The Industrial Establishments Regs is pretty general and short on detail. Under Sec. 51(1)(a), a lifting device must be so constructed, of such strength AND BE EQUIPPED WITH SUITABLE ROPES, CHAINS, SLINGS AND OTHER FITTINGS so as to adequately ensure the safety of all workers. (emphasis added). No details, I’m afraid.
Be aware that the more stringent Construction Regs. (in this case, Secs. 168 to 180) may apply if the work being done is deemed “construction,” even if the site is otherwise subject to the Ind. Ests., e.g., erecting a building on factory grounds. So, make sure you determine whether the work is “construction” (see definition below) and, if so, refer to the above Secs. of the Const. Project Regs. for the specific standards governing the equipment.
OHS Act definition of “construction” (Sec. 1.1)
“construction” includes erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, land clearing, earth moving, grading, excavating, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, blasting, or concreting, the installation of any machinery or plant, and any work or undertaking IN CONNECTION WITH A PROJECT (emphasis added) but does not include any work or undertaking underground in a mine; (“construction”)
“project” means a construction project, whether public or private, including,
(a) the construction of a building, bridge, structure, industrial establishment, mining plant, shaft, tunnel, caisson, trench, excavation, highway, railway, street, runway, parking lot, cofferdam, conduit, sewer, watermain, service connection, telegraph, telephone or electrical cable, pipe line, duct or well, or any combination thereof,
(b) the moving of a building or structure, and
(c) any work or undertaking, or any lands or appurtenances used in connection with construction
Hope that helps. Glenn
