
Lifting Gear Inspection Training
Course Overview
This 3-day Lifting Gear Inspection course is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to inspect lifting equipment in accordance with legal requirements and industry standards.
The program combines theoretical understanding with hands-on inspection practice, enabling participants to confidently identify defects, assess equipment condition, and ensure safe lifting operations in the workplace.
Course Objectives
The course aims to:
- Provide a solid foundation in legislation and standards related to lifting equipment
- Explain legal requirements for inspection, rejection, and reporting of lifting gear in use
- Develop practical skills to enable participants to conduct inspections with confidence
- Promote safe working practices and compliance with industry regulations
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Conduct in-service inspection of lifting equipment in accordance with legal requirements
- Understand principles of certification, storage, labeling, and safe operation
- Apply correct terminology, legislation, and industry standards related to lifting operations
- Maintain a safe working environment when handling lifting equipment
- Identify common defects, wear, and damage in lifting gear
Course Content
The course covers both theoretical knowledge and practical application, including:
1. Introduction & Fundamentals
- Definitions and terminology in lifting operations
- Overview of lifting equipment and accessories
2. Legislation & Standards
- Health and Safety at Work requirements
- PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
- LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
- European Directives and Machinery Safety Regulations
- Certification and reporting requirements
3. Lifting Equipment Principles
- General selection principles for lifting equipment
- Labeling, storage, and safe operation
- Inspection procedures during use
4. Technical Knowledge
- Materials used in lifting equipment
- Forces acting on lifting gear and their impact on safety
5. Inspection Techniques (Theory & Practice)
- Inspection methods and procedures
- Identifying defects, wear, and damage
- Practical inspection using real equipment samples
- “Defect identification” exercises using damaged equipment (“equipment museum”)
6. Equipment Covered
Participants will gain knowledge and practical inspection experience on:
- Wire rope slings
- Polyester web slings
- Round (endless) slings
- Shackles, eyebolts, hooks, turnbuckles
- Plate clamps
- Chain blocks and lever hoists
- Tirfors (manual winches)
- Beam clamps
- Sheaves and snatch blocks
- Pad eyes
- Hoists and lifting devices
7. Equipment Records & Documentation
- Lifting equipment registers
- Inspection records and reporting
8. Practical Assessment
- Hands-on inspection of used and defective equipment
- Group discussion and evaluation
- Competency-based practical assessment
- Safety videos on wire ropes and lifting equipment
- Case-based learning and discussion
Course Duration
- 3 Days (Theory + Practical)
Assessment & Certification
Participants will be assessed through:
- Short written knowledge checks
- Practical inspection assessment
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a PVD Training Certificate of Completion.
Why This Course Matters
Improper inspection of lifting equipment is one of the leading causes of lifting incidents. This course ensures that personnel responsible for lifting operations are equipped to:
- Identify risks before failure occurs
- Ensure compliance with legal and safety standards
- Improve overall lifting safety performance




