Top 5 Lifting Accessories Everyone Should Know About:
Lifting operations are a crucial aspect of many industries, from construction and manufacturing to warehousing and logistics. These operations rely heavily on various lifting accessories, which are essential for safely and efficiently moving heavy loads. Whether it’s lifting large steel beams on a construction site or hoisting machinery in a factory, selecting the right lifting accessories and using them properly can significantly affect safety and productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore five common lifting accessories: chains, slings, shackles, hooks, and lifting beams. We’ll discuss their uses, why thorough examinations are necessary, and how training at Vally Plant Training can help ensure that lifting accessories are used safely and correctly.
1. Chains
Chains are one of the most versatile and durable lifting accessories used across a variety of industries. Made of high-strength steel, chains are perfect for lifting heavy loads, especially in tough environments like construction sites or workshops. They come in different grades, with Grade 80 and Grade 100 being commonly used for lifting operations.
Uses of Chains:
- Heavy-duty lifting: Chains are ideal for lifting large, heavy loads that need secure attachment.
- Rigging: Chains are frequently used in rigging applications due to their ability to withstand high tensile forces.
- Towing and securing loads: Chains are not only used for lifting but also for securing loads in transport or for towing purposes, these must not be used for lifting.
Safety Considerations:
- Chains should be regularly inspected for signs of wear, elongation, and cracks. Over time, links can stretch or deform, reducing the chain’s strength and making it unsafe to use.
- Corrosion can also weaken chains, particularly if they are used outdoors or in harsh environments.
At Vally Plant Training, trainees learn how to inspect chains properly, identify wear and damage, and ensure they are used safely in lifting operations. The Slinger Signaller course also covers the appropriate selection of chains based on load requirements and environmental conditions.
2. Slings
Slings are another essential lifting accessory, available in various types such as wire rope slings, chain slings, webbing slings, and round slings. Each type of sling serves different purposes and has unique strengths and limitations.
Uses of Slings:
- Wire Rope Slings: Common in heavy lifting operations, these slings are durable and resistant to abrasion. They are often used in construction, marine applications, and industrial settings.
- Webbing Slings: Made from synthetic materials like polyester, webbing slings are lightweight and ideal for lifting delicate loads that could be damaged by steel chains or wire ropes.
- Round Slings: These slings are flexible and provide a wide contact area, reducing the risk of damaging sensitive loads. They are commonly used in environments where the load needs to be handled carefully.
Safety Considerations:
- Slings are vulnerable to cuts, fraying, and abrasion, especially when used with sharp edges or in rough environments. It’s important to check for damage before each use.
- Wire rope slings can suffer from broken wires or kinks, which can compromise their strength and should be checked for regularly.
Vally Plant Training ensures that all participants learn how to safely use and inspect various types of slings. This includes hands-on Slinger Signaller Training for selecting the correct sling type and capacity based on the load, as well as safe lifting practices.
3. Shackles
Shackles are used to connect lifting accessories such as chains and slings to loads. They come in different types, including bow shackles and “D” shackles, with variations like screw-pin or bolt-type closures. Shackles are a critical connection point in any lifting system and must be used correctly to ensure the safety of the load and personnel.
Uses of Shackles:
- Connecting lifting equipment: Shackles are commonly used to connect slings, chains, or other lifting accessories to loads or hoisting equipment.
- Securing loads: They are also used in securing loads for lifting, towing, or rigging purposes.
Safety Considerations:
- Shackles can be damaged by overloading, improper use, or wear and tear. Common issues include bent pins or distorted bodies, which compromise their load-bearing capacity.
- Corrosion can also weaken the shackle, making it unsafe to use.
Training at Vally Plant Training teaches operators how to properly select, attach, and inspect shackles for different lifting operations. The Slinger Signaller course emphasises the importance of ensuring shackles are the correct size and strength for the load being lifted.
4. Hooks
Hooks are a critical lifting accessory, found in cranes, hoists, and other lifting devices. Safety hooks or swivel hooks are commonly used, with safety latches to prevent the load from accidentally slipping out of the hook.
Uses of Hooks:
- Lifting and hoisting: Hooks are used in conjunction with chains, slings, or wire ropes to connect the load to the lifting equipment.
- Load attachment: Hooks provide an easy and secure way to attach lifting accessories to loads.
Safety Considerations:
- Hooks can suffer from throat opening (where the hook’s mouth widens due to overloading), cracks, or wear on the hook body, all of which can reduce the hook’s strength.
- Safety latches must always be in place and functioning to prevent accidental detachment of the load.
At Vally Plant Training, trainees learn to inspect hooks for damage, ensure the safety latch is functioning, and confirm that the hook’s load-bearing capacity matches the requirements of the operation.
5. Lifting Beams and Spreaders
Lifting beams and spreaders are structural lifting devices designed to distribute the load evenly across multiple attachment points, reducing the risk of damaging the load or lifting equipment.
Uses of Lifting Beams and Spreaders:
- Load distribution: These devices help balance large or irregular loads, distributing the weight across multiple attachment points.
- Lifting multiple items: Spreaders can be used to lift several smaller items at once or a single large, fragile item that needs balanced support.
Safety Considerations:
- Lifting beams and spreaders must be inspected for structural integrity, including checking for cracks, deformation, or wear on the beam itself.
- The connections between the beam and the load must be secure to prevent slippage or unbalancing during lifting.
Vally Plant Training offers comprehensive Slinger Signaller Training on the correct use of lifting beams and spreaders, ensuring that participants understand how to safely set up and operate these devices for even the most challenging loads.
The Importance of Thorough Examinations
Thorough examinations of lifting accessories are a legal requirement under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Regular inspections ensure that equipment is in good working condition and prevent accidents caused by wear, damage, or faulty equipment.
LOLER stipulates that:
- Lifting accessories such as chains, slings, and shackles must be thoroughly examined every 6 months.
- Lifting equipment, including cranes and hoists, must be examined every 12 months.
Failing to conduct regular examinations can result in accidents, injuries, or even fatalities, as well as legal penalties for non-compliance.
At Vally Plant Training, we place a strong emphasis on the importance of regular equipment inspections. Our Slinger Signaller Courses teach participants how to conduct pre-use checks, recognise signs of wear and damage, and ensure that all equipment meets LOLER standards.
How Vally Plant Training Can Help
Vally Plant Training offers a range of courses focused on lifting operations and the safe use of lifting accessories. We provide hands-on, practical training that ensures operators are not only familiar with different lifting accessories but also competent in their use, maintenance, and inspection.
By choosing Vally Plant Training, businesses can be confident that their employees have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out lifting operations safely and effectively, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
For more information on our Slinger Signaller Training programs, contact us:
- Phone: 01684 297167
- Email: info@vallyplanttraining.co.uk
- Website: www.vallyplanttraining.co.uk
Lifting accessories are essential components of safe lifting operations, and understanding how to select, use, and inspect them is critical to preventing accidents and ensuring operational efficiency. Through proper training, like that provided at Vally Plant Training, operators can stay safe and productive while maintaining compliance with LOLER regulations.