Hong Kong Regulations

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) REGULATIONS - SCHEDULE 1

PROCEDURE FOR TESTING AND EXAMINING LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR

[regulations 5(1) & 18(1)(d)]

1. (1) Every winch, together with its accessories,

(including any derrick, gooseneck, eye-plate, eyebolt, or other attachments)
shall be tested with a proof load which shall exceed the safe  working load as
follows-

   (a)  if the safe working load is less than 20 tonnes, the proof load shall
        exceed the safe working load by at least 25 per cent;

   (b)  if the safe working load is 20 tonnes but not more than 50 tonnes, the
        proof load shall exceed the safe working load by at least 5 tonnes;

   (c)  if the safe working load is more than 50 tonnes, the proof load shall
        exceed the safe working load by at least 10 per cent.

(2) The proof load shall be applied either-

   (a)  by hoisting movable weights; or

   (b)  by means of a spring or hydraulic balance or a similar appliance, with
        a derrick at an angle to the horizontal which shall be specified in
        the certificate of the test.

(3) In the case of a proof load applied under sub-paragraph (2)(a), after the
movable weights have been hoisted, or in the case of a proof load applied
under sub-paragraph (2)(b), after the proof load has been applied, the derrick
shall be swung as far as practicable first in one direction and then in the
other.

2. (1) Every crane and every lifting appliance, together with its accessories,
other than a lifting appliance referred to in sub-paragraph (1), shall be
tested with a proof load which shall exceed the safe working load as follows-

   (a)  if the safe working load is less than 20 tonnes, the proof load shall
        exceed the safe working load by at least 25 per cent;

   (b)  if the safe working load is 20 tonnes but not more than 50 tonnes, the
        proof load shall exceed the safe working load by at least 5 tonnes;

   (c)  if the safe working load is more than 50 tonnes, the proof load shall
        exceed the safe working load by at least 10 per cent.

(2) The proof load shall be hoisted and then swung as far as is practicable
first in one direction and then in the other.

(3) Where a crane with a jib which has a variable vertical operating radius is
to be tested, the test shall be carried put by applying a proof load in
accordance with sub-paragraph (1) at both the maximum radius and the minimum
radius of the jib.

(4) Where in testing a hydraulic crane it is, because of the limitation of
pressure, impossible to hoist a load which exceeds the safe  working load by
25 per cent, it is sufficient compliance with this paragraph if the crane has
the greatest possible load applied to it.

3. Every item of lifting gear (whether an accessory to any lifting  appliance
or not) shall be tested with a proof load in accordance with the following
provisions-

   (a)  if the item is a chain sling, rope sling, ring, hook, shackle, or
        swivel, the proof load shall be at least twice the safe working load;

   (b)  if the item is a single sheave pulley block, the proof load shall be
        at least 4 times the safe working load; (L.N. 191 of 1978)

   (ba) if the item is a multiple sheave pulley block with a safe 
        working load of up to and including 20 tonnes, the proof load shall be
        at least twice the safe working load; (L.N. 191 of 1978)

   (c)  if the item is a multiple sheave pulley block with a safe 
        working load of more than 20 tonnes, but not more than 40 tonnes, the
        proof load shall exceed the safe working load by at least 20 tonnes;

   (d)  if the item is a multiple sheave block with a safe working load of
        more than 40 tonnes, the proof load shall be at least 1 1/2 times the
        safe working load.

4. After being tested in accordance with paragraph 1, 2 or 3 each
lifting appliance (including its accessories) and all loose gear shall be
examined so as to ensure that no part of the lifting appliance or lifting 
gear has been damaged during the test. For the purpose of carrying out the
examination of a pulley block the examiner shall remove the sheaves and pins
of the block.

5. Where any wire rope is tested, a sample of the rope shall be tested to
destruction, and the safe working load shall not exceed 20 per cent of the
breaking load of the sample tested. (L.N. 238 of 1984)