.1.2 Safety related functions . 11
4.1.3 Suspending (by passing) of safeguarding . 12
4.1.4 Spreader with single point suspension . 12
4.2 Requirement for strength . 12
4.2.1 Structural . 12
4.2.2 Connection to the crane . 13
4.2.3 Telescopic motion . 13
4.3 Twistlock system. 13
4.3.1 General. 13
4.3.2 Twistlock . 13
4.3.3 Mechanical blockading . 14
4.3.4 Landing pins . 14
4.4 Flippers . 14
4.5 Electrical systems . 15
4.5.1 Electrical and control systems . 15
4.5.2 Stop actuators on spreader . 15
4.5.3 Electrical connection to crane . 18
4.5.4 Cableless control . 18
4.5.5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 18
4.5.6 Communications network . 18
4.6 Hydraulic systems . 18
4.7 Guarding and access . 18
5 Verification of the safety requirements and/or protective measures . 19
5.1 Test loading . 19
5.2 Verification of requirements . 19
6 Information for use . 21
6.1 Marking . 21
6.2 Manuals . 21
6.2.1 General. 21
6.2.2 Instructions on functional testing. 21
6.2.3 Maintenance . 21
6.2.4 Flipper . 22
6.2.5 Overloading the spreader . 22
6.2.6 Instability . 22
6.2.7 Electrical and control systems . 22
6.2.8 Multiple lifting operations . 22
6.2.9 Damaged containers or containers out of standard . 22
6.2.10 Inspection . 22
Annex A (informative) List of significant hazards . 23
Annex B (informative) Example of loading specifications . 25
Annex C (informative) Overview of standards published by CEN/TC 147 . 27
C.1 General . 27
C.2 Selecting a suitable standard . 27
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 aimed to be covered . 29
Bibliography . 31
European foreword
This document (EN 15056:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 147 “Cranes -
Safety”, the secretariat of which is held by SFS.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2026, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by November 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 15056:2006+A1:2009.
EN 15056:2006+A1:2009:
— updating of reference documents and cross-references;
— revision of List of significant hazards and moved it to Annex A;
— revision of Annex ZA and addition of Bibliography;
— revision and update of Clause 2 and Clause 3;
— addition of new subclauses 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.2.3, 4.5.4, 4.5.5, 4.5.6 and 4.7;
— revision and update of subclauses 4.1.2, 4.2.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.7 and
6.2.10;
— revision and update of Table A.1;
— revision and update of Annex C.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
For relationship with other European standards for cranes, see Annex C.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
This document is a harmonized standard to provide one means for container handling spreaders for
cranes to conform with the essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Regulation, as
mentioned in Annex ZA.
This standard is a type-C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100:2010.
This document is of relevance, in particular, for the following stakeholder groups representing the market
players with regard to machinery safety:
— machine manufacturers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organizations, market surveillance, etc.).
Others can be affected by the level of machinery safety achieved with the means of the document by the
above-mentioned stakeholder groups:
— machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— machine users/employees (e.g. trade unions, organizations for people with special needs);
— service providers, e.g. for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises);
— consumers (in case of machinery intended for use by consumers).
The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate at the drafting
process of this document.
The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events
are covered are indicated in the scope of this document.
When requirements of this type-C standard are different from those which are stated in type-A or type-B
standards, the requirements of this type-C standard take precedence over the requirements of the other
standards, for machines that have been designed and built according to the requirements of this type-C
standard.
1 Scope
This document specifies safety requirements for spreaders used with cranes designed for the purpose of
handling freight containers, e.g. those based on ISO 668:2020. The connection between the spreader and
the container is by the use of twistlocks that engage into the container’s upper corner castings.
This document deals with all significant hazards, hazardous situations or hazardous events relevant to
container handling spreaders, when it is used as intended and under conditions of misuse which are
reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer.
The spreader is interfaced to the crane’s control and safety system.
This document does not cover the following types of spreaders:
— hand operated spreaders (without external power supply);
— bottom lift grapple spreaders used for swap bodies and road trailers.
This document does not deal with the lifting of persons.
