Safety should be your primary consideration when it comes to handling lifting equipment. When you do not practise adequate care to minimise risk elements, you put your life and others’ lives at risk and this is the last thing that you will want to be affected with. Fatalities at work sites are commonly caused by dropped loads and needless to mention, such incidents can be attributed to the use of excessively worn load chain and ropes. While timely inspection and maintenance can prevent mishaps, the fact is that even a little bit of negligence can reverse situations and cause irrecoverable damages.

UK law requires companies to inspect above the hook equipment every 12 months whereas the equipment that is used more intensely should be examined on a frequent basis. It is quite easy to inspect load chains and a visual inspection on a daily basis may help you notice the danger signs. Check if the diameter of the rope looks worn. While this is one of the most obvious signs, you should look for other signs such as splintering and kinking. If you spot a minor splintering, monitor it regularly so that you can prevent an imminent accident. If the splintering appears to be substantial, you need to replace the existing rope with a new rope.

When it comes to inspecting chains, you need to adopt a slightly different approach. The lower inside half of the chain link is subjected to most wear and tear as this is the area that faces the maximum amount of pressure. Excessive wear is often attributed to the lack of lubrication to the inner sides of the links. There can be a lot of doubts and questions during inspection which may put you in a “change-not change” dilemma. The best way to deal with such scenarios is to eliminate your doubt completely. Change – if you think that this will reduce risk, save lives, and give you peace of mind.

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