The markings on a lifting accessory aren’t just red tape—they’re the accessory’s “ID card,” which shows at a glance whether it’s safe to use for this specific lift. A missing or worn-out marking essentially means that the device’s load capacity cannot be verified. This poses an immediate safety risk.

What mandatory markings must be included on a lifting accessory?

By law, every lifting accessory must include the following information:

The CE marking indicates that the equipment meets the requirements of the EU Machinery Directive and has been approved for use in the European Economic Area. It is a prerequisite—but not, on its own, a guarantee of adequacy.

The working load limit (WLL) indicates the maximum permissible load. It is important to understand that this value varies depending on the lifting angles and method of use. The lifting capacity for a vertical lift is not the same as for an angled lift.

The manufacturer’s information —company name, year of manufacture, and serial number—enables the instrument to be traced throughout its entire service life.

The markings must be placed in a visible location so that they do not wear off during normal use.

How does the color-coding system for lifting accessories work?

Color codes serve as a visual quick guide to selecting the right tool. They indicate both load capacity and inspection status.

Capacity codes for lifting chains:

• Purple – 1 metric ton
• Green – 2 metric tons
• Yellow – 3 metric tons

Note: Different types of lifting aids—such as chains and slings—have their own color-coding systems. Always check the actual load capacity of the equipment on its label or in the manufacturer’s instructions. By familiarizing yourself with our selection of lifting equipment, you’ll gain a good understanding of the characteristics and labeling conventions of different types of equipment.

Color codes for the audit schedule:

• Green – equipment inspected, in working order
• Yellow – inspection coming up
• Red – Immediate action is required; the device must be taken out of service

When do the markings on a lifting accessory require action?

The action threshold is exceeded as soon as:

• The text is illegible
• The shield is cracked or has come loose
• The serial number or WWL value is missing

Worn, damaged, or missing markings require immediate action to ensure the safety of the equipment. The action threshold is exceeded when markings cannot be clearly read or when they have partially disappeared due to normal wear and tear.

Damaged markings, such as cracked plates or faded printing, render the lifting accessory unusable. Missing markings make it impossible to verify the equipment’s load capacity and operating limitations, creating an immediate safety risk.

Tracking inspection records requires systematic documentation. Each inspection must be recorded in the inspection log that accompanies the equipment or in an electronic system. Inspection intervals are determined based on usage intensity and conditions, but at least one annual inspection is mandatory.

The documentation must include the date of the inspection, the inspector’s name, any deficiencies found, and the corrective actions taken. Incomplete documentation may result in the equipment being taken out of service during an inspection by the authorities.

How should inspections be properly documented?

Systematic documentation is the backbone of safety. The following must be recorded for each inspection:

• Date and Inspector
• Identified shortcomings
• Corrective Actions Taken

The inspection interval is determined by the frequency of use, but an annual inspection is a legal requirement. Inadequate documentation may result in the equipment being taken out of service during an inspection by the authorities.

What are the most common mistakes made when interpreting the markings on lifting accessories?

1. Interpreting the WLL value as a constant for all positions. The load capacity varies significantly depending on the lifting angle. This is a common mistake that leads to overloading.

2. Considering the CE marking to be sufficient assurance: The CE marking is a starting point, not an end result. In practice, safety depends on the condition of the equipment, its proper use, and regular inspections.

3. Mixing up the color codes for different types of equipment: The color code of the lifting chain does not indicate the capacity of the lifting sling. It is essential to train staff on this distinction.

To ensure correct interpretation, you should always check the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual, provide regular training to your staff, and keep up-to-date interpretation guidelines available at the worksite. In cases of uncertainty, it’s always safer to ask an expert than to guess.

A proper understanding of the markings and color codes on lifting accessories is the foundation of industrial safety. Regular training, careful documentation, and systematic inspection procedures ensure a safe work environment. Remember that in unclear situations, consulting an expert is always a better option than guessing when it comes to safety issues.

Summary

The correct interpretation of markings and color codes is a fundamental requirement for safe lifting operations. Regular training, careful documentation, and clear procedures for handling exceptional situations ensure the safety of both personnel and production.

If your organization has any questions about the requirements for lifting accessories or inspection practices, Hefmec’s experts will be happy to help you find the right solutions for your specific needs.

