How to safely use fixed line systems – Guidance and tips!

Lifelines are safety devices that ensure all workers who may be in danger of falling will remain safe when working at a height. With this protective system, work may be done in high places starting at a height of two meters. Considering this, a lifeline is a fall arrest device that ensures a worker’s safety when properly tethered to it during vertical work using a harness, anchoring ropes, backpack straps, etc.

For users who need to operate at a roof’s edge, fixed lifeline systems offer reliable connectivity. It consists of stainless-steel metallic components, and wire cables that are 8mm in diameter, along with a length of intermediate supports that keep the wire cables in place.

A cable that is laid parallel toward a fall danger comprises a Permanent Horizontal Lifeline System. The user can move parallel towards the fall danger by securely fastening to a horizontal lifeline using a lanyard and harness. The lifeline is frequently able to shift direction to suit the shape of the edge of the roof or other fall dangers. It is typically tied to the framework at regular intervals.

Employees that do vertical climbing operations can safeguard themselves from falls by using vertical lifeline systems, which are practical, safe, and efficient. With the employment of a vertical lifeline as well as a fall safety rope grab device, many ladder-related incidents can be avoided. A vertical lifeline makes it possible to move upwards and down the whole height of the line without having to untie and look for a new tie-off spot. You can climb while keeping an anchor point atop your D-ring since the anchor point goes with you.

A vertical lifeline system ought to have routine inspections performed on every component. It is recommended to examine the body harness as well as the ladder structure in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The vertical lifeline installation’s top and bottom mounts, cable directs, carrier wire, and connectors should all be inspected. Check at the handles and cable shoes, fasteners, latching lever, rollers, and gravitational stop when examining the safety sleeve. Make sure all service indicators and marks are there and clearly legible as well.

Dutest is the best provider of fixed lifeline system and vertical lifeline system in the UAE and one stop destination for all kind of lifting equipment requirements.

Significance and Types of Welding Inspection for Lifting Equipment

Inspection of the welding is crucial for several reasons. Most crucially, inspection in welding is utilized to establish whether a weld complies with specific regulations and standards and can serve the function for which it was intended. Welding inspectors can find any faults or other problems during inspections, in which case the weld could need to be fixed or changed. Overall, welding inspection is crucial to guaranteeing efficiency and security. For instance, to guarantee safety, the welding on pressure equipment must adhere to strict requirements

Different benefits and drawbacks are available for each method of welding inspection. The asset, as well as the equipment and technicians available, determine the type of inspection that should be employed.

Visual Inspection

The simplest NDT welding inspection method is a visual examination. In this instance, the weld is visually inspected by the welding inspector to check for any surface faults. To identify any potential problems, the weld size can also be checked. This kind of examination is economical and can be used while a building or material is still being worked on. 

Radiographic Inspection

A non-destructive testing technique called radiographic inspection is used to assess a weld’s interior quality. It can be used to spot a variety of internal faults, including burn-through, non-metallic impurities, and fissures. Because the inspection is captured on film, this inspection technique is advantageous. Then, if required, this film might be used for further examination. 

Magnetic Particle Inspection

Flaws on the surface and close to it are found using magnetic particle testing. This NDT technique will spot any welding flaws right away. Sensitivity can also be changed. This enables different tiers of defect detection. Because of this, tight cracks and discontinuities can be found during welding inspections utilizing magnetic testing.

Liquid Penetrant Inspection

Surface cracks that cannot be seen with the naked eye are located via liquid penetrant inspection. This technique is frequently used to find leaks brought on by poor welding. PT can be used to assess magnetic and nonmagnetic materials, unlike Magnetic Particle Inspection. This inspection technique can aid in finding extremely minute faults. PT can also find flaws in materials with intricate geometries.

Ultrasonic Inspection

Both internal and external faults can be found with ultrasonic testing, often known as UT weld inspection. UT can also pinpoint a discontinuity’s exact location and measurement. Due to its high sensitivity, this technology enables inspectors to pick up on minute flaws that other NDT techniques miss.

Searching for the best inspection companies in UAE for your facility? Dutest is a well- recognized provider of third-party inspection services in UAE. Reach out today!

Which is the best lifting slings: Chain slings vs. wire rope vs synthetic slings

Alloy chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings, and metal mesh slings can all be used to move, lift and position loads safely and efficiently. 

Choosing the right type of lifting sling depends on a complete understanding of the application, the environment that the sling is being used in, and how the sling is to be used to support and lift the load. To have balanced lifts, the following considerations are to be noted:

  1. Center of gravity
  2. Weight of objects to be lifted
  3. Hitch Type
  4. Number of attachment points
  5. Geometry of lift – sling angles
  6. Reach
  7. Clearance – height restrictions
  8. Upper and lower fitting requirements
  9. Ambient conditions

Let’s check the type of slings in detail: 

  • Chain Slings

Chain slings are tough and dependable and can be used to lift heavy and bulky loads on a regular and repetitive basis. They have been manufactured with high tensile strength of Grade 80 components. The flexibility in their design provides durability and strength, allowing it to withstand impact, extreme temperature, and conditions, in addition to chemical and UV ray exposure.

