Lifting and Conveying Equipment

Overhead Travelling Cranes

Overhead travelling cranes are commonly encountered lifting and conveying equipment, named after their operating arrangement. Running along two support lines, they can serve every point within their operating area. They fall within the crane terminology of TS ISO 4306-1. A hall may contain one or several overhead travelling cranes. Where several cranes are installed, additional safety measures must take account of factors such as their travelling speeds and lifting capacities.

Monorail Cranes

Monorail cranes are common on production lines. As their name suggests, they consist of a trolley assembly mounted on a single rail. They lift and lower loads beneath the rail and transport them horizontally along it. Lifting a load off the rail's centreline can cause hazards such as derailment. Additional precautions are needed at the landing area, particularly where cranes extend beyond a building's façade.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes resemble overhead travelling cranes but move on ground-level rails supported by their own legs. Whereas overhead travelling cranes are generally used indoors, gantry cranes are more common outdoors. Additional precautions are required in areas with significant pedestrian activity, such as beam-based detection or area-scanning systems that limit bridge movement.

Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are mobile lifting systems used to serve different sites. Some are self-erecting, while others are assembled on site. They may be classified by boom type, including lattice-boom, telescopic-boom, industrial mobile and luffing-jib cranes.

They are used particularly on construction sites and during factory or plant installation to lift heavy loads and position them where required. During periodic inspection, the test load must remain within the crane's load chart.

Tower Cranes

Tower cranes are high-level lifting equipment supported from the ground, with a jib mounted on a tower to provide an extended working area. They can rotate through 360⁰ degrees. The number of consecutive rotations is limited except on brushless tower cranes. Depending on their design, they can lift very heavy loads. Types include hammerhead, flat-top and self-erecting tower cranes. Precautions must be based on an assessment of installation conditions, weather such as heavy rain, snow and lightning, ground conditions and other risks.

Installation reports, wire-rope certificates and related documents must be available before a tower crane's periodic inspection. The inspection must be repeated whenever installation conditions change, including increases in height or relocation.

Loader Cranes

Loader cranes are boom-type lifting equipment that may be mobile or permanently installed. Vehicle-mounted loader cranes are sometimes confused with mobile cranes, but they are different equipment with different assessment criteria. Periodic inspection must take account of TS EN 12999 and its current versions. They are named according to their boom arrangement and mounting position, such as behind-cab, rear-mounted, tractor-mounted, fixed-base or pick-up-mounted cranes. Boom arrangements include telescopic booms and articulated booms that fold across or along the vehicle.

They are used particularly on construction sites and during factory or plant installation to lift heavy loads and position them where required. During periodic inspection, the test load must remain within the crane's load chart.

Portal and Semi-Gantry Cranes

These cranes are commonly used in shipyards, marble-cutting facilities and similar sites. One support travels on a rail at ground level and the other on a rail mounted on the building's supporting structure. Where there is significant pedestrian activity, additional safety measures are required, such as beam-based detection or area-scanning systems that limit bridge movement.

Pillar Jib Cranes

Pillar jib cranes operate on a jib supported by a column. They are commonly used for maintenance, port operations and assembly lines. Their rotating jib creates a circular working area, which gives them their familiar jib-crane configuration.

Slewing Jib Cranes

Slewing jib cranes are rail-mounted cranes generally used in ports and operate according to a load-moment chart. Test loads during periodic inspection must remain within that chart. Inspection is carried out against TS EN 14985. They are sometimes confused with pillar jib cranes, which are generally used in workshops and are mounted on a fixed column that allows the jib to rotate to either side.

Container Cranes

Container cranes lift and transfer containers in ports and customs facilities. Special connections and equipment, such as spreaders, are used to engage the containers. These cranes can have very high capacities. Some incorporate hydraulic systems, and some have generators to provide power during supply interruptions.

Operators must receive appropriate training. In addition to the crane's own periodic inspection, the crane lift used to access the operator's cab must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year.

Pedestal-Mounted Boom Cranes

These cranes have a boom mounted on a fixed pedestal and are generally used in ports for loading and unloading ships. They operate according to a load-moment chart, usually with a telescopic boom. As with other hydraulic equipment, both the braking and hydraulic systems must be capable of lifting and holding the suspended load.