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In welding, WPS refers to a welding procedure specification that defines the materials, preparation method, welding process, filler materials, and welding parameters for a specific welded joint. The abbreviation WPS stands for Welding Procedure Specification.

Simply put, the WPS tells the welder how to weld the joint in a controlled manner and in accordance with the requirements.

In short: A WPS is a set of instructions for welders that specifies how a particular weld is to be performed. A WPQR, on the other hand, indicates the criteria on which the welding procedure has been approved. For lifting accessories, an approved welding procedure is a key part of safe and traceable manufacturing.

The importance of WPS is particularly evident in safety-critical structures, such as lifting accessories. The revised SFS-EN 13155 standard requires the use of an approved welding procedure specification in the manufacture of lifting accessories. When the EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 becomes applicable on 20 January 2027, the old version of the standard will no longer provide a presumption of conformity.

What does WPS mean in welding?

A WPS is a written work instruction used in production. It ensures that welding is performed in a planned and repeatable manner, regardless of which qualified welder carries out the work.

A WPS is not a general guide to good welding. It is prepared for a specific welding procedure and a defined scope of qualification. A single WPS may cover several similar joints, materials, and material thicknesses, provided they fall within the scope of the approved welding procedure.

WPS can be compared to a recipe: it specifies the necessary materials, work steps, and permissible values according to which the welding is performed.

What information does WPS contain?

For arc welding, the technical content of the WPS is covered in the SFS-EN ISO 15609-1 standard. A welding procedure specification may include, for example:

• Base materials to be welded and material thicknesses
• the welding process to be used
• the shape of the joint and the groove
• welding position and welding sequence
• welding consumables and shielding gases
• Permissible ranges for current, voltage, and welding speed
• preheating and intermediate barrel temperature
• a reference to the WPQR approval protocol or another approval document.

If a lifting accessory is manufactured, for example, from structural steel using MAG welding, the WPS may specify—in addition to the welding wire and shielding gas—the permissible welding parameters, welding position, and temperature limits. The welder therefore cannot freely choose these values during the work process.

What do pWPS and WPQR mean?

pWPS stands for “preliminary welding procedure specification.” It defines the planned welding procedure prior to its approval.

Once the method has been approved as appropriate, a WPS for use in production is prepared.

pWPS → Approval of the welding procedure → WPQR → WPS used in production

WPQR is an abbreviation for “Welding Procedure Qualification Record.” SFS-EN ISO 15607 uses the Finnish term “hyväksymispöytäkirja” for it.

The WPQR documents the basis on which a welding procedure has been approved and the scope of its application. Approval may be based, for example, on a welding procedure test, tested welding consumables, documented prior welding experience, or another appropriate procedure. The approval method to be used is determined by the applicable requirements.

The difference can be summarized as follows:

WPS specifies how to weld. WPQR indicates the basis on which the welding procedure has been approved.

Does WPS guarantee the quality of the weld?

WPS lays the foundation for welding that meets the requirements, but it alone does not guarantee the quality of the finished weld joint.

Quality is also influenced by:

• welding technician or welding operator certification
• the suitability of materials and welding consumables
• working conditions
• Compliance with WPS
• monitoring of the manufacturing process and inspection of welds.

Furthermore, a WPS does not replace a welder’s qualification. A WPS specifies the welding procedure to be used, whereas a welder’s qualification demonstrates the individual’s ability to perform that type of welding to an acceptable standard.

A safety-critical structure requires both an approved welding method and a welder qualified to perform it.

WPS Welding and the Manufacture of Lifting Accessories

The welded joints of a lifting accessory may be subjected to high and repeated loads. In the worst-case scenario, damage to a joint could cause the load to fall, resulting in a serious hazardous situation.

The appearance of a weld alone does not indicate the strength of the joint. The properties of a weld are influenced by factors such as the base material, filler material, heat input, temperatures, joint geometry, and welding sequence.

An approved WPS helps ensure that welding is performed using a predefined and documented method. At the same time, it ensures that the manufacturing process is repeatable and traceable.

The welding procedure approved in the revised SFS-EN 13155 standard is part of the controlled manufacturing process for lifting accessories. It is also important to take this requirement into account when a company manufactures lifting accessories for its own use and thus acts as the manufacturer of the accessories. The manufacturer’s responsibilities are explained in more detail in the article CE marking of lifting accessories.

