Units of Measure and Conversions

Techniques used to find cracks and other defects in materials, equipment, or welds.

Locates surface-breaking defects in a material by using a liquid penetrant that stains the defect.

Detects surface cracks and laminations in magnetic materials by using magnetic flux leaks.

Finds small flaws like cracks, corrosion, and material degradation in materials using advanced equipment.

A method for detecting internal flaws using penetrating radiation (X-rays or gamma rays).

Uses sound waves to detect flaws inside a material by measuring the time it takes for the wave to reflect off a flaw.

Less detailed crack detection methods, usually involving dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection.

More detailed methods used for high-value items or where safety is paramount.

Vickers, Brinell, and Rockwell tests are used to measure the hardness of lifting equipment.

Brinell Test is commonly used in lifting equipment manufacturing to determine material hardness.

Charpy and Izod tests measure a material's ability to withstand impact forces.

Determines the energy absorbed by a material to fracture, measuring its notch toughness.

Measures the energy needed to initiate and continue fracture until a specimen breaks.

A qualitative test deforming a material at the midpoint to check its flexibility.

A specific type of Charpy impact test that is performed using a material specimen supported at its end.

A measure of a material's ability to resist fracture or deformation under impact loading.

A non-destructive testing (NDT) method using high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws in materials.

Speed, reliability, versatility, and ability to record results for comparing over time, making it a common NDT method.

A bend test is often used to ensure a weld's fusion to the base metal and absence of defects for potential bending strength.

Permanent identification of lifting equipment using methods like plates, tabs, labels, or stamping, preferably in low-stress areas. If stamping in a stressed area, ensure the component's mechanical integrity isn't compromised.

A hazardous NDT method using ionizing radiation to detect flaws based on changes in material density and thickness.

Operators can be exposed to dangerous radiation doses, requiring high levels of expertise.

Sharp edges or uneven surfaces on a marked component, which may reduce the strength of the material at that point.

Using multiple sling legs at angles increases load on each leg as the angle to the vertical widens.

A fast NDT method for detecting defects in ferromagnetic wire ropes using magnetic flux and magnetic flux leakage.

Detects problems like metal loss, broken wires, corrosion in wire rope using magnetic methods to locate and assess severity.

A method of calculating and managing load distribution when using slings at various angles.

A method for distribution of load across a body equally.

Operators can use specialized techniques to identify flaws in both surface and sub-surface materials.

Certain techniques, like some anomaly detection methods, cannot be used on materials that do not conduct electricity.

Components of a lifting sling that support and transfer load.

The working load limit (WLL) of a single leg sling is equal to 1.0 times the WLL of a single leg.

For two-leg slings with an included angle of 0-45 degrees (or 0-90 degrees between the legs), the WLL is 1.4 times the WLL of a single leg.

For two-leg slings with an included angle of 45-60 degrees (or 90-120 degrees between the legs), the WLL is 1.0 times the WLL of a single leg.

For three or four-leg slings with an included angle of 0-45 degrees (0-90 degrees between the legs), the WLL is 2.1 times the WLL of a single leg.

For three or four-leg slings with an included angle of 45-60 degrees (90-120 degrees between the legs), the WLL is 1.5 times the WLL of a single leg.

A multipurpose four-leg sling under uniform load method is rated the same as a three-leg sling with similar size and grade, assuming the load is held by three rather than four legs.

Some standards now assume multi-leg sling load distribution by fewer legs (e.g., two).

Australian standards limit multi-leg slings (more than 2 legs) to the same WLL as a 2-leg sling at a 60° included angle between sling legs.

A numerical value that adjusts the sling's working load limit (WLL) based on the angle of the sling legs, considering how the sling is used and assembled.

The maximum weight a single sling leg can safely lift, usually expressed in tons (t).

Two separate sling legs used together to lift a load, with a specific included angle between the legs.

The angle formed between the two legs of a two-leg sling assembly.

Calculates the safe working load limit (SWL) for each angle by using trigonometric functions (cosine of the angle).

The angle formed between the sling leg and a vertical line.

The specific working load limit (SWL) for a sling at different angles, calculated using the trigonometric method.

A standardized quantity of a physical property used to determine multiple quantities of that property. Examples include weight, length, mass, and force.

The International System of Units, the most widely used system of units in the world. It has seven base units from which all other units can be derived.

A unit of mass equal to 1000 kilograms. It is commonly used in lifting equipment.

The symbol for a metric tonne is 't'.

A unit of weight equal to 50 kilograms. It was established in the imperial measurement system and is often used in the UK.

The symbol for a hundredweight is 'cwt'.

A unit of weight equal to 2000 pounds. It is also known as the 'short Ton'.

The symbol for an Imperial or US Ton is 'T'.

'cwt' stands for hundredweight, a unit of weight equal to 50 kilograms.

1 cwt is equal to 50kg.

The preferred units for SWL are tonnes (t) or kilograms (kg) in metric, and Tons (T) and Pounds (lb) in imperial.

When the safe working load (SWL) is less than 1 tonne (or Ton), it's marked in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).

The verification methods for new equipment depend on the specific standard and type of equipment, and may include proof load testing, component verification etc.

The verification methods used by a Competent Person when checking existing equipment are determined based on the equipment's condition and intended use.

A 'birth certificate' is the documentation containing verification results and conformity details for new equipment.

'Birth certificates' are important legal documents that demonstrate the equipment meets safety requirements.

Ultrasonic testing is fast, reliable, and versatile. Results can be recorded, allowing comparisons over time to identify signs of deterioration. These factors have made it one of the most commonly used NDT methods in the field.

Radiography is considered a hazardous NDT method. It requires specialized skills and precautions because operators can be exposed to dangerous doses of radiation.

This method can detect the presence, location, and severity of defects like metal loss from wear, broken wires, and corrosion in wire ropes. It uses both magnetic flux and magnetic flux leakage methods.

Ultrasonic testing enables the recording of results, allowing for comparisons over time. This feature helps identify signs of deterioration in materials and provides valuable data for monitoring equipment health.

Radiography is a hazardous method, requiring highly trained operators to handle powerful equipment. It's not as readily accessible because of the risk of radiation exposure and the specialized skills needed.

A method used to determine the resistance of a material to permanent indentation. Common methods include Vickers, Brinell, and Rockwell.

A test used to assess a material's ability to withstand sudden forces, such as those caused by drops or impacts.

A standard impact test that measures the amount of energy absorbed by a material before it fractures. A notched specimen is supported at both ends and struck by a pendulum.

The three main hardness testing methods are Vickers, Brinell, and Rockwell.

The two common impact test methods are Charpy and Izod.

Lifting equipment needs to be permanently identified using methods like plates, tags, labels, or stamping, preferably in a low-stress area. If stamping in a stressed area, you need to ensure it doesn't impair the mechanical integrity of the component.

Standards using the uniform load method rate a four-leg sling the same as a three-leg sling of the same size and grade, assuming the load is carried by only three legs.