Safety and compliance for rented equipment in Saudi Arabia
What a machine should arrive with, who needs to be qualified, and how the summer midday work ban affects your lifting and access plans.
Documents
What should arrive with a machine
Requirements differ by client and project. Aramco and large EPC sites are the strictest. Ask your HSE team for the exact list before mobilising.
SASO Certificate of Conformity
Imported lifting equipment must show conformity before it reaches the market, and SABER inspection is tied to customs release. This covers cranes, forklifts and lifting accessories such as slings, hooks and shackles.
Third-party inspection certificate
An accredited inspection body inspects lifting equipment before use. Initial, periodic and post-repair inspections apply, and frequency depends on equipment type and use.
Standards for the equipment type
Aramco references ASME B30 standards by crane type, for example B30.5 for mobile cranes, B30.3 for tower cranes, B30.9 for slings and B30.10 for hooks, and API RP 2D for petroleum and offshore cranes.
Load chart and service record
A current load chart in the cab, the day's lift plan and a signed pre-start checklist help your lift planner and HSE team approve the machine.
Operator competence evidence
A competency certificate from a recognised body, medical fitness and site approval. On Aramco work, operators and riggers are typically expected to pass Aramco-recognised testing.
Sources: Kanoo Machinery, SASO and Aramco lifting equipment standards · Watheeq, lifting equipment inspection in KSA · HOE, crane operator licensing in Saudi Arabia
People
Operators, riggers and lift planning
No single national crane card
Operator competence runs through a recognised training and assessment body, medical fitness, work permit and client site approval. In practice, client approval is often the binding step.
Roles are separate
An operator certificate does not authorise rigging or signalling. Specify every role you need: operator, rigger, banksman and appointed person.
Lift management
ISO 12480-1 is the usual reference for lift management: appointed person, lift planning, lift categories and a competent team. Plan critical lifts well before mobilisation.
Summer
Midday work ban, 15 June to 15 September
Sources: Gulf News, midday outdoor work ban (2025 announcement)
Our approach
What we commit to on every hire
Pre-dispatch inspection
Every machine is inspected and tested before it leaves the yard.
Documents with the machine
Inspection certificate, load chart for cranes and handover checklist. Your HSE requirements are prepared on request.
Handover and sign-off
The operator is familiarised with the machine at handover, with a documented sign-off you can file.
Fault replacement
Report a fault and we arrange a repair or a replacement machine.
Need equipment?
Call us or send a quote request. Our team helps you choose the right machine and size before you commit.