As the Rigging Supply specialists, we want to help you make safer and more informed choices about the gear you choose, and how you use it. Members of the DarkSide team are LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) qualified. This means we hold recognised qualifications relating to the products we are selling – only a small handful of UK rigging companies can say the same!

So, just like the famous TV show, we hope to dispel some of the great (and not so great!) urban myths about Rigging. If you've come across an Urban Myth that you'd like the DarkSide Rigging Specialists to bust, e-mail us NOW: info@riggingsupplies.co.uk

Here are just a few of our favourites:

Urban Myth: Polyester roundslings melt/become unsafe at a lower temperature than steel wire ropes or soft slings

STATUS: NOT TRUE

In manufacturer's tests, polyester roundslings melt at between 180˚C and 200˚C.

The aluminium ferrules on steel wire ropes lose their integrity at between 180˚C and 200˚C. Neither product is advised to be used at its full WLL over 100˚C, as they both start to weaken at this point.

So roundslings and steel wire ropes will actually become unsafe at about the same temperature.

(And if you were unlucky enough to still be in a burning building at those temperatures, let's just say a rig falling on you would be the least of your worries!)

Urban Myth : I've been told I can do a 1-day course so I can self-certify my lifting equipment

STATUS: NOT TRUE

Being a competent Inspector is not something you can learn overnight. The key is whether you can prove yourself competent in the eyes of the law, in the event of an equipment failure.

Test Engineers are like plumbers and electricians – they are time served in the Entertainment industry, and work with Rigging equipment every day. They have years of experience in what is acceptable wear and tear, and what needs replacing urgently.

DarkSide always recommends that any Test & Inspection work is carried out by an Engineer who has qualifications from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).

See our new Customer Guides section for more information about Test & Inspection

Urban Myth: STAC chain is safe to use for dynamic lifting in the EU

STATUS: NOT TRUE

STAC is a long link chain, and does not conform to any EU standard, or the Machinery Directive.

If you talk to any chain maker, they will tell you that under no circumstances should STAC be used for lifting as it doesn't meet EU legislation standard EN818*.

The only chain that can be used for lifting and suspension is short link chain with the correct fittings.

[* - REFERENCE: Standard EN818-6:2000. Title of Standard: Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Chain slings. Specification for information for use and maintenance to be provided by the manufacturer]

Urban Myth: Double brakes on Electric Chain Motors means additional safety

STATUS: NOT TRUE

On its own, a double braked chain hoist offers absolutely no benefit whatsoever. There are however 2 standards you should be aware of.

D8+: This is a chain hoist with a 10:1 safety factor and a double brake. This means the hoist meets standard to suspend above people.

BGV-C1: This is a hoist with 10:1 safety factor, double brakes, overload monitoring and a whole host of additional safety equipment. Also you will need a BGV-C1 controller. In this configuration you are able to lift/lower above a live audience.

DarkSide would always recommend secondary safeties in the form of load arrestors. But where this is not possible, BGV-C1 hoists can be used when combined with good risk assessment and method statement.

In short, a double braked hoist is a waste of money.

Urban Myth: Shackles have to be individually numbered

STATUS: NOT TRUE

Shackles are usually identified by a batch number or code, which is created at the time the shackle is cast. This identifies when and where the shackle was made, and so makes it fully traceable.

It is not a legal requirement that each shackle is individually numbered or labeled, either with a tag or a stamp.

Stamping can actually affect the integrity of a shackle. The DarkSide Rigging Specialists do not recommend the stamping of shackles, unless specifically requested by the manufacturer.

These are just a few of our favourite Urban Myths. If you've come across an Urban Myth that you'd like the DarkSide Rigging Specialists to bust, e-mail us NOW: info@riggingsupplies.co.uk

Intended for information only. DarkSide Industries Ltd accepts no legal responsibility for anyone acting upon the information contained herein.

Call DarkSide NOW for more details on 01274 772117

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