Floating Cranes

Floating cranes are installed on barges and operate on a counterweight-balancing principle. They are generally used offshore for pipeline installation, underwater construction and other lifting work. They can handle high-tonnage loads.

During periodic inspection, the static test load factor is 1.3 and the dynamic test load factor is 1.1.

 

Forklift Trucks

Forklift trucks transport, store and stack products over short distances within a defined area. They are widely used because they can handle heavy loads, reach high storage levels, provide different handling options through specialised attachments, move quickly and efficiently, and access confined spaces.

Forklifts offer different lifting options through interchangeable masts and lifting attachments. Selection must take account of the maximum working height, lifting capacity at that height, the heaviest loads required for other tasks, expected operating time, and whether the site is indoors or outdoors; LPG and diesel forklifts should not be used indoors. The characteristics of the load and packaging, required attachments and fork length, and other site conditions must also be considered. Where other handling equipment or pedestrians are present, signalling systems are needed. Some forklift features are optional, and failing to specify them for the intended site can create incompatibilities and lead to accidents.

Forklifts are classified into 3 groups by power source: diesel, electric and LPG.

Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, forklift trucks must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of forklift trucks are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Forklifts must undergo the following load tests when due.

The first is a static test, performed at the maximum lifting height in a position corresponding to the maximum capacity permitted by the load chart. For forklifts with a lifting capacity of up to 20 tonnes, the permissible descent is 10 cm over 10 minutes. For forklifts with a capacity above 20 tonnes, the limit is 20 cm over 10 minutes.

The second is a leak-tightness test, again using the maximum capacity permitted by the load chart, with the load 2.5 metres above the ground. It checks for leakage in the tilt cylinders and verifies the angular stability of the mast. The maximum permitted movement is 5⁰over 10 minutes.

The third is a dynamic test. A load corresponding to the maximum permitted capacity at the selected position in the load chart is used while all forklift movements are checked.

The fourth is an operating-load test, which verifies that all functions can be performed with a load equal to the operating capacity.

At every periodic inspection, brake tests must be performed in accordance with FEM 4.004, and fork angles, fork thickness, differences in height between forks and chain elongation must be checked. Where necessary, magnetic particle testing of the forks may supplement the load test to identify microcracks that might be missed during load testing or visual inspection.

Stacker Trucks

Stacker trucks provide lifting capability in areas and at heights not served by pallet trucks or forklifts. Pallet trucks can lift loads up to 1 metre above the ground. Stackers lift higher than pallet trucks, but are less powerful and less fast-moving than forklifts. Their simpler design allows them to operate in narrower spaces.

Stackers offer different lifting options through interchangeable masts and lifting attachments. Selection must consider the maximum working height, capacity at that height, the maximum loads required for other tasks, expected operating time, the characteristics of the materials and packaging, attachments and fork length, and other conditions at the intended site.

These machines lift loads by balancing them against a counterweight. Different mast types may be used, but the manufacturer determines the permitted type and specifications. Using a mast outside the manufacturer's recommendations can cause accidents. For example, fitting a higher-capacity mast or longer forks than specified may leave the counterweight unable to balance the load. The counterweight comprises the controls, hydraulic system, batteries and the chassis containing these components.

Periodic inspections of stacker trucks are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

The first test is a static test at the maximum lifting height, using the maximum permitted capacity at the relevant position in the load chart. The permissible descent is 10 cm over 10 minutes.

The second is a dynamic test. A load corresponding to the maximum permitted capacity at the selected position in the load chart is used while all stacker movements are checked.

The third is an operating-load test, which verifies that all functions can be performed with a load equal to the operating capacity.

Every periodic inspection must check fork angles, fork thickness, differences in height between forks and chain elongation. Where necessary, magnetic particle testing of the forks may supplement the load test to identify microcracks that might be missed during load testing or visual inspection.

Pallet Trucks

Pallet trucks are pedestrian-operated or powered industrial trucks that lift loads to a maximum height of 1 metre above the ground. They are classified as manual or electric according to their drive system. Some electric models have a platform on which the operator can stand while travelling.

