01
Included equipment
- Wire-rope slings with terminals and accessories
- Chain slings, master links, connecting links, and hooks
- Flat slings, round slings, and textile sling assemblies
- Plate lifting clamps, shackles, and connection accessories
Back to services
Technical regulatory brief
D.Lgs 81/08 Art. 71 checks on lifting accessories
Periodic and extraordinary checks under Art. 71 of Italian D.Lgs. 81/08 for ropes, chains, slings, accessories, and below-the-hook equipment. Written results and history are organised in Cruscotto™; these checks should not be confused with Annex VII / D.M. 11 April 2011 statutory periodic verifications for listed equipment.
01Wire-rope slings with terminals and accessories02D.Lgs 81/08 Art. 71
Technical scope
Where it applies and what is checked
02
What is checked
- On-site service based on the operating context
- Equipment-level data collection
- Documented management of identified non-conformities
- Support preparing inspection registers and control history in Cruscotto™
03
Industries served
- Shipbuilding and industrial construction
- Steel mills and foundries
- Ports and container terminals
- Construction and earthmoving
Verification method
From regulation to field work
How the obligation becomes an inspection process
Art. 71 checks remain distinct from Annex VII statutory periodic verifications.
Identify
Make equipment, rated capacity, markings, and intended use clear before inspection.
Inspect
Check visual condition, wear, deformation, corrosion, and fit with the operating context.
Record
Document result, date, equipment, evidence, and operating notes in a traceable history.
Manage
Handle non-conformities, segregation, repair, or replacement through documented closure.
Field experience
Recurring findings during inspection
Signal
Unreadable marking
Why it matters
Makes it difficult to connect the accessory, capacity, certificates, and inspection history.
Correct action
Documented identification and suitability review before return to use.
Signal
Incomplete register
Why it matters
Weakens traceability of the inspection and the decisions taken after it.
Correct action
Rebuild the available history and update the equipment register.
Signal
Accessory not aligned with actual use
Why it matters
Risk often comes from the gap between nominal specification and operating context.
Correct action
Technical note, segregation where needed, and alignment with internal procedure.
When it is needed
When use, condition, or applicable rules call for a targeted inspection.
What is checked
Components, markings, condition, and function are checked with the applicable method.
What remains documented
Results, evidence, and follow-up stay connected to the equipment in Cruscotto™.
Technical appendix
Operational reference checklists
The complete tables remain available to prepare the work and share inspection criteria.
Textile slings and complex sling assemblies
EN 1492-1 - Flat woven webbing slings made of man-made fibres · EN 1492-2 - Roundslings made of man-made fibres · EN 1677 - Alloy steel components for slings, grade 8 and 10
| Check | Method | Acceptance criterion | Discard criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification tag present | Visual | Label present, readable, correct data | Missing or unreadable |
| Webbing integrity: surface abrasion | Visual | No deep abrasion | Evident or localised abrasion |
| Presence of cuts, including small cuts | Visual | No cuts or interrupted fibres | Cuts or tears present |
| Chemical or heat alteration | Visual | No alteration, rigidity, or odours | Clear chemical or thermal attack |
| Outer sleeve integrity for roundslings | Visual | Continuous and intact sleeve | Damaged or missing sleeve |
| Stitching integrity | Visual | Complete and regular stitching | Missing, loose, or broken stitching |
| Unauthorised repairs | Visual | No non-original repairs | Artisanal stitching or modifications |
| Metal accessory assembly | Visual | Accessories correctly mounted and solid | Wrong or loose accessories |
| CE marking and accessory grade | Visual / documentary | Present and readable, grade 80/100 | Missing or unreadable |
| Suspension ring wear | Caliper measurement | Thickness reduction <10% | Reduction >=10% |
| Terminal hook wear | Caliper measurement | Thickness reduction <10% | Reduction >=10% |
| Locking system function | Visual | Regular operation | Blocked or damaged system |
Wire-rope slings
UNI ISO 4309:2019 - Wire ropes inspection, maintenance, and discard · EN 1677-1 - Forged components for slings, grade 8 · EN 1677-2 - Hooks with latch, grade 8 · EN 1677-3 - Self-locking hooks, grade 8 · EN 1677-4 - Master links, grade 8
| Check | Method | Acceptance criterion | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification tag | Visual | Present, readable, data consistent with CE certificate | UNI ISO 4309:2019 |
| Rope surface condition | Visual | Intact surface, no deep corrosion or covering paint | UNI ISO 4309:2019 |
| Broken wires | Visual | Broken wires within limits defined by the standard for the rope construction | UNI ISO 4309:2019 |
| Permanent deformation | Visual | No birdcaging, bottleneck deformation, or rigid kinks | UNI ISO 4309:2019 |
| Suspension ring wear | Caliper | Thickness reduction <10% compared with original | EN 1677-4 |
| Accessory assembly | Visual | Components correctly mounted, with no play or defects | EN 1677-1 |
| Terminal accessory integrity | Visual | No cracks, crushing, notches, or abusive markings | EN 1677-2 / EN 1677-3 |
| Terminal hook wear | Caliper | Thickness reduction <10% and regular geometry | EN 1677-2 / EN 1677-3 |
