Legislation, Audits & Inspections14 min read•Published 19 August 2026

Driven Machinery Regulations (DMR 18): Lifting Equipment Compliance

The authoritative compliance guide to Driven Machinery Regulation 18 in South Africa, covering 6-month lifting tackle inspections, annual crane load testing by registered LMIs, and operator licensing.

Diba Machinery & Engineering PracticeLead Lifting Machinery Auditors

Overhead factory gantry crane undergoing annual statutory load testing with certified test weights by registered LMI

Statutory DMR 18 lifting machinery load tests, 6-month tackle inspections, and LMI certification.

Direct Answer

Driven Machinery Regulation 18 (DMR 18) governs all cranes, hoists, forklifts, and mobile elevated work platforms in South Africa. Legal mandates include thorough visual inspections every 6 months, annual dynamic load testing (at 110% rated capacity) by an ECSA-registered Lifting Machine Inspector (LMI), and 3-monthly documented inspections for all lifting tackle (slings, shackles, chains).

Annual LMI Load Testing: Cranes and hoists must be load-tested annually by an ECSA-registered Lifting Machine Entity (LME).

3-Month Lifting Tackle Register: Slings, wire ropes, and shackles must be inspected and logged every 3 months by an appointed competent person.

Forklift Operator 24-Month Re-licensing: Operators must hold valid TETA-accredited licenses renewed every 2 years.

Safe Working Load (SWL) Markings: SWL must be clearly stamped and visible on all cranes, jibs, and lifting beams.

1. Statutory DMR 18 Lifting Mandate Explained

Driven Machinery Regulation 18 is one of the most rigorously inspected safety standards in South Africa. Lifting equipment failures cause catastrophic crushing fatalities and structural building damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must lifting chain slings and web slings be inspected?

Under DMR 18(10)(e), all lifting tackle must be examined at intervals not exceeding 3 months by a competent person appointed in writing.

Written by Diba Machinery & Engineering PracticeVerified by Orlinda Pieterson

Lead Lifting Machinery Auditors • Pr.Eng, ECSA Registered LMI, DMR Inspector

Diba BES is a 100% Black Women-Owned, Level 1 B-BBEE provider delivering occupational health & safety consulting, accredited workplace training, and commercial workplace services across South Africa since 2003.

1. Statutory DMR 18 Lifting Mandate Explained

Frequently Asked Questions

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