Lifting systems must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum rated capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

Under the relevant standard, a pallet truck's static test must use a load equal to its maximum lifting capacity at the maximum lifting height. For pallet trucks manufactured after 2014, the permissible descent is 25 mm over 10 minutes. For those manufactured before 2014, it must not exceed 10 mm over 10 minutes.

Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, pallet trucks must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of pallet trucks are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Variable-Reach Trucks

When selecting a variable-reach truck, consider the maximum working height, capacity at that height, the maximum loads required for other tasks, and expected operating time. The characteristics of the load and container, required attachments and fork length, and other site conditions must also be assessed. Where other handling equipment or pedestrians are present, signalling and camera systems are needed. A truck that is unsuitable for the intended site can lead to accidents.

Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, variable-reach trucks must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of variable-reach trucks are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Variable-reach trucks require three load tests. For the static test, three possible test loads may be considered: the load at maximum lifting capacity, the load at maximum lifting height, and the load at maximum reach. The selected load must remain within the rated capacity for its load centre. The permissible descent during the static test is 150 mm over 10 minutes. The dynamic test is performed with the load clear of the ground while checking lifting, lowering, tilt and braking movements. The operating-load test uses a load at the maximum operating capacity, with all functions repeated for at least 10 minutes.

The final test is the operating-load test, which checks whether all functions can be performed with a load equal to the operating capacity.

Chain hoists use a geared lifting arrangement with wheels rotating at different speeds. They are widely used because heavy loads can be lifted with relatively little effort. The reduced operating force requires it to be applied over a longer distance, making lifting slower. The operator's hand chain drives a worm mechanism, which moves coaxial gears of different diameters. This movement is transferred to the load hook to raise the load.

Chain systems may be preferred to wire-rope systems because of their resistance to high and low temperatures and to chemical effects.

Hoists are classified by their drive system, such as electric, manual or pneumatic. Electric and manual hoists are the most common. Pneumatic hoists are often preferred in areas requiring explosion protection.

During periodic inspection, the static test load must be 1.25 times the maximum lifting capacity for electric hoists and 1.5 times the maximum lifting capacity for manual hoists.

The dynamic test load for hoists must be 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity.

Hoist inspections must carefully examine the chain, chain wheels, braking arrangement, supporting structure, hook and other components. The equipment register and certificates must be available beforehand so that chain and hook tolerances can be assessed correctly.

Jacks use various drive systems to lift heavy loads, apply pressure or support materials. Vehicle jacks are the best-known type. By drive system, jacks fall into four categories: pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and manual.

Pneumatic jacks use high-pressure air supplied by a compressor and air installation. Protection against excessive pressure also provides overload protection.

Hydraulic jacks use hydraulic pressure generated by an electrically driven pump or a manually operated hand pump. Protection against excessive pressure also provides overload protection.

Mechanical jacks lift through a motor-driven worm-and-screw mechanism. They are particularly used for heavy loads such as locomotives, with groups of 4, 6 or 8 jacks operated synchronously.

Manual jacks are the most common type, including vehicle jacks and rack jacks. Manually operated screw or geared mechanisms allow heavy loads to be lifted with relatively small forces.

During periodic inspection of jacks, the static test must use a load equal to 1.25 times the maximum capacity; manually operated jacks must be tested at 1.5 times the maximum capacity. The dynamic test must use a load equal to 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity. Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, jacks must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of jacks are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Jacks must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum rated capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, the equipment must undergo a load test using its operating capacity. All functions, including lifting, lowering and other movements, must be tested for safe operation.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for jacks must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.

FQC Standard provides periodic inspection services throughout Türkiye, including Ankara, İzmir, İstanbul and Adana, through our specialist team and extensive network. Periodic inspections of equipment, facilities and installations are necessary to help prevent work-equipment accidents. You can rely on a team with specialist expertise, knowledge of current legislation and standards, awareness of developing technologies and a risk-based approach.

Vehicle lifts are lifting equipment used to raise vehicles. Parking lifts enable more vehicles to be accommodated in a parking area, making more efficient use of the available space.

Vehicle lifts are classified as hydraulic or mechanical according to their drive system, and as column or scissor lifts according to their structure. Column lifts are also described as two-post or four-post lifts.

Mechanical vehicle lifts raise vehicles using arms connected to nuts running on screw mechanisms. A secondary safety nut provides protection. This mechanical lifting arrangement is used in column lifts.

