Finnish law does not set a fixed inspection interval for lifting accessories. However, the employer must verify the condition and markings of a lifting accessory before each use and monitor its operating condition through regular inspections. According to the guidance of the Finnish occupational safety authority, the person carrying out the commissioning inspection determines the required inspection interval based on how and in what conditions the accessory is used.
What does the law say about the inspection of lifting accessories?
The use and inspection of work equipment is governed by the Government Decree on the safe use and inspection of work equipment (403/2008). It contains a separate section on lifting accessories, section 24. According to it,
- the condition and markings of a lifting accessory must be verified before use
- a lifting accessory without a working load limit marking must not be used
- a damaged lifting accessory must not be used
- lifting accessories must be stored so that they are not damaged, and attached to the load at the lifting points designed for this purpose
In addition, the general provisions of the decree apply to lifting accessories in the same way as to other work equipment. The employer must keep work equipment safe through regular maintenance, determine its operating condition before commissioning and after any change affecting safety, and continuously monitor its operating condition through inspections (section 5). Inspections must take the manufacturer’s instructions into account (section 3).
Why is a crane inspected annually but a lifting accessory is not?
The decree’s periodic inspections at one-year intervals and the requirement for an approved expert (sections 32–38) apply only to the equipment listed in the annex to the decree, such as cranes that lift more than 500 kg. Lifting accessories are not listed in the annex. The claim that the law requires an annual periodic inspection of lifting accessories is therefore not correct.
Not being subject to this requirement does not mean that the inspection can be skipped. A record is drawn up of the commissioning inspection, listing the deficiencies and defects found and when they were corrected. At the same time, the inspector determines how often the accessory must be inspected based on its use and operating conditions.
Are there stricter requirements in some sectors?
Yes. For example, loose lifting accessories used in ports must be visually inspected before commissioning and thereafter at least every three months, and inspected in detail every 12 months. The requirement is based on the Government Decree on occupational safety in the loading and unloading of ships (633/2004, section 26). The detailed inspection does not apply to slings and other accessories of simple design whose safety can be assessed visually. Offshore sites also have their own requirements for the inspection interval and the inspector.
Which inspections are carried out on a lifting accessory?
| Inspection | When | Who carries it out | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| User’s visual check | Before every lift | User of the lifting accessory | 403/2008, section 24 |
| Commissioning inspection | Before first use and after a repair or modification | A person familiar with the use, structure and inspection of the accessory | 403/2008, section 5 |
| Regular inspection | At the intervals set in the commissioning inspection and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; more often in heavy use | A competent person familiar with the structure and use of the accessory | 403/2008, sections 3 and 5 |
| Extraordinary inspection | After overloading, a collision, a drop or suspected damage | Competent person | 403/2008, section 24 (a damaged accessory must not be used) |
What is checked during an inspection?
The content of the inspection depends on the accessory. Inspecting a lifting sling or lifting chain is different from inspecting a customer-specific lifting beam, gripper or lifting frame. For a special lifting accessory, the inspector typically checks
- markings: the working load limit (WLL), manufacturer, serial number and CE marking are legible
- the load-bearing structure: deformation, cracks and corrosion, especially in welded joints and around the lifting points
- lifting eyes, shackles and bolts: wear, elongation and fastening
- moving parts and gripping surfaces: gripper jaws, joints and locks, and the operation of pneumatic grippers
- items specifically named in the instructions for use, maintenance and inspection
If necessary, the inspector uses non-destructive testing methods, such as magnetic particle inspection of welded joints. How to interpret the markings is explained in more detail in the article markings and color codes on lifting accessories.
How is an inspection documented?
No specific record template has been laid down for lifting accessories, but the inspection must be verifiable afterwards. A good inspection record includes at least the identification of the accessory, the inspection date, the inspector, the findings and a conclusion on whether the accessory may be used. It is also advisable to mark the inspection date on the accessory so that the user can see it before lifting.
Inspection records should be kept for the entire service life of the accessory together with the CE documentation, the EU declaration of conformity and the instructions for use.
What should you do if an inspection reveals a defect?
A damaged lifting accessory is taken out of use immediately and marked so that it is not put back into use by mistake. After a repair, the accessory is inspected before use. There is no direct guidance on proof load testing after a repair, so we recommend a graded approach based on the extent of the repair:
- Cosmetic repair, such as replacing the CE plate: no proof load test is needed.
- Replacing a load-bearing standard part or ready-made component with a new equivalent one: the need for a proof load test is assessed case by case.
- Repair of the load-bearing structure: the strength is verified by calculation and a proof load test. The proof load is the same as in the original strength verification of the accessory.
If the intended use of a lifting accessory is changed or its working load limit is to be increased, new CE documentation is prepared for the accessory. This is explained in more detail in the article CE marking of lifting accessories. More on strength verification on the page structural analysis and proof load testing.
How Hefmec works
A lifting accessory supplied by Hefmec includes a commissioning inspection and guided commissioning, as well as instructions for use, maintenance and inspection in the language of the destination country. The instructions show what needs to be inspected on the accessory and how often, so the customer’s own staff can carry out the regular inspections. When the intended use or the working load limit of the accessory is to be changed, we carry out a structural analysis and prepare new CE documentation for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can our own staff inspect a lifting accessory?
Yes. The inspector must be a competent person familiar with the structure and use of the accessory. The requirement for an approved expert or expert body applies only to the equipment listed in the annex to the decree, such as cranes. For demanding special lifting accessories, an external expert is often justified.
Does a lifting accessory need a proof load test at every inspection?
No. A proof load test is carried out during manufacture to verify strength and, if necessary, after a repair or modification. In regular inspections, the condition of the accessory is checked visually and, if necessary, by non-destructive testing methods.
What should I do if the WLL marking has worn off and is illegible?
The accessory must not be used until the marking has been renewed. If the load capacity of the accessory cannot be confirmed from the manufacturer’s data, it is determined by calculation and documented again.
Still have questions?
For questions about the inspection and documentation of lifting accessories, you can contact Product Manager Juho Seppälä directly at +358 50 525 7504. Read more: customised lifting accessories and tools.
