Program Overview
Loose lifting gear — the collection of accessories that connect loads to cranes and hoists — includes slings (wire rope, chain, and synthetic), shackles, hooks, eyebolts, turnbuckles, swivels, and spreader beams. These components are often the weakest link in a lifting operation, and their failure under load can be instantaneous and catastrophic. ICLM's Loose Gears Inspection and Testing Training develops competent inspectors who ensure every piece of loose gear is fit for purpose before it is ever used.
Loose lifting gear operates under dynamic loads, is subject to corrosion, abrasion, fatigue, and impact damage, and is frequently handled, stored, and reused across multiple operations. A shackle pin that has backed out, a chain sling with a deformed link, or a synthetic sling with hidden core damage can fail without warning. Regular, competent inspection is the only safeguard against these invisible hazards.
Pre-Use Checks
Daily inspection discipline and hazard spotting basics.
Control Principles
Safe methods, sequencing, and decision making in operations.
Emergency Response
Incident communication and immediate response actions.