Load handling equipment

Almost all lifting operations can only be carried out if the load to be lifted is held in place by gripping equipment.

The regulations refer to this equipment as "lifting accessories", "slinging accessories" or "gear" (a term used mainly in the maritime sector).

The first five paragraphs deal with equipment that doesn't use a specific motive energy and works by gripping or clamping the load (slings, clamps, wedges, forks and spreaders).

The last two paragraphs deal with equipment using an energy source, i.e. magnetic lifting equipment (electromagnets) and vacuum handling equipment (suction cups).

It should be noted that, in view of their working conditions, Directive 98/37/EC stipulates that lifting accessories must be able to withstand overloads corresponding to static tests of 1.5, whereas this coefficient is set at 1.25 for mechanically-operated lifting equipment.

Clamshell buckets have not been included in this study, as they are used to load heavy products and are the subject of an article in Techniques de l'Ingénieur ( A 941‐1 ).