| Locking system function | Visual | Automatic closure working, without friction or excessive play | EN 1677-2 / EN 1677-3 |
| Bolts, nuts, shackles | Visual + caliper | Intact threads, tightened components, no evident wear | EN 1677-1 |
Permanent lifting magnets
UNI EN 13155:2021 - Removable load lifting attachments · Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC · INAIL guidelines - Lifting appliances · Manufacturer technical manuals
| Check | Method | Acceptance criterion | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification plates: CE, capacity, serial number | Visual | Present on both sides, readable and complete data | EN 13155 §7.2 |
| Polar surface cleaning | Visual | No oil, grease, dust, or filings | EN 13155 §5.4 |
| Polar surface condition | Visual | Smooth surfaces, no cracks or excessive wear | EN 13155 §5.4 |
| Rotation shaft movement | Manual | Smooth movement, no jerks or blocking | EN 13155 §5.4 |
| External body condition | Visual | No deformation, notch, or visible damage | EN 13155 §5.2 |
| Activation lever function | Functional test | Regular movement, no excessive play | EN 13155 §5.4 |
| Safety mechanism function | Functional test | Mechanical lock active in ON position, manually releasable only | EN 13155 §5.4 |
Plate lifting clamps
UNI EN 13155:2021 - Cranes, removable load lifting attachments · INAIL guidelines - Lifting equipment inspections · Manufacturer user manuals
| Check | Method | Acceptance criterion | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE marking | Visual | Present, readable, conforming | EN 13155 §7.2 |
| Capacity, serial number, manufacturer | Visual | Readable, complete data consistent with manual | EN 13155 §7.2 |
| Structural integrity: body | Visual | No visible crack, impact, or deformation | EN 13155 §5.2 |
| Surface condition | Visual | No active corrosion or covering paint | INAIL guidelines |
| Segment-ring movement: clamp open | Visual | Smooth movement, no friction or blocking | EN 13155 §5.3 |
| Connecting pin wear | Visual + caliper | Wear <=10% compared with original diameter | EN 13155 §5.3 |
| Locking lever wear | Visual | Lever not deformed, no abnormal play | EN 13155 §5.3 |
| Spring function | Manual test | Resistance present under pressure on ring with lever closed | EN 13155 §5.3 |
| Toothed sector wear | Visual | Teeth clean, not damaged or deformed | EN 13155 §5.3 |
| Safety locking system | Functional test | Works correctly and activates during gripping | EN 13155 §5.3 |
| Connected accessories: shackles and links | Visual | Intact, marked, correctly installed | EN 1677 |
| Lubrication | Manual check | Applied where required by manual | INAIL guidelines |
| Annual inspection | Authorised technician | Certified disassembly, inspection, and reassembly | Manufacturer manual |
Chain hoists
UNI EN 13157 - Cranes, hand-powered lifting equipment · ISO 7592 - Chains for hand-operated chain hoists · Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC · D.Lgs. 81/2008 - Annex VI · INAIL guidelines - Lifting equipment inspections
| Check | Method | Acceptance criterion | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE marking | Visual | Present, readable, conforming | Directive 2006/42/EC |
| Capacity, serial number, manufacturer | Visual | Readable, complete data consistent with manual | EN 13157 §7.2 |
| Hoist body integrity | Visual | No deformation or structural damage | EN 13157 §5.2 |
| Surface condition | Visual | No deep corrosion or covering paint | INAIL |
| Upper/lower hooks | Visual | Intact, latches working, no deformation | EN 13157 §5.3 |
| Safety and anti-derailing devices | Visual | Present, correctly mounted, intact | EN 13157 §5.3 |
| Brake, lock, end-stop function | Manual test | Smooth operation and secure engagement | EN 13157 §5.3 |
| Load chain integrity | Visual | No visible defect, crushing, or cut | EN 13157 Annex C |
| Chain elongation | Measure / comparison | <=2% versus nominal length | EN 13157 Annex C |
| Link diameter reduction | Caliper | <=5% versus nominal value | ISO 7592 |
| Pins, bolts, rings wear | Visual + caliper | No excessive play or visible wear | INAIL |
| Lubrication | Manual check | Chain lubricated, moving components greased | EN 13157 / Manufacturer manual |
Chain slings
EN 818-2 - Grade 8 chains for slings · EN 1677-1 - Forged components for slings, grade 8 · EN 1677-2 - Hooks with latch, grade 8 · EN 1677-3 - Self-locking hooks, grade 8 · EN 1677-4 - Master links, grade 8 · EN 818-4 - Grade 8 chain slings - Safety
| Area | Included checks | Method | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | Markings, tag, capacity, number of legs, class, and manufacturer data | Visual / documentary | EN 818-4, EN 1677 |
| Chain | Deformed links, cuts, crushing, corrosion, elongation, and wear | Visual + caliper | EN 818-2 |
| Accessories | Master links, joining links, shortening hooks, shackles, and connections | Visual | EN 1677-1, EN 1677-4 |
| Hooks | Integrity, opening, latches, self-locking hooks, and safety devices | Visual + functional | EN 1677-2, EN 1677-3 |
| Outcome | Conforming equipment identification or withdrawal from service if non-conforming | Cruscotto™ report | D.Lgs 81/08 |
Inspection outcome
Results, evidence, and record continuity
Evidence and deliverables
- Checks on ropes, chains, slings, hooks, shackles, and accessories
- Marking, tag, and equipment identification review
- Documentation of wear, deformation, damage, and missing parts
- Report with outcome, useful photo evidence, and operational notes
Cruscotto™
The record stays connected to the equipment
The result, documents, useful images, and follow-up form a searchable history for each piece of equipment.
