Inspection of Loose Lifting Gear & Lifting Equipment

1. Visual Inspection

A detailed visual inspection is performed to identify visible defects, damage, wear, deformation, corrosion or unsafe conditions.

This may include checking:

• Cracks.
• Bent or distorted components.
• Wear and abrasion.
• Corrosion.
• Damaged safety latches.
• Missing identification tags.
• Illegible markings.
• Heat damage.
• Chemical damage.
• Broken wires.
• Cut webbing.
• Stretched chain links.
• Damaged hooks.
• Damaged shackle pins.
• Unauthorized repairs.
• Evidence of overload or shock loading.

Visual inspection is one of the most important controls because many lifting failures can be prevented by identifying defects before use.

2. Verification of SWL / WLL Marking

Each lifting item must have a clearly identifiable Safe Working Load or Working Load Limit. If the capacity marking is missing or unreadable, the item should not be used until verified.

TechInspecta checks:

• SWL / WLL marking.
• Identification number.
• Manufacturer markings.
• Size and grade markings.
• Capacity tags.
• Colour coding, where applicable.
• Load rating compatibility with intended use.

Key message: if the lifting capacity cannot be confirmed, the item must not be used for lifting.

3. Certification and Documentation Review

Inspection is not only physical. Documentation is also critical. A lifting item must be traceable to valid inspection records, certificates or examination reports.

TechInspecta may review:

• Lifting equipment certificates.
• Test certificates.
• Thorough examination reports.
• Inspection records.
• Equipment registers.
• Manufacturer data.
• Calibration records, where applicable.
• Repair records.
• Colour code records.
• Previous defect reports.
• Validity of inspection dates.
• Matching of serial numbers with certificates.

This helps clients maintain traceability, compliance and better control of lifting equipment on site.

4. Pre-Use and Periodic Inspection Support

TechInspecta can support both pre-use inspections and periodic inspections.

Pre-use inspection is normally carried out before each lifting operation to confirm that the item is safe for immediate use.

Periodic inspection is a more formal inspection carried out at defined intervals depending on equipment type, usage, environment, site requirements and applicable regulations.

High-risk environments such as offshore platforms, ports, mining sites and oil & gas facilities may require stricter inspection control due to corrosion, heavy use and harsh operating conditions.

5. Inspection of Web Slings and Round Slings

Synthetic slings are widely used because they are light and flexible, but they can be damaged easily by sharp edges, heat, chemicals and abrasion.

Inspection includes checking for:

• Cuts.
• Tears.
• Abrasion.
• Damaged stitching.
• Broken fibres.
• Chemical burns.
• Heat damage.
• UV degradation.
• Knots.
• Missing identification tag.
• Illegible WLL marking.
• Contamination with oil or chemicals.
• Damage from sharp edges.

Any sling with significant damage, missing tag or unclear capacity should be removed from service.

6. Inspection of Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are commonly used for heavy lifting, but they must be inspected carefully for mechanical damage and corrosion.

Inspection includes checking for:

• Broken wires.
• Kinks.
• Crushing.
• Bird-caging.
• Corrosion.
• Worn wires.
• Damaged ferrules.
• Distorted eyes.
• Heat damage.
• Severe abrasion.
• Core damage.
• Damaged thimbles.
• Missing identification tag.

Wire rope slings with serious distortion, excessive broken wires or unclear identification must not be used.

7. Inspection of Chain Slings

Chain slings are strong and durable, but they can fail if overloaded, stretched, cracked or exposed to unsuitable conditions.

Inspection includes checking for:

• Stretched links.
• Cracked links.
• Bent links.
• Twisted links.
• Excessive wear.
• Corrosion.
• Heat damage.
• Damaged master links.
• Damaged hooks.
• Missing safety latches.
• Illegible identification tags.
• Unauthorized welding or repair.
• Chain grade and capacity marking.

Chain slings must be removed from service if there is evidence of deformation, cracking, excessive wear or unknown rating.

8. Inspection of Shackles, Hooks and Connectors

Shackles, hooks and connectors are small components, but they are often critical load-bearing items. Failure of one connector can cause the entire load to drop.

Inspection includes checking for:

• Bent shackle bodies.
• Damaged or incorrect pins.
• Worn threads.
• Cracks.
• Corrosion.
• Deformation.
• Missing safety pins.
• Hook throat opening.
• Hook twisting.
• Damaged safety latch.
• Excessive wear at bearing points.
• Illegible markings.
• Evidence of side loading.
• Unauthorized modification.

Key message: the lifting arrangement is only as strong as its weakest component.

9. Inspection of Chain Blocks, Lever Hoists and Tirfors

Manual lifting devices must be inspected to ensure that their mechanical systems, brakes, hooks and chains are safe.

Inspection includes checking:

• Load chain condition.
• Hand chain condition.
• Hook condition.
• Safety latches.
• Brake function.
• Load holding ability.
• Housing damage.
• Chain guides.
• Lubrication condition.
• Identification plate.
• Rated capacity marking.
• Smooth operation.
• Excessive noise or stiffness.
• Evidence of overload.

These devices must operate smoothly and hold the load securely without slipping.

10. Inspection of Lifting Beams and Spreader Beams

Lifting beams and spreader beams are used to distribute loads and control lifting geometry. They must be inspected for structural integrity and correct configuration.

Inspection includes checking:

• Structural deformation.
• Cracks.
• Corrosion.
• Weld condition.
• Lifting lugs.
• Pad eyes.
• Shackles and connection points.
• Identification plate.
• SWL / WLL marking.
• Beam configuration.
• Load rating for different lifting points.
• Paint/coating condition.
• Evidence of overload or impact damage.

Incorrect use of lifting beams can overload connection points or create unstable lifting conditions.