Hydraulic vehicle lifts use pressure supplied by a hydraulic pump to operate a cylinder. Hydraulic systems may be used in scissor or column lifts. Hydraulic column lifts use automatic locking mechanisms and slack-rope switches as safety devices. Scissor lifts use a pipe-rupture valve and a second supporting cylinder to provide the safety arrangement.

During periodic inspection of vehicle lifts and parking lifts, the static test must use a load equal to 1.25 times the maximum capacity. The dynamic test must use a load equal to 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity. Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, vehicle lifts and parking lifts must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of vehicle lifts and parking lifts are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Vehicle lifts and parking lifts must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum rated capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, the equipment must undergo a load test using its operating capacity. All functions, including lifting, lowering and other movements, must be tested for safe operation.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for vehicle lifts and parking lifts must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.

Dock Levellers:

Dock levellers are height-adjustable platforms used in dispatch areas to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a vehicle. They overcome the differences in height and horizontal distance that would otherwise prevent forklifts, pallet trucks and other handling equipment from passing between the building and the vehicle.

Dock levellers are hydraulically operated. Contrary to a common assumption, they do not lift the payload: their hydraulic system is designed only to raise the platform and frame. The stated capacity is the load the frame can support when it forms a bridge supported by both the building and the vehicle.

Mobile loading ramps are also available and can be moved by a towing vehicle. Their height is adjusted to bridge the difference between the ground and the delivery vehicle, providing a ramp for unloading.

During periodic inspection of dock levellers, the static test must use a load equal to 1.25 times the maximum capacity. The dynamic test must use a load equal to 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity. Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, dock levellers must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of dock levellers are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Dock levellers must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum rated capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, the equipment must undergo a load test using its operating capacity. All functions, including lifting, lowering and other movements, must be tested for safe operation.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for dock levellers must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.

FQC Standard provides periodic inspection services throughout Türkiye, including Ankara, İzmir, İstanbul and Adana, through our specialist team and extensive network. Periodic inspections of equipment, facilities and installations are necessary to help prevent work-equipment accidents. You can rely on a team with specialist expertise, knowledge of current legislation and standards, awareness of developing technologies and a risk-based approach.

Tail Lifts:

Tail lifts are hydraulic lifting systems fitted to the rear of delivery vehicles to overcome the height difference between the loading or unloading surface and the vehicle bed. Being attached to the vehicle allows goods to be loaded or unloaded at the required location. Their folding platform arrangement avoids creating an additional road-traffic hazard during travel.

Tail lifts are classified by their operating arrangement and construction, including external parallelogram, external column, telescopic, externally mounted and retractable externally mounted types.

The tail lift must be recorded in the vehicle's registration documents, or its design and approval documentation must be retained.

During periodic inspection of tail lifts, the static test must use a load equal to 1.25 times the maximum capacity. The dynamic test must use a load equal to 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity. Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, tail lifts must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of tail lifts are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Tail lifts must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum rated capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, the equipment must undergo a load test using its operating capacity. All functions, including lifting, lowering and other movements, must be tested for safe operation.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for tail lifts must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.

FQC Standard provides periodic inspection services throughout Türkiye, including Ankara, İzmir, İstanbul and Adana, through our specialist team and extensive network. Periodic inspections of equipment, facilities and installations are necessary to help prevent work-equipment accidents. You can rely on a team with specialist expertise, knowledge of current legislation and standards, awareness of developing technologies and a risk-based approach.

Lifting Tables:

Lifting tables are hydraulically or pneumatically powered lifting equipment with a level platform used to raise loads to a specified height. For example, a table can be raised to the height of a production line so that products can be removed or transferred as though it were part of the line, reducing movements that could harm the operator's posture. Some advanced systems automatically adjust their height as products are removed. They can also lift heavy moulds onto maintenance benches.

Lifting tables may be fixed or mobile. Mobile types generally use manually operated hydraulic systems. Fixed lifting tables can be overlooked as lifting equipment because they are often regarded as part of the production line.

