0027/nd guidelines for Marine Lifting and Lowering Operations

14.4 
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHACKLES 
14.4.1 
The construction of shackles should be according to a recognised code and method. 
14.4.2 
Every shackle should be proof load tested after fabrication. The proof load for shackles should be as 
listed below. 

For a WLL ≤ 25 tonnes the proof load shall be 2 x WLL; 

For a WLL > 25 tonnes the proof load shall be 1.22 x WLL + 20 tonnes 
14.4.3 
A shackle shall not be used if the inspection after the proof loading reveals any geometrical 
deformations, cracks, or other defects. 
14.4.4 
Shackles required to be wet stored for an extended period prior to use (e.g. for the recovery of a 
subsea asset) shall have adequate resistance against all possible mechanisms of degradation and the 
material properties shall be documented accordingly. For certification requirements, see Section 
15.3.11.  
14.5 
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION OF LIFTING TOOLS 
14.5.1 
The construction of lifting tools should be according to a recognised code and method. 
14.5.2 
All material shall be suitable for the intended service conditions and shall have adequate properties of 
strength, ductility, toughness and weldability.
14.5.3 
All material should be certified with traceability of material used in the fabrication of the lifting tool. 
14.5.4 
All hydraulic activated lifting tools shall be pressure tested to 1.5 x the design pressure.
11 

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GUIDELINES
 
FOR
 
MARINE
 
LIFTING
 
&
 
LOWERING
 
OPERATIONS 
0027/ND Rev 11 
 
Page 50 of 84 
14.5.5 
If used, the hydraulic systems should be ‘fail-safe’ in nature, i.e. in the event of hydraulic power loss, 
the tool will continue to transmit normal operating loads. 
14.5.6 
All relevant test certificates shall be issued by an IACS member (see Section 10.2.1 for IACS details) 
or other recognised certification body accepted by GL Noble Denton.
14.5.7 
Automatic lifting tools shall have systems in place to control the stress in the lifted item in order to 
prevent excessive local stress for sensitive items. Redundant mechanical systems must be in place in 
case of power loss. 
14.5.8 
Operating and monitoring procedures of lifting tools should be adequate to ensure the prevention of all 
critical and foreseeable operational errors. External and internal hydraulic lifting tools should have: 

a remote monitoring system close to/visible from the crane driver’s cab; 

a pressure gauge (or indicator) in the system, showing when the tool is closed or open 

a duplicate pressure gauge (or indicator), as close as safely possible to the tool to avoid 
influences in pressure reading 

a secondary method of release in the event of hydraulic system failure