Container Lifting Lug
Container lifting lugs are classified as lifting accessories and fall within the scope of The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
Once in service container lifting lugs fall under the Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
Lifting twist locks are covered by BS 5237:1985 which specifies dimensions, materials, test requirements and marking for fixed and floating centre twist lock heads, and adjacent portions of the shank, used in lifting frames to lift freight containers or other equipment fitted with ISO corner fittings.
Storage and Handling.
It is recommended that wherever practicable, lifting lugs are not left in-situ, but should be removed after use and returned to proper storage. This storage area should be dry, free from injurious pollution and extremes of temperature.
Inspection, maintenance and thorough examination.All lifting container lifting lugs fall within scope of LOLER and PUWER, which require the lugs to undergo routine inspection, maintenance and thorough examination, as the following section explain.
InspectionIn addition to the thorough examination necessary under statutory provisions, all container lifting lugs should be visually inspected by a responsible person prior to use or on a regular basis, taking into account of the conditions of service. This inspection must be carried out with the container lug in a reasonably clean condition and in adequate lighting. If any of the following defects are present, the container lug should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person;
- distortion, such as bent shank or deformed eye;
- loss of section through excessive wear;
- damage such as nicks, cracks, gouges, corrosion;
- missing or illegible markings, such as the SWL, unique id, etc.