Professionally used work equipment is subject to enormous stresses during use.
A regular inspection by experts is required by law. This rule applies to all work equipment, regardless of the frequency of use.
The timely detection of defects is an active contribution to accident prevention and damage reduction. And legally compliant documentation can save you from losing insurance coverage in the event of damage.
The „Employer’s liability insurance association rules for safety and health at work “(DGUV Rule 100-500 formerly BGR 500) stipulate by law to record and maintain these tests so that the safety-related condition can be proven.
The “work equipment subject to inspection that is subject to influences causing damage” includes e.g .: slings, load handling devices, cranes, PPE as well as machines and systems, shelves, ladders, scaffolding, gates …
Lifting chains are subject to a special rule.
And for a good reason. Because here there is only 1 load-bearing link. If this is defective, a load crash is inevitable.
Therefore, the following test intervals apply to lifting chains:
annual visual examination according to DGUV 100-500 chap. 2.8 para. 3.15.2.1 3.15.2.1
every 3 years test for freedom of cracks according to DGUV 100-500 chap. 2.8 para. 3.15.2.2 3.15.2.2