• All chains other than briddle chains attached to derricks on mass and all rings, hooks, shackles and swivels used in hoisting or lowering shall, unless they have been subjected to such treatment as an Inspector may, subject to confirmation by the Chief Inspector approve, be effectively annealed under supervision of a competent person and at the following intervals:
  • 12.5 milimetre and smaller chains, rings, hooks, shackles and swivels in general use, once at least in every six months; and
  • 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 submitted for six months in sub-clause (a) and two years for twelve months in sub-clause (b):
• Provided further that where an Inspector is of the opinion that owing, to the size, design material or frequency of use of any such gear or class of such gear, the requirements of this regulation as to annealing is not necessary for the protection of dock workers, he may by certificate in writing (which he may at his discretion revoke) and subject to confirmation by the Chief Inspector exempt such gear or class of gear from such requirement subject to such conditions as may be specified in such certificate.
• Sub-regulation (1) shall not apply to;
  
  • pitched chains, working on sprocket of sprocketed wheels;
  • rings, hooks and swivels permanently attached to pirched chain, pulley blocks or weighing machines; and
  • hooks and swivels having ball bearings or other case hardened parts.
• All chains and loose gears made from high tensile steel or alloy steel be plainly marked with an approved mark indicating that they are so made. No chain or loose gear made from high tensile steel or alloy steel shall be subject to any form of heat treatment except where necessary for the purpose of repair and under the direction of a competent person.
• If the past history of wrought iron gear is not known or if it is suspected that the gear has been heat treated at incorrect temperature, it shall be normalised before using the same for dock work.