21.5.4 Lifting Accessories

Many lifting beams are fitted with standard lifting accessories such as shackles, wire rope slings, chain slings, web slings, plate clamps, turnbuckles, etc. The requirements of the individual sections of this code apply whether these items are readily removable from the beam or not. Whilst removable lifting accessories can be used for separate lifting applications, it is good practice to keep them together as if forming an integral part of the lifting beam. This is particularly the case if they are recorded with the beam on the documentation required by the supply legislation, manufacturers certificate, report of thorough examination, etc.

In the case of lifting accessories used separately, the onus is on the user to replace or reassemble these onto the beam. Care should also be taken to ensure that the component has in fact been thoroughly examined in accordance with current legal requirements and the relevant section of this code before using it for a different lifting application.