FAQs about lifting equipment

Do round slings have an expiration date?

Round slings generally do not have an expiration date. Modern round slings are manufactured from high-quality UV- and heat-stabilized materials. The DIN EN 1492-1 standard no longer specifies a date for the disposal of round slings. However, DGUV Information 209-013 recommends that round slings, as well as lifting straps, be disposed of no later than six years after the manufacturing date indicated on the label.

Do lifting devices need to be inspected and approved before initial use?

Load-bearing equipment must generally undergo an inspection or initial acceptance test before its first use. This acceptance test can be carried out by a qualified person (or expert).

What is pre-stretching or pre-stretching?

The terms "pre-stretch" and "pre-tension" refer to the process of loading a lifting sling before commissioning or initial use. Pre-stretching aims to achieve the maximum permanent elongation of the sling before commissioning, a elongation that would otherwise only occur during operation.

Should the ratchet straps be lubricated?

First and foremost, it is essential to prevent solvents, greases, oils, or any lubricants from coming into contact with the lashing straps. For this reason, lubricants should also not be applied to the strap contacts of the ratchets. Regular cleaning is part of the maintenance of the lashing straps; in this context, the gears can be lubricated with standard multi-purpose grease.

Do lifting devices need to be tested separately if they are permanently installed in a wastewater treatment plant?

If lifting devices are permanently installed in crane systems, the initial inspection must be carried out by an expert (e.g., certified experts from the German Crane Service Association (GKS)). Recurring inspections (at least once a year) can be carried out by qualified persons (experts) who possess the relevant specialist knowledge.

What are H-stamps?

In Germany, chains used for lifting have been marked with so-called H-stamps since the 1930s. Manufacturers obtained their approval from the employers' liability insurance association's office in Hanover (today: Testing and Certification Center for Surface Technology and Lifting Equipment). The 500th certificate for tested chains and accessories was issued in 2009.

The "H" stands for high-strength and is awarded to lifting chains with breaking stresses from 800 N/mm² (Class 8) and hoist chains with breaking stresses from 600 N/mm² (Class 6 (Class S)). (From 1200 N/mm², Class 12, a D stamp is used.)

Nowadays, it is mandatory that tested chains be marked with a symbol (e.g., a stamp) that corresponds to the relevant test certificate, which identifies the manufacturer. This does not necessarily have to be the H-stamp.

However, many users still demand the H-stamp (test stamp) even today, so manufacturers continue to mark their chains, and sometimes also their attachment points, with their H-stamp.