This document is not applicable to container handling spreaders manufactured before the date of its
publication.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 12077-2:2024, Cranes safety — Requirements for health and safety — Part 2: Limiting and indicating
devices
EN 13001-1:2015, Cranes — General design — Part 1: General principles and requirements
EN 13001-2:2021, Crane safety — General design — Part 2: Load actions
EN 13001-3-1:2025, Cranes — General design — Part 3-1: Limit states and proof competence of steel
structure
EN 13001-3-6:2026, Cranes — General design — Part 3-6: Limit states and proof of competence of
machinery — Hydraulic cylinders
EN 13135:2013+A1:2018, Cranes — Safety — Design — Requirements for equipment
EN 13586:2020, Cranes — Access
EN IEC 60204-32:2025, Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines — Part 32: Requirements
for hoisting machines (IEC 60204-32:2023)
EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 6-2: Generic standards — Immunity
standard for industrial environments (IEC 61000-6-2:2016)
EN IEC 61000-6-4:2019, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 6-4: Generic standards — Emission
standard for industrial environments (IEC 61000-6-4:2018)
EN 61000-6-7:2015, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 6-7: Generic standards — Immunity
requirements for equipment intended to perform functions in a safety-related system (functional safety) in
industrial locations (IEC 61000-6-7:2014)
EN 62745:2017, Safety of machinery — Requirements for cableless control systems of machinery
(IEC 62745:2017)
EN ISO 4413:2010, Hydraulic fluid power — General rules and safety requirements for systems and their
components (ISO 4413:2010)
EN ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk
reduction (ISO 12100:2010)
EN ISO 13849-1:2023, Safety of machinery — Safety-related parts of control systems — Part 1: General
principles for design (ISO 13849-1:2023)
EN ISO 13850:2015, Safety of machinery — Emergency stop function — Principles for design
(ISO 13850:2015)
EN ISO 14120:2015, Safety of machinery — Guards — General requirements for the design and
construction of fixed and movable guards (ISO 14120:2015)
EN ISO 20607:2019, Safety of machinery — Instruction handbook — General drafting principles
(ISO 20607:2019)
EN IEC 62061:2021, Safety of machinery — Functional safety of safety-related control systems
(IEC 62061:2021)
ISO 4306-1:2007, Cranes — Vocabulary — Part 1: General
3 Terms, definitions and terminology
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 12100:2010,
ISO 4306-1:2007 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1.1
mid frame
middle section of a container handling spreader
3.1.2
telescopic beam
extending frame of a container handling spreader which slides in and out of the mid frame
As impacted by EN 62745:2017/A11:2020.
As impacted by EN IEC 62061:2021/A1:2024.
3.1.3
end beam
outer end beam of a container handling spreader extending frame
3.1.4
telescopic motion
adjusting the length of the container handling spreader to different container sizes
3.1.5
tare weight
spreader’s own weight in operation
3.1.6
twistlock
rotating locking device for connecting a container handling spreader to a container corner casting
(Figure 3)
3.1.7
mechanical blockading
action of mechanically blocking the twistlock in order to prevent unsafe rotation
3.1.8
single lift operation
lifting one container with one spreader
3.1.9
twin lift operation
lifting two containers with one spreader
3.1.10
expandable twin lift
twin lift operation with the ability to expand or retract two containers from each other
3.1.11
flipper (gather guide)
guidance device to align the spreader to a container which can be moved between the down “in-use”
position and up “not in use” positions manually or by remote control
3.1.12
lock(ed)
twistlocks in corner castings in position which ensure safe lifting of the container
3.1.13
unlock(ed)
twistlocks in corner castings in position which ensure safe removal from the container
3.1.14
land(ed)
spreader landed correctly with all twistlocks in the corner castings
3.1.15
landing pin(s)
mechanical device(s) with electrical indication on correct landing of the spreader on the container
3.1.16
headblock
part of the crane to which the spreader(s) is(are) attached
3.1.17
headblock connection
connection between the spreader and the headblock
3.1.18
twin unit
additional twistlock housings and mechanism fitted to a container handling spreader that enables it to
perform twin lift operations
3.1.19
freight container
article of transport equipment:
a) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use;
b) designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by one or more modes of transport, without intermediate
reloading;
c) fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly its transfer from one mode of transport
to another;
d) designed so as to be easy to fill and empty;
e) having an internal volume of 1 m (35,3ft3) or more
Note 1 to entry: The term “freight container” does not include vehicles or conventional packing.
[SOURCE: ISO 668:2020 and ISO 668:2020/Amd 1:2022, 3.1]
3.2 Terminology
The terms that are used in this standard for the main parts of a spreader are indicated in Figure 1. The
fine positioning movements are shown in Figure 2.
