Confirm lifting-equipment status before use
The reviewed equipment matrix shows why a lifting register must cover more than cranes and slings. Hoists, winches, runways, beams, blocks, ropes, shackles, clamps, eyebolts, load cells and protective indicators can each carry a different design, examination, inspection, maintenance or calibration basis.
Identity and intended use
Match the unique identifier, manufacturer, model and configuration to the register and supporting records. Confirm whether the item is lifting equipment, an integral component, an accessory, part of the load or a structural attachment.
Capacity and configuration
Confirm the manufacturer WLL or rated capacity, applicable SWL, load chart, any configuration-dependent capacity, derating and restrictions. Do not assume one capacity applies to every reach, angle, reeving or assembly.
Examination and inspection
Confirm current thorough-examination status and the applicable examination scheme or statutory interval. Check any separate inspection, rope, maintenance and test requirements.
Accessories and connections
Verify sling, shackle, hook, eyebolt, beam, clamp and termination compatibility. Check size, grade, orientation, pin or latch security, sling angle and edge protection.
Load indication and protection
Where load cells, dynamometers, rated-capacity indicators, limits or alarms are relied upon, verify range, units, configuration, function and current calibration or verification status.
Condition and status control
Complete the defined pre-use check. Quarantine equipment where identity, rating, condition, required conformity, traceability, examination evidence or operating status is uncertain, and record defects promptly.
| Check | Evidence to match | Stop or escalate when |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment identity | Physical marking, register entry, required conformity or traceability record, examination report and lift-plan equipment list | The item cannot be positively matched or its marking is illegible |
| Rating and intended use | Manufacturer WLL or rated capacity, applicable SWL, load chart, configuration, accessory angle factors, derating, suitability and marking for lifting people, authorised use and additional precautions where applicable | The planned load or use is outside the identified rating or approved function |
| Examination basis | Current thorough-examination report, next due date and examination-scheme reference where used | The report is overdue, unavailable, excludes the current configuration or contains an unresolved restriction |
| Condition and maintenance | Pre-use result, relevant inspections, maintenance status and manufacturer discard criteria | Damage, wear, distortion, corrosion, contamination or malfunction is outside the accepted condition |
| Test and calibration | Only the functional, proof, NDT or calibration evidence required for the specific equipment and control basis | A required result is missing, expired, unsuitable for the range or cannot be linked to the device |
Pre-use checking, planned inspection, maintenance, thorough examination, proof testing and calibration are separate controls. One record should not be used as an automatic substitute for another. See the LOLER Examination Reference for the Great Britain examination categories and jurisdictional boundaries.
Develop and verify the rigging arrangement
Understand the load
Confirm identity, weight, centre of gravity, stability, contents, loose items and any flexible or vulnerable features.
Verify lifting points
Confirm design, identity, current condition, orientation, attachment method and relationship to the load path.
Select the equipment
Choose lifting equipment and accessories for the calculated loads, configuration, environment, interfaces and intended movement.
Calculate the load path
Consider sling angles, unequal leg loading, centre-of-gravity offset, dynamic effects, friction and capacity at every connection.
Control interfaces
Check pin and eye dimensions, hook seating, side-loading risk, bending, choke geometry, edge protection and rope or sling contact.
Define limits
Record weather, visibility, vessel motion, ground or support condition, clearance, travel, communication and stop-work limits.
Control the lifting operation
Plan and brief
Define the route, conditions, roles, lift category, communications, exclusion zones and stop criteria.
Complete the pre-use check
Check identification, condition, correct assembly, protection, connection security and environmental suitability.
Conduct a trial lift where required
Where the approved lift plan requires it and conditions allow it to be performed safely, raise only enough to confirm balance, rigging behaviour, brake holding, clearances and expected load indication.
Maintain communication
Use agreed signals, one clear command structure and a reliable means to stop the operation immediately.
Protect the exclusion zone
Control access and keep people away from suspended loads, pinch points, snap-back zones and other stored-energy paths.
Avoid shock loading
Apply load progressively and control acceleration, movement, snagging, side pull and dynamic effects.
Monitor the lift
Watch the load, equipment, connections, supporting structure, route and conditions. Stop when the actual response differs from the plan.
Complete a post-use check
Check for damage or abnormal behaviour, quarantine suspect items and preserve relevant operating or load information.
Capture learning
Record conditions, deviations, defects and improvements that should change future lift plans or equipment controls.
Detailed lifting and rigging guidance
LOLER Examination Reference
Equipment classification, maximum intervals, examination schemes, lifecycle triggers, reports and defect control.
Lifting-Equipment Reference
Representative equipment families and the distinctions between checking, inspection, maintenance, examination and testing.
Wire-Rope Types, Lay and Inspection
Construction, selection, damage indicators and operating considerations.
Wire-Mesh Pulling Grips
Selection, fitting, alignment, rotation control and installation monitoring.