Conducting audits on lifting equipment during planned shutdowns is essential for maintaining safety and compliance. Paul Walker, Lifting & Safety Technician at Motion, explains why end-of-year shutdowns are the perfect opportunity to inspect chain slings for damage and wear.
End-of-year shutdowns present businesses a chance to conduct maintenance and audits. For those in industries relying on lifting equipment, this period is critical for inspecting and ensuring that equipment – especially synthetic slings and chain slings – meets all safety standards and legal requirements. As Paul Walker, Lifting & Safety Technician at Motion, points out: “Lifting equipment is exposed to a range of operational and environmental conditions throughout the year, which can impact its integrity. Auditing it during a planned shutdown allows us to conduct thorough, comprehensive inspections – and catch wear and damage so that no safety concerns have been missed.”
Nik Markota, Lifting & Testing Manager, at Motion, expands on this theme:
“During a shut down, items that are normally used for a specific task during the year and are otherwise unavailable, become available for a short period of time. This brief period allows for the safe removal, testing, and – if necessary – repairs to take place without interruption to normal site production. It also allows for any upgrades or redesigning of items, if required.”
Markota adds that conducting the audit during the shut down affords the opportunity to identify any items that are damaged during the shut down itself, so everything is in perfect order once operations resume.
Walker notes that shutdowns make sense for auditing because the equipment is already out of action, and the team can conduct thorough checks without disrupting operations. “But it’s not just about keeping things running smoothly,” he says. “It’s about safety – making sure every piece of lifting equipment, particularly chain slings, are in top condition before employees get back to work.”
The importance of routine visual inspections cannot be overstated, particularly for synthetic slings and chain slings, which can be vulnerable to damage over time.
Chain slings, being heavily used in many industries, bear the brunt of tough conditions. They’re often exposed to harsh environments, which can lead to corrosion, surface cracking, and gradual wear – all of which pose significant safety hazards if not addressed. “Wear in the chain can reduce its load-bearing capacity,” Walker explains. “If the chains are stretched or deformed, it’s a red flag – that sling needs to be taken out of service immediately. Synthetic slings, being lighter and vulnerable to environmental and use degradation, can suffer from cuts, abrasions, and contamination from solvents, oils, and weld damage.
“We look for obvious signs of wear and tear, like deformation or corrosion on chains, cuts and tears on synthetic slings, but we also inspect the smaller components that might seem inconsequential but can severely weaken the equipment if damaged.
“We have a checklist to ensure nothing gets overlooked.”
Audits check not just the slings themselves but also crucial elements such as identification plates.
ID plates and tags are especially vital because they confirm that the equipment complies with legal safety standards. Walker stresses this point: “If the ID plate or tag is missing or illegible, we can’t assume that the equipment is safe to use, which means taking it out of service until we can verify everything.”
Walker also notes that while scheduled inspections are mandatory, these end-of-year audits offer a deeper level of scrutiny. “We look at the bigger picture during shutdowns. Equipment might pass its regular inspections, but a detailed audit could reveal early-stage damage that could turn into a serious problem if left unchecked.”
Titan Quality
At Motion, quality products are a key focus, with Bradley Redgrave - Motion Branch Manager, mentioning that their partnership with Titan has been instrumental in maintaining high standards. “We source our lifting chains and fittings from Titan because they’ve proven themselves to be reliable over time. If we’re supplying chain slings, we want them to last and be as safe as possible.”
Safety is not just good practice – it’s the law. Employers must ensure their lifting equipment is maintained and safe to use at all times. “There are legal requirements in place to ensure the workplace remains safe,” Walker notes. “An employer who neglects to audit their lifting equipment risks not only safety but also legal consequences.”
Planned shutdowns are a prime time to conduct these audits because they offer the opportunity to step back and ensure compliance with safety regulations. “It’s about taking stock,” Walker says. “Are our chain slings and synthetic slings safe? Are they compliant? Are we meeting the legal standards? If the answer to any of those questions is no, then it’s time to take action.”
By conducting these essential audits during scheduled downtime, businesses not only meet their legal obligations but ensure the safety of their employees and the integrity of their operations for the year ahead.
Checklist for conducting chain sling audits:
Visual inspection:
Look for signs of wear, including corrosion, cracks, deformations, or elongation.
Check ID plates:
Ensure all identification markings (e.g., SWL, year of manufacture, and grade) are clear and legible.
Examine hooks and links:
Inspect for signs of wear, particularly around critical connection points.
Check for twisting:
Ensure there are no signs of twisting or distortion in the chains or hooks.
Surface conditions:
Look for pitting, deep scratches, or other surface imperfections.
Lubrication check:
Ensure chains are properly lubricated and free of dirt or foreign materials.
Functionality tests:
Perform basic functionality tests to ensure the sling operates as expected.
Documentation:
Record all findings, including any actions required to repair or replace components.
Checklist for conducting Synthetic audits:
Visual inspection:
Look for signs of wear, including cuts, abrasions and tears
Check data tag:
Ensure all identification markings (e.g., SWL, year of manufacture, and capacity) are clear and legible.
Surface conditions:
Look for acid damage, solvent damage, weld splatter, incorrect marking (user identification with marker or paint)
Functionality tests:
Perform basic functionality tests to ensure the sling operates as expected.
Documentation:
Record all findings, including any actions required to repair or replace components.