Technical Bureau Certifications (TBC Hellas) is an independent certification & control body of lifting equipment, accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) for ISO 17020. It is a member of the Hellenic Association of Accredited Certification And Inspection Bodies (Hellas Cert).
Technical Bureau Certifications (TBC Hellas), having invested in its expansion, operates throughout Greece (Athens – Thessaloniki – Patras – Heraklion – Chania – Rethimno – Larissa – Kavala – Ioannina – Rhodes – Chios – Mytilene – Kalamata – Skala Laconia – Trikala – Volos – Chalkida – Serres – Xanthi – Alexandroupoli).
It provides certification services for lifting equipment, handling systems and high-quality industrial products. The clientele of Technical Bureau Certifications (TBC Hellas)includes several companies in both the private and public sector (e.g., multinational companies, Greek companies, public organizations).
The tests and controls take place both before the first use and periodically during the use of the lifting machine.
Knowledge-Experience-Expertise
The objective of Technical Bureau Certifications (TBC Hellas)is the high quality and reliable certification and inspection services of lifting equipment. The inspections are carried out by a group of specialized professionals such as: well-trained inspectors, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, technicians, and consultants in the safety of lifting equipment, handling systems and industrial products. The human resources of the company have extensive knowledge, know-how and experience so that the audits it performs ensure that the customer’s lifting equipment complies with all the required specifications. The inspections are based on objective procedures to ensure the impartial and correct conclusion.
Regulation of Inspection and Certification of Lifting Machines
According to the relevant Regulation of Inspection and Certification of Lifting Machines, the following inspections are mandatory:
1. Initial Inspection (Type AA)
The initial test (type AA) is performed immediately after the installation of the lifting machine (category Y1). Alternatively, it is carried out within a specified period after the start of operation of the lifting machine (categories Y2, medium and low). It is also performed on lifting machines that have undergone reassembly, conversion, or major repair. It is pointed out that the initial inspection (Type AA) is carried out on lifting machines that were installed and operated for the first time after 25.02.2004. Also, it is carried out in machines that were assembled, converted, or underwent serious repair after 25.02.2004, regardless of the date of first installation and operation. For lifting machines manufactured after 1993, an EC Declaration of Conformity and CE marking is required.
2. Periodic Inspection of Lifting Machines (Type A or B)
To perform the periodic inspection (Type A or B), a corresponding initial Type AA inspection must have preceded (according to § 5.2). The customer notifies the body of the prerequisites for the audit (according to § 3). The inspection body shall not perform a Type A or B inspection unless it confirms that the required Type AA inspection has been performed. In case the initial Type AA inspection has never been performed and regardless of whether there are previous Type A or B certificates, the machine must undergo an initial inspection. An AA Type Certificate is then issued.
3. Certificate Issuance
For a test certificate to be issued, all tests and measurements must have been completed successfully. That is, the corresponding control report should have the indication “ACCEPTABLE” or “ACCEPTABLE WITH COMMENTS” or “APPLICABLE” for all control points. In addition, according to § 4.8 of JM 15085/593/2003 – Official Government Gazette 1186B / 2003, the body must document any decision to reduce the time intervals.
Therefore, it is clear that TBC provides comprehensive certification services, having support & inspection staff throughout Greece.