During periodic inspection, powered lifting tables must be statically tested at 1.25 times their maximum capacity, while manually operated tables must be tested at 1.5 times their maximum capacity. The dynamic test must use a load equal to 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity. Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, lifting tables must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of lifting tables are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Lifting tables must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum lifting capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, the equipment must undergo a load test using its operating capacity. All functions, including lifting, lowering and other movements, must be tested for safe operation.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for lifting tables must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.

FQC Standard provides periodic inspection services throughout Türkiye, including Ankara, İzmir, İstanbul and Adana, through our specialist team and extensive network. Periodic inspections of equipment, facilities and installations are necessary to help prevent work-equipment accidents. You can rely on a team with specialist expertise, knowledge of current legislation and standards, awareness of developing technologies and a risk-based approach.

Lifting Accessories (Below-the-Hook Attachments):

Lifting accessories are specially designed connections that make the lifting equipment compatible with the load. Typical below-the-hook accessories include shackles, textile slings, chain slings, lifting clamps, grabs, vacuum lifting attachments and magnetic lifting attachments.

The capacity of the equipment used in a lifting operation must be assessed according to the weakest component with the lowest capacity. Every lifting device and accessory must be examined carefully, and its periodic inspections must not be neglected.

Lifting accessories must be compatible with the load and used by personnel who understand their behaviour under load and the correct connection arrangements. For example, sharp-edged loads should not be lifted using textile slings, hollow round loads such as pipes should not be lifted using wire-rope slings, and every load must remain within the accessory's capacity.

Lifting accessories must be visually and manually checked before each use, with daily records maintained. Accessories used with powered lifting systems, such as electric or diesel equipment, must undergo a static test at 1.25 times their maximum lifting capacity. Accessories used with manual lifting systems must be statically tested at 1.5 times their maximum capacity. No damage should result from the test.

Periodic inspections of lifting accessories are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Lifting accessories must undergo a static test based on their maximum lifting capacity before first use and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, a load test must be performed at the equipment's operating capacity. No deformation should be present after the test.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for lifting accessories must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.

FQC Standard provides periodic inspection services throughout Türkiye, including Ankara, İzmir, İstanbul and Adana, through our specialist team and extensive network. Periodic inspections of equipment, facilities and installations are necessary to help prevent work-equipment accidents. You can rely on a team with specialist expertise, knowledge of current legislation and standards, awareness of developing technologies and a risk-based approach.

Wire-Rope and Chain Pullers:

Pullers are manually operated winching systems that apply tension between two objects. Like hoists, they allow very heavy objects to be moved with relatively little effort. They may pull a movable object towards a fixed anchor or draw two movable objects towards one another.

They are used in vehicle recovery, pipe installation, chassis shaping and many other applications.

A wire-rope pulling device is commonly known as a Tirfor-type puller. Its wire-rope arrangement provides a long working range. Overload protection helps guard against workplace accidents.

A chain pulling device is known as a lever hoist, also called a hubzug or obcuk in Turkish usage. It has a shorter working range than a wire-rope puller and is often used in factories and construction areas. Unlike a conventional hoist, it can operate horizontally. Applications include joining pipes, erecting steel structures and other work requiring pulling force.

The chain is generally 1.5 metres long, giving a relatively short working range. The range can be increased by replacing the chain.

During periodic inspection, the static test must use a load equal to 1.5 times the maximum capacity and the dynamic test must use 1.1 times the maximum lifting capacity. Under the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, wire-rope and chain pullers must undergo periodic inspection at least once a year. The inspection interval should be determined systematically, taking account of operating conditions, the manufacturer's recommendations, risk assessment findings, near misses and other relevant factors.

Periodic inspections of wire-rope and chain pullers are performed by mechanical engineers, mechatronics engineers, technical teachers with mechanical or metalwork qualifications, or mechanical technicians and higher mechanical technicians registered in the EKİPNET system.

Wire-rope and chain pullers must undergo static and dynamic tests based on the maximum lifting capacity before first use, after major maintenance or repair, and during third-year inspections.

At the other inspection intervals, the equipment must undergo a load test using its operating capacity. All functions, including lifting, lowering and other movements, must be tested for safe operation.

The periodic inspection history recorded in the maintenance and repair register for wire-rope and chain pullers must be reviewed to establish the current inspection interval and determine whether static and dynamic tests or an operating-load test are due. The appropriate tests must then be performed.