Safe working load (SWL) is commonly referred to as the maximum lifting capacity of mechanical handling and lifting equipment.
However, it’s good to note that while many people search for and still refer to ‘safe working load’ (including the HSE here in the UK) – the term has been phased out in many other locations.
Instead, it’s now more common to see terms such as working load limit (WLL), normal working load (NWL), minimum breaking strength (MBS) and maximum rated capacity (MRC).
So while this post will refer to safe working loads, you should check your country’s safety standards, along with the manufacturers’ ratings to find the applicable terminology, since this will differ depending on your location.
Metreel specialises in lifting equipment including cranes, hoists and balancers.
In this post, we’ll cover why understanding safe lifting loads, in general, is important for both personnel and equipment in any environment where the lifting of heavy loads takes place.
What Is A Safe Working Load (SWL) Or Normal Working Load (NWL)?
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) states that employers “must protect workers from the risk of injury from manual handling”.
This includes safe working loads, which the HSE adds must be clearly marked on all lifting equipment and accessories. Furthermore, the SWL must be shown to represent all potential configurations, such as “where the hook of an engine hoist can be moved to different positions”.
In instances where equipment is used to lift people, the number of people that can be transported in addition to the SWL needs to be clearly marked.
Whether using the terms safe working load (SWL) or normal working load (NWL) – the aim is to find out the maximum safe force that a piece of lifting equipment can withstand to lift, suspend or lower without the risk of breaking.
It is the risk of equipment breakage why terms such as MBS (minimum breaking strength) and minimum breaking load (MBL) are also commonly used on lifting equipment.
You may also be interested in: WLL Vs SWL
Why Is It Important To Lift Within The Stated Safe Limit?
Any abbreviation which denotes safety parameters needs to be respected by all those who use lifting and material handling equipment (MHE).
This is because that equipment will have been rigorously tested and observed to see what level of force has the potential to degrade or break that equipment. If this limit were to be reached by the user, it could cause catastrophic injuries to personnel or irreparable damage to the equipment itself.
Knowing the SWL also allows for effective load planning and distribution. This ensures that loads can be safely lifted, lowered or repositioned while being distributed to prevent imbalances.
Employers may also be subject to legal action by the HSE or their local authority if it is found that the proper safety procedures were not being followed.
How To Find The SWL, NWL, MBS Or MBL
Depending on the applicable terminology, the information that states safe load limits should always be found on the equipment and accessories itself. This is to allow the equipment operator or equipment wearer to review the information before operation to ensure safe practices can be followed.
For any lifting or handling equipment manufactured by Metreel, we also display the safe working load (SWL) on our product pages.
For instance, our Jib Cranes can boast a maximum SWL of 1,000kg depending on the model selected. Safe load limit information is also printed onto the equipment itself so that the information is constantly available to review.
Safe Working Load (SWL) FAQs
We hope you’ve read above to learn more about the SWL meaning. Here, our lifting experts will answer a few more questions.
Or, for anything related to the SWL of Metreel lifting equipment, please get in touch by calling 0115 932 7010.
How Can You Identify The Safe Working Load Of Equipment?
Since the safe working load (SWL) is a crucial piece of information, details about the SWL should be very clearly displayed on the lifting equipment. Often, the SWL will be marked on a tag or label or directly engraved on the equipment itself.
Additionally, details of the SWL can be found in the manufacturer’s documentation. It should also be listed in the equipment inspection records.
What Happens If The Safe Working Load Is Exceeded?
Exceeding the safe working load can have serious consequences such as equipment damage, structural failure or dropped loads. Ultimately, ignoring any safety advice can result in workplace injuries or fatalities.
The risks of exceeding the safe working load (SWL) is why strict adherence to SWL limits is essential for workplace safety.
Where Is Safe Working Load Used?
Safe Working Load (SWL) is a term you’ll be familiar with if you use any type of lifting equipment such as cranes, hoists, slings, wire ropes or hooks.
Examples of some of the most common applications include construction, manufacturing, shipping, logistics and warehousing.
What Factors Affect Safe Working Load?
The SWL of lifting equipment can be subject to change, including reduced capacity ratings. The risk factors include wear and tear, environmental conditions, angle of lifting and the type of material being lifted.
These potential risk factors must be assessed when planning lifting operations to ensure the lift can safely go ahead, including based on potential impacts on the safe working load.
How Often Should Lifting Equipment Be Inspected For SWL Compliance?
As noted at the start of this post, every country will have different requirements pertaining to safety requirements, including the frequency of inspections.
However, the general guidance is that all lifting equipment should be regularly inspected and tested. Typically, this includes a visual inspection before each use, as well as periodic and scheduled maintenance.
As part of any equipment certification checks, ensuring that the equipment still meets its safe working load rating should also be included.
Metreel – Lifting And Handling Equipment For Safer And More Efficient Workplaces
Do you have any further questions about safe lifting in your workplace?
Metreel is based in Derbyshire and supplies lifting and handling equipment across the UK and beyond. Some of our lifting products include jib cranes, workstation cranes, monorails, gantries, track systems hoists and balancers.
Discover more about out products by visiting our product brochure page.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to place an order or have any questions, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or email us at [email protected].