Discarding lifting gear: when is the sling, the chain and the hook finished?

Lifting gear wears. It gets stretched, cut, heated and corroded, and in the end it is no longer safe — even if it «looks like it will hold». Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on when the gear must be discarded (BFA Bygge & Anlæg). The criteria below are from the German statutory accident insurance's guide for slingers (DGUV Information 209-013). They give you a good picture of what to look for.

• 01The whole chain or one link is elongated 5 % or more.
• 02The thickness of the link is worn by more than 10 % at some point.
• 03There are cracks, nicks or crush damage.
• 04Links are bent, twisted or squeezed together.

• 01Yarn breaks or cuts in more than 10 % of the cross-section.
• 02The load-bearing seams are damaged.
• 03There is heat damage, e.g. from radiation, friction or contact with hot surfaces.
• 04There is damage from acids, alkalis or solvents.

The old rule that webbing slings made of man-made fibres had to be discarded after six years no longer applies. Today the slings must be stabilised against light and heat, and a requirement to discard them because of age is no longer in the standard for webbing slings (EN 1492-1).

• 01The cover is damaged so that the core (the inner yarns) can be seen.
• 02There is heat damage.
• 03There is damage from acids, alkalis or solvents.

Check the round sling for cuts before every lift. The core usually consists of a single strand wound round at least 11 times. If it is cut through in just one place, the round sling no longer holds together inside.

• 01A strand is broken.
• 02The wire rope has kinks, bird-caging or is crushed flat.
• 03There is rust that has attacked the wires, or damage from strong heat.
• 04The end termination, e.g. the ferrule or the splice, is badly worn.
• 05There are wire breaks. How many are allowed is stated in the standard for wire rope slings (EN 13414), which is paid. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A hook whose opening is bent 10 % open is finished. Then the safety catch no longer closes, and the load can slip off. 10 % does not sound like much, but it is enough to be dangerous. Hooks, eyes and fittings are also discarded if they have cracks, nicks or crush damage, and if they are bent or twisted (DGUV).

In the colour code for inspections shown by BFA Bygge & Anlæg, white means that the gear is discarded. Discarded gear must be kept separate from the other gear so that it is not used by mistake.

The mandatory inspection must follow the manufacturer's instructions and take place at least every 12 months if the manufacturer does not state otherwise (BEK no. 428 of 05/04/2022 § 25). But damage can occur between two inspections. That is why you check the gear yourself every time you use it — it is your own protection.