Using Lifting Hooks with no Safety Latch
Are you using a lifting hook with no safety latch?
There are certain lifting applications where there is no other way to perform the lift but to use a hook with no catch. Is this still compliant with the Australian Standards? This is a common question that is asked.
All hooks used in a lifting sling configuration are to comply with AS3776, which is the Australian Standard for Lifting Components for Grade T(80) and Grade V (100) Chain Slings. The Australian Standard for the Chain Slings themselves are covered in two parts:
AS3775.2 – Chain Slings for Lifting Purposes – Grade T (80) and V (100). Part 2 – Care and Use
There are two sections that reference hooks in AS3775.1:
Part 5 – Design and Manufacture
5.3 Sling Hooks with Latch (Catch)- Each hook with a latch shall comply with AS3776 and shall have a spring-loaded or positive latch (catch) to ensure that the load cannot become accidentally unhooked
5.4 Hooks without Latch (Catch) – Hooks without a latch are generally used for a specific application, i-e non-general use. Where there is a risk of the hook becoming detached during use, as risk assessment shall be conducted. The chain sling shall be tagged to identify the specific application
Guidance on implementing a risk assessment is given in AS/NZS ISO 31000.
Summary of this, is that you can use a hook that does not have a safety latch, but you are not operating to the intent of the Australian Standard if you are using a Chain Sling with no latches if you do not have a risk assessment for that task. Further to that, you are also required to identify the chain sling so that the operator is aware of the specific application and also aware of the risk assessment that is in place.
If you would like more clarification on this subject, or have other Australian Standard related queries, please do not hesitate to contact the team at LiftQuip Australia.