Chain slings are most suitable for high-temperature applications, and for lifting heavy-duty loads as well. Chain slings’ durability and strength make them the perfect lifting sling for use in steel mills, foundries, the heavy machine stops, or in any environment that requires repetitive lifts and operates in harsh conditions that could ideally damage or destroy any other type of lifting sling. In the event of any damage to a chain sling, chain slings are completely repairable. After the necessary repairs are done, the chain sling can be load tested and re-certified.

Below are some notable features of Dutest’s chain slings:

  1. Strong and durable in design
  2. Chain sling diameters can vary from 7mm to 32mm
  3. Ease of repair
  4. Loads are placed on the hooks of chain slings and are lifted accordingly – chain slings have a maximum capacity to bear loads at a 600 angle
  5. Dutest’s chain slings have multi-leg configurations, such as single leg, double leg, and 3 & 4 leg slings. Multi-leg chain slings are most popular on account of their reliability as well as their efficiency.
  6. Chain slings are resistant to heavy impact, cuts, crushing, abrasions, chemicals, and UV ray exposure too.
  7. These chain slings have the capacity to tolerate very high temperatures.
  8. Dutest’s chain slings can be affected by dirt or oil in its vicinity.
  9. These chain slings do not elongate upon being loaded
  10. They are adjustable.
  • Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are lifting equipment been widely used for considerable periods of time. These lifting slings are the main choice for most industries when it comes to heavy load lifting. Wire rope slings are highly robust with greater strength than nylon slings, with higher temperature endurance levels.

Listed below are some salient features of wire rope slings:

  1. Wire rope slings are extensively used to lift heavier loads in industries such as manufacturing and construction
  2. These lifting slings are highly robust and durable with the capacity to endure higher temperature limits
  3. Wire rope slings of any type should not be used at temperatures lower than -40 degrees Fahrenheit
  4. Wire rope slings consist of a helix structure consisting of small individual wires framed into strands
  5. Constructed with several grades of steel, the wire ropes are highly resistant to elements such as heat, moisture, UV rays as well as chemicals
  6. Dutest’s wire rope slings contain absolute corrosion resistance properties
  7. These wire rope slings have unique serial identification numbers so they can be traced with ease
  • Synthetic Slings

Synthetic lift slings are also known as polyester slings. They are the most versatile kind of sling. Their flexibility allows them to be molded to the shape of irregularly shaped loads, ideal for securing delicate or breakable loads. Synthetic slings are typically developed from nylon or polyester fibers and are a common choice for riggers. These slings cannot be used under rugger environmental conditions as they wear down quicker than other types of slings.

Synthetic slings are also lightweight while covered with a protective jacket. This rugged woven fabric sleeve adds a layer of protection to items being lifted and protects the sling’s fibers as well. Synthetic web slings in polyester are available in round sling designs, known as an endless lifting sling, or an eye & eye configuration with little stretch as compared to nylon.

Synthetic web slings in nylon have more stretch than polyester slings, also available in a wider variety of configurations. Both polyester and nylon slings are easy to handle, with ease of storage on account of their lightweight fabrication. Synthetic slings are also typically more cost-effective than chain slings or wire rope slings, which are a suitable choice for a large variety of general lifting applications.

Subject to your individual requirements, the best lifting sling for you shall vary with application. Synthetic slings are lightweight and flexible and are thus suitable for lifting fragile and oddly shaped loads. Wire rope slings are suitable for lifting heavyweight loads, while chain slings are best for operating in extreme temperature environments. The best way to select a top-quality lifting sling is to procure it from a reliable company like Dutest. A recognized chain slings supplier in the UAE, Dutest supplies superior quality chain slings for lifting. They also provide inspection & testing and regular maintenance of the products. 

Explaining Lifting Magnet

What is a lifting magnet? It is a magnet at work for handling pig iron, castings, billets, rails and many other magnetic things when there is a lifting equipment being used for lifting or shifting heavy loads. It stands to reason that a lifting magnet should work properly at all times. Else, the lifting equipment can be rendered useless for the time it doesn’t. There are some points that can help understand the working of a lifting magnet. 

  • These magnets find use in machining and mould processing industry. 
  • The maximum magnetic force is about 3.5 times the rated lifting capacity. This is a safety factor here. 
  • The magnets handle switches with safety buttons and that makes it easy to operate with a single hand. It makes for safety and convenience. 
  • The magnetic force is permanent, there is more safety in using the lifting magnets, as they can be used without electricity. 

