S.L. 646.2 · Dock Safety Regulations (S.L. 646.2)
S.L. 646.2 Art. 20Hoisting or lowering.
PART IV
(1) No chain, ring, hook, shackle, swivel or pulley block shall be used in hoisting or lowering unless it has been tested and examined by a competent person in the manner set out in the
Schedule.
(2) All chains, other than bridle chains attached to derricks or masts, and all rings, hooks, shackles and swivels used in hoisting or lowering shall, unless they have been subjected to such other treatment as may be prescribed, be effectually annealed under the supervision of a competent person and at the following intervals:
(a) one point two centimetres and smaller chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels in general use, once at least in every six months;
(b) all other chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels in general use, once at least in every twelve months: Provided that in the case of such gear used solely on cranes and other hoisting appliances worked by hand, twelve months shall be substituted for six months in paragraph (a) and two years for twelve months in paragraph (b):
Provided also that where the Authority for Transport in Malta is of opinion that, owing to the size, design, material or infrequency of use of any such gear or class of such gear, the requirement of this regulation as to annealing is not necessary for the protection of persons employed, he may by certificate in writing (which he may in his discretion revoke) exempt such gear or class of gear from such requirement subject to such conditions as may be specified in such certificate.
(3) All chains, other than bridle chains, attached to derricks or masts, and all rings, hooks, shackles, swivel and pulley blocks shall be liable to be inspected by a competent person immediately before each occasion on which they are used in hoisting or lowering, unless they have been inspected within the preceding three months.
(4) All chains, rings, hooks, shackels or swivels used in hoisting or lowering which have been lengthened, altered or repaired by welding shall, before being again taken into use, be adequately tested and re-examined.