Why are lifting accessories inspected?

Slings, chains, steel cables, and fasteners are critical components that connect loads to lifting equipment (cranes, hoists, forklifts, etc.). Because these components are constantly exposed to tension, friction, impact, and environmental factors, they can wear down, deform, or suffer internal damage over time.

A crack, wire break, or deformation that is not visible to the naked eye can cause the load to fall, leading to serious workplace accidents and material damage. Therefore, periodic inspection of lifting equipment by authorized personnel is both a legal obligation and a fundamental requirement of occupational safety.

This content is for informational purposes only; it aims to help businesses plan their own processes based on relevant regulations and standards.

• Reducing the risk of sudden load drops and workplace accidents.
• Tracking equipment lifespan and safe operating time.
• Fulfillment of legal obligations
• Providing data for maintenance and renewal decisions.

Legal Basis and Current Legislation

The periodic inspection of lifting accessories is regulated under the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment (Official Gazette: 25.04.2013, No: 28628). Annex III of the Regulation states that lifting and conveying equipment and lifting accessories are subject to periodic inspection.

This regulation has been updated with the amendment published in the Official Gazette dated 23.12.2025 and numbered 33116. With this amendment, the expression used for the organizations conducting the inspection has been changed from "accredited organization" to "equipment inspection organization"; and it has become mandatory to conclude a contract via İSG-KATİP (at the latest one day in advance) before the inspection.

During the transition period, organizations accredited by TÜRKAK under TS EN ISO/IEC 17020 are accepted as "equipment inspection bodies" until January 1, 2027. Businesses are advised to verify the most up-to-date legislation and its effective dates from official sources.

• Regulation: Work Equipment Regulation (Official Gazette 25.04.2013/28628)
• Update: Amendment No. 33116, dated 23.12.2025
• Contract obligation via ISG-KATIP (at least 1 day in advance)
• Relevant section: Appendix III lifting accessories

Included Lifting Accessories

Lifting accessories subject to periodic inspection encompass a wide range of products. These include both the main load-bearing elements and the connecting and fastening elements. Since each type of accessory has its own specific wear and damage behavior, the inspection criteria also differ according to the product type.

• Steel cable slings (single and multi-legged)
• Chain slings (lifting class chain)
• Textile (woven/flat woven and circular) slings
• Hooks (including safety latch hooks)
• Shackles and lifting rings
• Lock/fastener (connecting elements)
• Tensioning and pulling elements

Inspection Criteria and Decommissioning Principles

Inspection typically consists of visual inspection, dimensional control, and, if necessary, functional/static testing. Visual inspection looks for defects such as wear, corrosion, deformation, cracks, wire breakage, crushing, and heat damage. In dimensional control, component dimensions are compared to manufacturer tolerances and relevant standard criteria.

The decision to decommission (scrap) equipment is made according to the criteria defined in the relevant standards. For example, the number of wire breaks per specific length in steel ropes, elongation or wear in links of chains, and cuts, abrasion, or chemical damage limit values in textile slings are decisive factors. Equipment found to have exceeded these limits is decommissioned.

• Visual inspection: cracks, deformations, corrosion, wire breakage.
• Dimensional control: elongation, thinning, wear tolerances.
• Opening and deformation control of fasteners (hooks, clamps)
• Static/functional testing as needed.
• According to standards, decommissioning (scrap) assessment.

Standards Applied According to Sling Types

In the inspection of lifting accessories, product and usage standards appropriate to the type of accessory are referenced. The following standards are among the main sources widely used in the industry. It is recommended that businesses base their inspections on the current standard edition for the equipment they use.

• TS EN 13157 – Manually operated lifting equipment
• TS ISO 4309 – Inspection and decommissioning criteria for steel wire ropes.
• TS EN 818 – Lifting chains and chain slings
• TS EN 13414 – Steel wire slings
• TS EN 1492 – Textile (woven strap and circular) slings

Inspection Period and Who Conducts the Inspection?