Companies in industries like construction, shipping, logistics and marine find a lot of use for lifting equipment. As they deal with heavy loads all the time. These loads are difficult to be lifted manually. High-quality lifting equipment is required. These also should be operated as per the standard operating procedures and then under supervision.  The lifting equipment like forklifts, escalators, shackles, passenger lifts and escalators, cranes, web slings, lanyards, wire ropes etc. help in moving loads with precision and efficiency. Lifting magnets play a crucial role in the efficient functioning of the equipment. 

Lifting magnets should be regularly inspected by a third party and adequate maintenance should be carried out. Dutest is one such company that not only supplies lifting magnets of the best quality but also can perform equipment and machinery inspection. It is committed to following globally accepted best practices. 

Different kinds of safety equipment

What are safety equipment? Why are they important? These are equipment meant to support workers who need to work from heights for construction or moving heavy loads. They are important because if the workers are not safely harnessed, they can fall. This can cause harm to people and property, sometimes even proving to be fatal.

Dutest is an ISO certified company andspecializes in manufacture, supplyof lifting equipment, safety equipment, third party inspection services and repair & maintenance services.

Dutest offers below range of safety equipment in the UAE:

Horizontal lifeline system

These can be installed on walls, floors, ceilings or roof tops to ensure workers are safe while they go on with their jobs. Mostly made with stainless steel ropes, they are strong structures. More than one person can also use these system.

Vertical lifeline system

They are used when workers need to climb. Ropes, cables or tracks are used as vertical lifelines. These are attached to the worker with a full body harness or lanyard. With a rope grab like anchor point, these systems make climbing up and down safe. They are not as expensive and can be installed fairly quickly. They can be configured to accommodate 4 workers at the same time.

Full body harness

These hold the worker in place when at a height. They are of two kinds – one supports the feet of the worker on a surface and the other helps the worker hang mid-air. This is fabricated in compliance with EN 361:2002. They exhibit technically sound features, the finest ergonomics and the safety requirements.

Fall arrestor block

When the anchorage is very high to access and the clearance distance is very small, it is a task to ensure that the worker does not fall. There are fall arrestor blocks conforming to EN 360:2002-KARAM Brand. They protect workers from falling and keeps them safe.

Lanyard

Lanyards connect a system and the fall arrest lanyards control the force, with shock absorbers, that might be felt on the body of the worker on a fall. Kinds of Lanyards are

  • Work positioning lanyards
  • Restraint lanyards
  • Fall arrest lanyards
  • Forked lanyards

Dutest has a wide range of KARAM brand lanyards.

Dutest products are in great demand in various sectors considering the range of the products and reliability based on international certifications for its products.

The products by Dutest are used extensively considering that it meets global standards for product quality and services. Dutest promises the best of the team and excellent customer service.

Certified full body harness at Dutest

In construction, manufacturing sectors, many times workers need to be at a height to either fabricate something or move a heavy load. In all such scenarios there is a risk of a fall and thus leading risk of life of people.  The solution to this serious problem is that the workers should be provided with safety gear called fixed lifeline systems and workers should be trained well to use this product.

Dutest is one of the leading safety equipment provides in the UAE and has a varied range of safety equipment from KARAM brand as below:

  • Vertical lifeline systems
  • Horizontal lifeline systems
  • Fall protection systems includingFull body harness
  • Fall arrestor blocks
  • Lanyards

Details on full body harness:

A full body harness is supposed to hold the worker well and prevent a fall. It works to protect falls and give support to the worker (with feet on a support or hanging mid-air).

Dutest has on offer a range of KARAM brand’s safety harnesses for a wide range of applications and sectors. They are made considering technically sound features, finest ergonomics, and the comfort of the workers as well as the requirements of their safety. The company also supplies work positioning belts that support a worker so well that he / she can work at heights, be well supported and keep both hands free. This is fabricated in compliance to EN 361:2002.

It has to be kept in mind that these safety equipment are of paramount importance wherever workers work from heights. The equipment needs to fabricated with care following global best practices and international norms for quality and service should be stringently followed. They should be regularly inspected, and periodic maintenance is key here too. If that is not done, then the equipment can get damaged and cause accidents.

The people who use the full body harness and other safety equipment should be trained in the standard operating procedures for use of these equipment. Though they should not attempt repairs, they should be able to identify if there is a problem. They should also regularly check the full body harness after each use and store it properly (as per the company’s instructions). They can help identify a potential problem and prevent much damage and loss.

Dutest is an ISO certified company and one of the most experienced third party inspection service provider in the UAE. The company manufactures and supplies best quality lifting equipment and safety equipment in the UAE.

Why is it important to get a third party inspection?