NOTE In the Figure 1 the headblock design is for reference only and varies based on application.
Key
1 mid frame
2 headblock connection
3 headblock
4 telescopic beam
5 end beam
6 flipper
7 twistlock
8 expandable twin lift
9 twin unit
Figure 1 — Main parts of a spreader
Key
1 trim
2 tilt/list
3 skew
Figure 2 — Fine positioning movements of the spreader
4 Safety requirements and/or protective measures
4.1 General
4.1.1 General requirements
The spreader shall comply with the safety requirements and/or protective measures of this clause. In
addition, the spreader shall be designed according to the principles of EN ISO 12100:2010 for relevant
but not significant hazards, which are not dealt with by this document.
4.1.2 Safety related functions
All safety functions shall be designed in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1:2023 or EN IEC 62061:2021 .
The required safety integrity shall be achieved as follows:
— For safety functions implemented using electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic components, the
function shall achieve:
o Performance Level (PL) c, Category 1, or
o Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 1, with Hardware Fault Tolerance (HFT) = 0 and Safe Failure Fraction
(SFF) ≥ 90%
— For safety functions implemented using electronic, e.g. inductive sensors, or programmable
electronic components, the function shall achieve:
o Performance Level (PL) c, Category 2, or
o Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 1, with HFT = 0 and SFF ≥ 90%
NOTE For spreaders in high-risk applications, as specified in 5.9 of EN 13135:2013+A1:2018 and
EN 13001-2:2021, a higher performance level can be required.
Container handling spreaders shall include the following safety related functions:
— detection of spreader twist lock condition “locked” and “unlocked” and providing an indication to the
crane when twist lock positions are not equal in all twistlocks;
— detection of landing of spreader on the container and prevention of twistlock rotation when the
spreader is not in the landed condition.
4.1.3 Suspending (by passing) of safeguarding
Suspending a safety function or protective measure may be temporarily applied for setting, testing,
maintenance and emergency purposes.
The provisions specified in EN IEC 60204-32:2025, 9.2.4 shall apply.
Where means for temporary suspension of safeguarding is provided, the device for suspending shall be
located inside an enclosure, access to which requires special tools, or other device not available for
normal operation, such as a key-operated switch, shall be provided.
4.1.4 Spreader with single point suspension
Spreaders with single point suspension shall have a possibility to horizontal shift to avoid loss of stability
and avoid inclination of spreader and container.
4.2 Requirement for strength
4.2.1 Structural
Container handling spreader shall be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent failure from
fatigue and wear, taking due account of their intended use and any reasonably foreseeable misuse.
Structural failure as a cause of dropping the load shall be prevented by design of the load carrying
elements in accordance with EN 13001-1:2015, EN 13001-2:2021 and EN 13001-3-1:2025.
When designing the spreader, the effect of various loading and container length shall be taken into
account.
The spreader shall be designed in accordance with the following parameters, which shall be specified:
— container type(s) to lift;
— maximum load;
— dynamic coefficient when hoisting the load;
— load spectrum;
— number of lifting cycles;
— degree of unevenly loaded containers;
— maximum operating position deviation from horizontal level, e.g. trim, list/tilt (Figure 2);
— the description of the intended use of the spreader (see EN 13001-1:2015, 4.3.2 and Figure B.1 in
Annex B of this document) including features e.g. micro motion, skew (Figure 2).
If no other specifications for loading are available, the assumptions of loading given in Annex B can be
used.
4.2.2 Connection to the crane
The mechanical connection system between sheaves or head block and spreader shall have a manual
positive locking device (e.g. a pin thru holes secured by a retained socket) or a powered locking device
with electrical indication of connection. Electrical indication shall be placed on the spreader when the
connecting action is done from the spreader.
4.2.3 Telescopic motion
Proof of competence of hydraulic cylinders shall be in accordance with EN 13001-3-6:2026.
For other components, the load effects and required life (number of cycles) shall be derived from the
service and load conditions mentioned in 4.2.1 and they shall not exceed the specified limit states.
NOTE For information regarding bearings, see EN 13001-3-4:2018.
4.3 Twistlock system
4.3.1 General
The spreader condition “landed” shall be indicated. Landing indication means that all twistlocks are in
the correct position in the corner castings.
The spreader twistlock condition locked and unlocked shall be indicated. Locked and unlocked indication
means that all twistlocks are in the indicated position. This is achieved by indicators at each twistlock or
by indicat
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