What should the person ordering a lifting accessory make sure of?

When purchasing a welded lifting accessory, you should make sure that:

• The equipment is designed according to its intended use and actual loads
• The structural strength has been verified
• Approved welding procedures and qualified welders are used in the manufacturing process
• The materials and manufacturing process are traceable
• Manufacturing and inspections are documented
• The device comes with the necessary labels, user instructions, and conformity documentation.

A safe lifting accessory is the result of a comprehensive process consisting of design, strength verification, controlled manufacturing, inspections, and documentation.

Lifting Accessories: From Design to Implementation

Hefmec designs and supplies custom lifting accessories to meet a variety of industrial needs. We handle the entire process, from design and structural analysis to controlled manufacturing and compliance documentation.

When you need a safe lifting accessory designed specifically for your application, please contact our experts.

Written by Simon Hindersson, Mechanical Designer and Sheet Metal Welder

This article is a general overview, not a binding guide to applying the standard. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements in the current version of the standard and on a case-by-case basis.

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General requirements for the CE marking of lifting accessories

1. Essential safety requirements: Lifting accessories must meet the essential requirements for the safety of machinery. These requirements relate, for example, to design, manufacture, operating instructions, markings, safety measures, and risk reduction.
2. Risk Assessment: The manufacturer of a lifting accessory must conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazardous situations and evaluate the risks associated with them. Risk control measures must be implemented during the design, manufacture, and use of the device.
3. Instructions for use: the lifting accessory must have clear and understandable instructions for use, including safety instructions, operating restrictions and maintenance instructions.
4. Markings: the lifting accessory must bear the CE marking and other necessary markings, such as the name and address of the manufacturer, serial number, maximum load, etc.
5. Declaration of conformity: the manufacturer of the lifting accessory must declare that the lifting accessory has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the applicable directives, standards and technical requirements.

What is the difference between a lifting accessory and a special lifting accessory?

Lifting accessories are common and widely used lifting devices. Typical lifting accessories include lifting shackles, lifting chains, lifting slings, and various types of bolt-on lifting points.

Specialized lifting aids are lifting devices specifically designed for use in special situations or for various types of lifting tasks. Examples of special lifting accessories include lifting frames, grippers, scissor lifting clamps, and lifting beams with custom-designed lifting points. You can find more examples on our lifting accessories page.

The CE marking of special lifting accessories is subject to the same requirements as for general lifting accessories, but also takes into account special features and specific risks.

Design and CE documentation of a special lifting accessory

A design project for a special lifting accessory typically involves familiarizing oneself with the site and requirements, developing a lifting method, modeling the lifting accessory, and performing structural analysis. In some cases, structural analysis is replaced by load testing.

The technical documentation of a CE marked special lifting accessory shall include:

• An overview of the destination,
  • technical drawings,

The author of the documentation is responsible for ensuring that the technical file complies with the requirements of the directives and standards. If you order only the design of the lifting accessory and the CE documentation, the manufacturer of the accessory is responsible for ensuring that the accessory is manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the technical file.

Manufacture of special lifting accessories

The manufacturer or the party commissioning the manufacture is responsible for the device’s conformity with the requirements and affixes its own CE marking to the device as proof of this. When Hefmec manufactures and delivers a lifting accessory, Hefmec is responsible for ensuring that the device is manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the technical file and for delivering the device with the CE marking.

CE documentation of an existing special lifting accessory

A documentation project for a special lifting accessory typically involves familiarizing oneself with the site and requirements, modeling the lifting accessory, and performing structural analyses so that the appropriate CE documentation can be prepared. In some cases, structural analysis is replaced by load testing.

Typically, new CE documentation is prepared for a lifting accessory when there is a desire to change its intended use or to increase its maximum load (WLL / Working Load Limit). In these cases as well, the person preparing the documentation is responsible for ensuring that the new technical file complies with the requirements of the current directives and standards, but the manufacturer or contractor is responsible for the device’s conformity and affixes its own CE mark to the device as proof of this.

Do you have any questions?

For any questions regarding the CE marking, please contact Petja Lindström directly at +358 40 740 4771.

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