It is important that the plant, machinery and lifting equipment used in heavy industries like construction, manufacturing, mining, shipping etc. are regularly inspected by a reliable and competent third party. An audit plays a crucial role in helping to maintain and improve the efficiency of the equipment and machinery. Let us see some reasons why this is important.

An inspection audit is essential to reaffirm that the equipment conforms the required norms and specifications and the company is following all necessary steps to ensure its optimal functioning. Because, as essential as it is to purchase equipment according to the quality norms set by authorities, it is also critical to follow all norms while operating them.

Regular inspection helps

  • To enhance the life of the equipment. The inspection is done within the purview of the necessary requirements and that helps in establishing the adherence to processes, working condition of the equipment and machinery, safety processes for workers and premises etc. It is important to take stock of these issues regularly as it affects the safety of people and property.
  • To enhance the reliability of the company. Gives a clear picture and assurance to the workers and customers that the working conditions are optimal and safe. That there will be no untoward accidents happening because of badly maintained equipment.
  • To maintain the equipment, identify any problem (even if small) and take care of it. It prevents the escalation of a problem. The equipment is kept in running condition. Any possible problems can be contained early on,helping save time, effort and money. This goes a long way in avoiding re-inspection.

It is important to get the inspection done only by accredited companies. They have the necessary expertise and technical know-how to give a clear picture and cover all relevant points.

Dutest is one of the leading inspection companies in Dubai. It has a very strong and technically qualified team to undertake third party inspections.It undertakes inspection, testing and certification on lifting equipment, plants and machinery, cranes, passenger / goods lifts, fork lift trucks etc. Dutest verifies load monitoring equipment. It can provide proof load and initial testing, bolt torque checks if needed. These can be undertaken at the client’s premises, at Dutest premises or even remotely.

Dutest provides the most reliable and certified third party inspection services in UAE.

The Hazards Associated With Lifting Equipment

Lifting Equipment and Gears are mechanized devices used for lifting heavy materials in the construction and manufacturing industries. There are many benefits of using Lifting Equipment.

  • Time is saved vis-à-vis when a task is performed physically.
  • There is a safeguard against injuries to workers.
  • Man-hours are saved. Thereby, increasing the productivity and efficiencies of the workers and ensuring timely deliveries of products.
  • The project completion time can be reduced and managed well.

There are different kinds of Lifting Equipment like Hand-operated/ power-operated cranes,  winches / hoists, different kinds of Slings, wire ropes, shackles, eyebolts, gin wheels, pulley blocks, goods lifts, elevators, lifting rigs, forklift trucks etc.

Possible hazards associated with Lifting Equipment

These equipment are heavy machinery. The companies should be well aware of the maximum capacity of lifting loads of each of the equipment they have. They should ensure that the equipment is manufactured and tested as per internationally accepted norms. If these precautions are not taken, there can be possibilities of serious damage to property and life.

Therefore, procuring Lifting Equipment from the best manufacturers and suppliers, giving an assurance of testing of the equipment and adherence to quality standards, assumes paramount importance.

Dutest is a leading name among the lifting equipment manufacturers in the UAE. It supplies a broad range of world-class quality Lifting Equipment made with the best quality raw materials. Dutest runs inspections on its own equipment and also provides third-party testing on the equipment with its clients. It is recognized as the leading third-party inspection organization.

The main priority of Dutest is the assurance of quality and safety of its Lifting Equipment. The Dutest team works 24×7 to ensure that their products meet the most stringent quality and safety standards, their clients get the best customer service, timely deliveries and that they can connect with the company any time.

Different types of safety harnesses

Safety harness is an essential part of any safety kit, especially if you are working within an industry or job that requires you to work at dangerous heights. A safety harness provides workers with security while they work and reduce the chances of a fall. The type of harness you require mainly depends on the type of work you do and the injury rate would dramatically reduce if the safety harnesses are used properly. Safety harness needs to be fitted properly in order to be perfectly safe and secured. There are 2 main types of safety harnesses to choose from depending on the type of work. Recognized Safety Equipment In UAE  distributes a variety of safety equipment to ensure the workplace safety.

Full body harness: These types of harnesses are the safest and are designed to provide the user with maximum comfort and confidence. The multiple loops available on full body harness allows users to hang from various points on the harness and hang tools also. The belt and pad on full body harness provides additional back lumbar support, facilitating tool carrying options. The extra attachment points which allow the workers to work in a variety of situations.  

Vest-type harness: They provide added comfort, increased productivity and improved safety for everyone. They are extremely durable and lightweight. The torso adjusters are locked into place to eliminate all the loose ends and prevent slippage. These type of harnesses are easy to put on and won’t tangle.

Dutest Industries is one of the most experienced safety harness suppliers in the UAE. They give utmost importance to occupational safety and provide quality safety equipment and services at competitive price, throughout the Middle East.