Most commonly associated with slinging, the basket lift increases the capacity of the sling by cradling the load over two parts i.e. in a “U” shape. When the “U” is parallel to 7 degrees the sling capacity doubles (+100%) but reduces when the “U” is no longer parallel – see load chart in web/Roundsling section.

Lifting Beams are ideal where there is insufficient headroom for a top suspension sling and the top lifting point is usually a centre lifting eye. The lower lifting points are most commonly found at the outer extremities of the beam and intermediate lifting points, often adjustable are also common place for lifting longer loads that need support over their length. Size for size, Lifting beams will be considerably heavier and more expensive to manufacture than Spreader Beams as they have to be of a sufficient section and strength to sustain the cantilever forces produced by the lifting of the load.

Spreader Beams are ideal where there are no headroom issues and are significantly less expensive to manufacture than Lifting Beams. They are always suspended by 2 leg lifting slings with the lower lifting points being positioned directly below the suspension points. Unlike a lifting beam, the spreader beam   is actually in compression where the line of action of the top sling and the load suspension point coincide at the neutral axis.

The distance between the bearing points of a sling; for example, where a Masterlink comes into contact with the crane hook and the terminal fitting comes into contact with either load or additional lifting accessories (See also E.W.L. – Effective Working Length)

As the world’s first national standards organization, BSI British Standards has a globally recognized reputation for independence, integrity and innovation in the production of standards and information products that promote and share best practice. It is a leading provider of standardization and consortia services to the public and private sectors, serving the interests of a wide range of industry sectors, to make sure that British, European and international standards are useful, relevant and authoritative.

BS EN Standards are European technical standard as adopted in the UK. BS EN standards often supersede pre-existent national technical standards BS (British Standards).

As the world’s first national standards organization, BSI British Standards has a globally recognized reputation for independence, integrity and innovation in the production of standards and information products that promote and share best practice. It is a leading provider of standardization and consortia services to the public and private sectors, serving the interests of a wide range of industry sectors, to make sure that British, European and international standards are useful, relevant and authoritative.