- Inspection result and date
- Evidence and reports
- Non-conformities and follow-up actions
Applicable references
Standards and codes
Complete references remain available without interrupting the operational reading of the record.
Open references and regulatory context
- 01D.Lgs 81/08 Art. 71
- 02Annex VI D.Lgs 81/08
- 03Annex VII only for listed equipment
- 04UNI EN 818 (chains)
- 05UNI EN 1492 (slings)
Regulation in context
The regulation, translated into inspection
The key passages of D.Lgs. 81/08 are connected to concrete work on wire ropes, chains, textile slings, and below-the-hook accessories.
D.Lgs. 81/08 Art. 69-70
“work equipment”
Scope of application
Title III frames machines, appliances, tools, and systems used at work. Equipment made available to workers must meet the applicable requirements or, for older/non-covered cases, the general requirements connected to Annex V.
Technical reading
For lifting accessories, the starting point is not only the product but its actual use: identification, rated capacity, operating conditions, load compatibility, and available documentation.
In practice
Before inspection, the equipment, its use context, and its declared limits must be clear.
Art. 71 paragraphs 1-4
“control register”
Selection, maintenance, and register
The employer must provide suitable equipment, consider work, environment, and use risks, maintain safety requirements over time, and keep the register where required.
Technical reading
In lifting operations, this becomes equipment-level management: recognizable equipment, available essential data, condition aligned with use, and a traceable history.
In practice
A useful inspection does not stop at the result: it must feed the register, history, and next operating decisions.
Art. 71 paragraph 8
“competent person”
Checks by a competent person
Equipment exposed to deterioration that can create dangerous situations must undergo periodic checks and extraordinary checks after exceptional events.
Technical reading
For ropes, chains, textile slings, and accessories, competence means reading physical condition, use context, manufacturer guidance, technical standards, and rejection criteria together.
In practice
Repairs, impacts, long inactivity, deformation, or identification doubts may require an extraordinary check, not only scheduled inspection.
Art. 71 paragraphs 9-10
“reported in writing”
Written results and traceability
Inspection results must be documented, retained for at least the last three years, and available to supervisory authorities. Equipment used off site must be accompanied by evidence of the latest positive check.
Technical reading
Documentation should make it possible to reconstruct what was checked, when, by whom, with which result, and which non-conformities or actions were opened.
In practice
Reports, useful photos, operating notes, and non-conformity status should stay tied to the equipment item rather than scattered across separate documents.
Annex VI point 3
“quarterly checks”
Use of lifting accessories
The lifting-use rules cover suitable equipment selection, stability, suspended loads, accessory choice based on load and lifting points, storage that avoids damage, and rope/chain checks when manufacturer guidance is absent.
Technical reading
Inspection should consider both visible defects and how the accessory is used: sling configuration, lifting points, environment, storage, and load compatibility.
In practice
An accessory that looks intact may still be unsuitable if marking, configuration, storage, or actual use do not match expected conditions.
Scope boundaries
When the inspection needs to be extended
D.Lgs. 81/08 applies broadly to work equipment. This brief organises a technical reading for lifting accessories and equipment, distinguishing Art. 71 checks from statutory periodic verifications for listed equipment. Art. 71 checks remain distinct from Annex VII statutory periodic verifications.
Services connected in the same inspection path
01UNI ISO 9927-1 InspectionsStructured inspections on lifting appliances under UNI ISO 9927-1. Three levels of inspection: daily, annual by expert technician, and five-year by expert engineer.View detail 02Visual Examination (VT)Direct and instrument-assisted visual inspection to review identification, condition, and wear of lifting accessories, slings, hoists, magnets, clamps, and spreader beams.View detail 03Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)Magnetic particle examination for detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic components. Essential method for hooks, chain links, and lifting accessories subject to cyclic loading.View detail
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