Lifting Accessories - Markings and Certification
Lifting accessories are pieces of equipment that are used to attach the load to lifting equipment, providing a link between the two. Any lifting accessories used between lifting equipment and the load may need to be taken into account in determining the overall weight of the load.
Examples of lifting accessories include:
- fibre or rope slings
- chains (single or multiple leg)
- snatch & pulley blocks
Lifting equipment when used is subject to LOLER - Lifting Operations Regulations 1998. Read more about LOLER
What is a Declaration of Conformity?
Products must be supplied to end users with a certificate called a Declaration of Conformity which must relate to the particular product. This document should declare key information, including:
- business name and full address of the manufacturer and, where appropriate, their authorised representative
- description and identification of the product, which may including information on model, type, and serial number
- a declaration as to which Directive(s) the product fulfils all the relevant provisions
- may include details of relevant standards used to which conformity is declared
- be dated, and signed by the person empowered to draw up the declaration on behalf of the manufacturer or their authorised representative
What identification details on a Declaration of Conformity match to the product?
A wire rope cable has a thimble eye one end (with or without hook). The manufacturer's Identification Number (Serial Number) and the Working Load Limit (WLL) are stamped/etched onto the ferrule. Under LOLER the WLL is derived from the Factor of Safety at 1 : 5 of MBL (Minimum Break Load) ie the MBL is divided by 5.
Note: WLL is reduced by a further 10% when the wire is assembled into a wire rope cable. This is the factor for the efficiency of the ferrule termination.
Working example for wire winch cable: 10mm dia with an MBL 7113 Kg will be stamped with a WLL 1280 Kg
Note: If your wire rope cable does not show the WLL and the ID number then the wire rope cable is NOT legal.
Wire Rope Slings
A wire rope sling has a thimble eye both ends (with or without hooks). The manufacturer's Identification Number (Serial Number) and the Working Load Limit (WLL) are stamped/etched onto one of the ferrules. Under LOLER the WLL is derived from the Factor of Safety at 1 : 5 of MBL (Minimum Break Load) ie the MBL is divided by 5.
Note: WLL is reduced by a further 10% when the wire is assembled into a sling. This is the factor for the efficiency of the ferrule termination.
Note: If your wire rope sling does not show the WLL and the ID number then the sling is NOT legal.
Lifting Chains
Lifting chain slings are rated & certificated for lifting under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and are subject to LOLER (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations), so whether you are lifting, pulling, towing etc the certificated rating does not change.
The Working Load Limit (WLL) of the chain assembly is the maximum safe weight that can be lifted. Derived from applying the Factor of Safety at 1 : 4 to the MBL (Minimum Break Load)
An identity tag (see images above) is attached to the lifting chain assembly, which will include the following information:
- The unique Identification Number (serial number)
- Grade of steel used
- Diameter of chain
- Chain leg configuration including working angle limits and
- The working load limit
Polyester Lifting Slings
Polyester lifting slings are rated & certificated for lifting under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and are subject to LOLER (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations). Flat slings are manufactured to BS EN 1492-1-2000 + A1:2008 whilst Round slings are manufactured to BS EN 1492-2-2000
The rating label is sewn into the sling. It will include the following information:
- Serial Number
- Standard & CE mark
- Manufacturer's mark and Date of manufacture
- Working Load Limit and Safety Factor
- Material & sling type
Note: If your polyester sling does not have a rating label it is NOT legal.
Snatch & pulley blocks are rated & certificated for lifting under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and are subject to LOLER (Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations).
A rating plate is attached to the block. It will include the following information:
- Serial Number
- Working Load Limit (WLL)
- Sheave & Wire Rope diameter
- Manufacturer's mark
Note: If your block does not have a rating plate it is NOT legal.
Cardno - Lifting Accessories
All lifting accessories either manufactured or distributed by us at Cardno will bear or carry the necessary information required by legislation. Moreover all our lifting accessories are supplied with the manufacturer's certification.
For more information visit the Cardno website.
Contact us if you could do with some more advice. We’re always happy to help!
- Hilary Reglar
