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  • How Often do Lifting Chains Need to be Tested and Certified?
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How Often do Lifting Chains Need to be Tested and Certified?

How Often do Lifting Chains Need to be Tested and Certified?

Ensuring the safety and reliability of lifting chains is crucial in any industrial operation. These components are critical for handling heavy loads and are subjected to significant stress during their use. Regular testing and certification of lifting chains is essential to prevent accidents, protect workers, and comply with Australian standards. Neglecting these practices can lead to severe consequences, including equipment failure, workplace injuries, and costly downtime. The frequency of these inspections depends on various factors, including the type of chains used, the nature of the work, and regulatory requirements. Understanding and adhering to the appropriate inspection and maintenance schedules is key to maintaining operational safety and efficiency.

Understanding Inspection Intervals

In Australia, lifting chains must comply with As 3775.1 and Australian Standard AS 3775.2:2014 , which outlines the requirements for lifting chain assemblies and ongoing care and use. According to these standards, lifting chains must undergo regular inspections by a competent person to ensure they remain safe and functional.

  1. Daily Inservice Or Pre-Use Inspections

    1. Operators should perform visual checks before each use. These inspections involve looking for obvious signs of wear, damage, or deformation in the chains and components. Daily checks help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

  2. Periodic Inspections

    1. More thorough inspections should be carried out periodically, typically every three to six months, depending on usage and working conditions. These inspections should be performed by a competent person who can assess the chain's condition in detail, including checking for wear, corrosion, and elongation.

  3. Annual Inspections

    1. Comprehensive inspections should be conducted at least once a year. This process includes detailed examinations to ensure the chains can handle their rated capacity without failure.

Certification Requirements

Certification is a crucial aspect of maintaining lifting chain safety, ensuring that all components Comply to AS 3776 and  the completed assembly complies with section 9 of AS3775.2. In Australia, it is a legal requirement that lifting chains be tested and certified according to the standards set by the relevant authorities, adhering to the Australian Standard AS 3775.2:2014. This standard outlines the necessary criteria for chain assemblies, including manufacturing, performance, and testing protocols, ensuring they can safely handle the demands placed upon them in various industrial applications.

Compliance with these regulations is essential not only for legal reasons but also to prevent workplace accidents and equipment failure. Certification involves thorough testing processes, including load tests, dimensional checks, and visual inspections to verify the chains' integrity and performance capabilities. These tests help identify any weaknesses or defects that could compromise safety.

Bunzl Safety and Lifting provides expert inspection services to ensure compliance with these stringent regulations. Their inspectors are trained by LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) and their testing facilities are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), which means they are recognised for their technical competence in testing and certification. NATA accreditation is a mark of excellence, signifying that the facilities can conduct reliable and accurate tests. This accreditation ensures that inspections carried out by Bunzl Safety and Lifting meet the highest standards of quality and reliability

Utilising NATA-accredited facilities and LEEA trained inspectors from Bunzl Safety and Lifting provides several advantages. Firstly, it guarantees that the inspection and testing processes adhere to the latest industry standards and legal requirements. Secondly, it ensures that any issues with the lifting chains are identified and rectified promptly, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, and enhancing workplace safety.

Factors Affecting Inspection Frequency

Several factors can influence how often lifting chains need to be tested and certified:

  • Frequency of Use: Chains used more frequently will require more regular inspections due to the increased wear and tear.
  • Load Weight: Heavier loads put more strain on chains, necessitating more frequent checks.
  • Environmental Conditions: Chains used in harsh environments, such as those exposed to chemicals or extreme weather, may degrade faster and need more frequent inspections.
  • Type of Chain: Different grades of chains, such as Grade 50 or Grade 100, have different properties and may require different inspection intervals.

Best Practices for Maintaining Lifting Chains

To ensure the longevity and safety of your lifting chains, follow these best practices:

  • Regular Cleaning: Keep chains clean and free from debris. Dirt and grime can cause damage and reduce efficiency.
  • Proper Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts to minimise friction and wear.
  • Immediate Repairs: Address any signs of wear or damage immediately to prevent accidents.
  • Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities.  Bunzl Safety & Lifting inspectors record all inspections in their state of the art Asset Management System, which can be accessed electronically by customers.

Regular inspection and testing of lifting chains are essential to ensure safety and compliance with Australian standards. Pre-use, periodic, and annual inspections, combined with proper maintenance and timely repairs, can significantly extend the lifespan of lifting chains, and prevent accidents. 

 

 

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About Bunzl Safety and Lifting

Bunzl Safety and Lifting offers an integrated approach to the selection, supply, service, and replacement of safety products, resulting in our ability to manage the complete life cycle of your personal and workplace safety requirements. Bunzl Safety and Lifting is a leading manufacturer of safety products, we provide the very best in workwear, corporate wear, PPE, footwear, materials handling, load restraint, and recovery,height safety, and site safety. We are also a leading supplier of some of the best industrial safety brands on the market, including Mack, Ninja, Contego, Boomerang, Beaver, B-Safe, WS Workwear, Frontier, Black Rat, Robertsons, 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, Bolle Safety, DuPont, Donaghys, MSA, Moldex, Steel Blue, Oliver, uvex, Sqwincher, MaxiFlex, DNC Workwear, Mayo Hardware, Gunnebo Industries, Skylotech and Blundstone. We also offer a range of services including product specialisation and consolidation, custom embroidery and branding, lifting equipment and inspections, NATA Accredited testing and services, height safety installed systems and training, managed inventory, eCommerce and digital solutions, clothing fitouts and yearly uniform issues, ethical sourcing, Indigenous Engagement, and environmental responsibility. We have an Australia-wide network of branches that ensures fast shipping across the country.

Bunzl Brands & Operations Pty Ltd (BBO) located at 55 Sarah Andrews Close Erskine Park NSW 2579 quality scope covers: manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing and testing of lifting, rigging equipment, winches, hoists and materials handling products. The manufacture of synthetic slings and webbing products including load restraint and height safety equipment. Manufacture, import, wholesale and distribution of PPE products, workwear and hand tools. Design and development of products and services and the provision of mechanical testing services.