Testing for more safety

In fact, there are now several regulations and ordinances that require hoists, slings and load handling attachments to be inspected at least once a year. "This is stipulated, for example, by the DGUV or the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV)," says Kai Schmalenberg, Managing Director of Heidkamp Hebezeuge from Heiligenhaus in North Rhine-Westphalia. The legislator relies on variable inspection intervals in which certain test specimens should be inspected more frequently than once a year, depending on their technical design, mechanical load and service life. The legal consequences that can result from ignorance or disregard of safety regulations range from severe fines or imprisonment to restrictions on insurance benefits. However, regardless of these factors, the safety of your own employees should always be at the forefront of audits.

From the test...

An appliance hook that has been bent and twisted due to overloading. Photo: Heidkamp

For companies that have to test a large number of hoists, slings or load handling attachments, safety inspections can be a particular challenge. As many companies have neither the necessary test benches nor the appropriate specialists with proven expertise, Heidkamp has trained its own employees to become test and service specialists at its training center. Six service teams are currently on the road throughout Germany with test and service vehicles and offer a complete safety service in companies in all sectors. The Heidkamp test and service vehicles have been equipped with various transportable test rigs and, in addition to tensile and compression tests, also allow the testing of sling chains for freedom from cracks with the so-called flux or load test, which is required at least every three years.

...until the repair

Heavily worn coupling link KG 10 grade 8, normal stress after three years of use without testing. Photo: Heidkamp

Heidkamp's service staff take care of on-site repairs as quickly as possible, the replacement of test specimens and the necessary documentation of all results and processes in a test report. This is because the comprehensive documentation of all test results is also governed by the regulations. All results must be recorded as part of the ten-year documentation obligation and made available to the authorities on request. In the event of damage, the test reports also serve to provide insurance companies or the employers' liability insurance association with proof of the safe and proper handling of hoists and lifting or load handling equipment.

A shackle with a load capacity of 1 ton. The shackle and pin are heavily worn at the point of contact with the load-bearing surface and are therefore deformed. Photo: Heidkamp

In many places, lifting equipment or slings are only replaced when they can no longer be used. The example photos show the damage that the service teams are confronted with in their daily work. The reasons for damage to defective test specimens are not necessarily overloading or improper use, as even proper use can lead to high wear and tear in the long term. If damaged or worn load handling attachments or hoists continue to be used, the in-house transportation of heavy goods is a gamble with the safety of the workforce. Regular inspections help to prevent accidents and make in-house transportation safe. And so the author is not the only one to ask: "When have the slings and lifting gear in your company been inspected in accordance with the applicable accident prevention regulations?"

Michael Siener