TESTING AND TAGGING LIFTING EQUIPMENT
Testing and Tagging Lifting Equipment
Is visual inspection of Lifting Equipment all that is required ?
No, a visual inspection of lifting and safety equipment won’t always tell you if it’s safe under load. For example, if a chain fitting fails a load test due to permanent set deformation and the chain fitting was used in a heavy lift, it is likely it would fail and the result could be catastrophic.
Unless proof tested to validate the working load limit there is no way of knowing, if a chain or lifting device will fail.
As a result, regular inspections, testing and tagging lifting equipment are required to be carried out by a competent person in alignment with the Australian Standards.
How is a competent person defined?
A competent person must be suitably trained, be qualified by knowledge and practical experience, and must have a Jaeger 1 eye test every two years to carry out testing and tagging lifting equipment.
What is permanent set deformation ?
An irreversible deformation that remains in a structure or material after it has been subjected to stress.
Excessive wear and deformation example.
When should Lifting Equipment be visual inspected ?
Lifting equipment should be visually inspected by the operator prior to use.
What is used for testing and tagging of heavy lifting equipment performed ?
Testing and tagging of heavy lifting equipment like chains and wire ropes, requires specialist apparatus like this 120 tonne mobile test bed truck.
Competent testing technicians, use calibrated equipment like the 120 tonne mobile test bed truck to test a range of lifting gear like slings, chains, shackles, clutches, component fittings and lifting devices.
There are also other industry mechanical testing facilities. In our testing lab you will find Test Towers, Hydra Jaws, and counter weights for load testing.
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When should chain slings be inspected ?
In Australia, chain slings for lifting, should generally be inspected every six months, or more frequently if subjected to severe conditions, or usage.
If a chain sling failed during a lift to cause property damage, or worse still, injury or loss of life, and it has not been certified by a competent person with a current test tag attached, the ramifications will be devastating.
2/12 Hinkler Ct,
Brendale Brisbane QLD 4500
Phone: 07 3205 7000
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Friday 6:30am - 3pm