According to the Work Equipment Regulation, the legal basis for lifting accessories is periodic inspection at least once a year, unless otherwise specified. Intensity of use, the difficulty of the working environment (humidity, chemicals, temperature), or manufacturer's instructions may necessitate an increase in inspection frequency. In these cases, the period is determined in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and risk assessment.

The periodic inspection of lifting accessories is carried out by an authorized mechanical engineer within the scope of the Work Equipment Regulation, and the results are documented with a technical report by the authorized mechanical engineer. This inspection is a control for machine group work equipment and is outside the scope of TÜRKAK accreditation; therefore, it does not have the status of an accredited inspection report.

AES Innovation is accredited by TÜRKAK as a Type A Inspection Body under TS EN ISO/IEC 17020, and the scope of accreditation is solely "6.1 Electrical Installation". Inspection of lifting equipment is outside the scope of this accreditation, and the relevant technical report must be prepared by an authorized mechanical engineer.

• Legal basis: at least one periodic inspection per year.
• More frequent inspections may be required due to heavy use or manufacturer instructions.
• The inspection is carried out by a qualified mechanical engineer.
• Result: Authorized mechanical engineer's technical report (not an accredited inspection report)

Recording, Marking and Traceability

Each lifting accessory must have a unique identifier (label, stamp, or serial number) and safe working load (WLL) information. Results of periodic inspections are recorded to ensure equipment traceability. These records facilitate tracking the equipment's history, decommissioning decisions, and the date of the next inspection.

Accessories with illegible markings, unidentified features, or missing WLL information will also be evaluated. Maintaining regular records is important for both occupational safety management and presentation during audits.

• Each accessory has a unique ID and WLL information.
• Recording the examination results in writing.
• Scheduling the next examination date.
• Recording and labeling of decommissioned equipment.

Information Note

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding comment or commitment. Since standard specifications, legislative dates, and inspection periods may change over time, businesses should refer to the most current Official Gazette texts and relevant standard editions.

AES Innovation's TÜRKAK accreditation scope is limited solely to the "6.1 Electrical Installation" area. Inspection of lifting equipment is outside this scope, and the relevant technical report is prepared by an authorized mechanical engineer; this service is not an accredited inspection, certification, or CE marking activity. For specific requirements related to your equipment, it is recommended to contact the relevant legislation and authorized technical personnel.

Related Services

• Mobile Crane
• Crane Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should lifting equipment be inspected?

According to the Work Equipment Regulation, the legal basis is a periodic inspection at least once a year unless otherwise specified. Inspections may be more frequent in cases of intensive use, challenging working environments, or manufacturer instructions; the frequency is determined based on risk assessment and manufacturer recommendations.

Is this examination an accredited examination?

No. The inspection of lifting accessories is for machinery group work equipment and is outside the scope of TÜRKAK accreditation. The inspection is carried out by an authorized mechanical engineer within the scope of the Work Equipment Regulation, and the results are documented with a technical report by the authorized mechanical engineer. AES Innovation's accreditation scope is only in the 6.1 Electrical Installation area.

What standards are considered during the inspection?

Depending on the type of accessory, the main standards referenced are TS EN 13157 (manually operated lifting), TS ISO 4309 (steel cable decommissioning criteria), TS EN 818 (chain), TS EN 13414 (steel cable sling), and TS EN 1492 (textile sling). It is recommended that businesses use the most up-to-date standard edition for their equipment.

Under what circumstances is a slingshot taken out of service?

The decision to decommission equipment is made according to the limit values defined in the relevant standards. Criteria such as the number of wire breaks in steel ropes, elongation or wear in chains, and cuts, abrasion, or chemical damage in textile slings are decisive. Equipment found to exceed these limits is decommissioned.

What document is issued after the examination?

Following the inspection, a technical report is prepared by an authorized mechanical engineer detailing the condition of the equipment and the findings. This report does not constitute an accredited inspection report, certificate, or CE mark; it is used for equipment traceability and occupational safety records.

Can I have the lifting equipment inspection done together with the crane inspection?

Yes. Since lifting accessories are generally used with lifting machinery such as cranes and hoists, scheduling their periodic inspections along with lifting equipment inspections is a common and practical approach. This facilitates the comprehensive conduct of site visits and record keeping.