Safety Flash
Welding of shackles
Welding of shackles
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 08/10
- Crane and RiggingStructural and Asset Integrity
- Mechanical failureStructural and asset integrity
- Hot work
- Lifting accessories
- Contractor managementOperating and work procedures
Summary
This flash describes routine welding modifications to shackles and hooks despite contrary work instructions. It explains that welding alters material properties, invalidates manufacturer certification and increases unpredictable brittle failure risks that inspection cannot prevent. The member recommends removing modified items from service and instructing suppliers not to provide them.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Structural and asset integrity; asset integrity; structural integrity.
Classifications: Hot work; welding and cutting.
Classifications: Lifting accessories; lifting gear; rigging gear.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Summary
Welding modifications to shackles and hooks can alter material properties unpredictably, increasing failure risk and invalidating certification.
IMCA SF 08/10. Themes: crane and rigging, structural and asset integrity.