Water Weights: Proof load testing of lifting equipment

In many countries proof load testing of lifting equipment such as cranes is a mandatory requirement. Such requirements are legal minimums and many companies and industries set rigorous standards.
For the first time in India, FAFECO (Furnace & Foundry Equipment Co.), a leading manufacturer of high capacity cranes and other material handling equipment, has introduced Water Weights, a specialised, innovative, safe and unique method for load testing cranes and other MH equipment and structure. FAFECO has teamed up with Water Weights, a division of IMES, UK, the pioneers of the system of specialised load testing through use of water filled proof load bags.
Proof load testing is an essential part of any inspection, repair and maintenance programme. In India, annual proof load testing of lifting equipment is a statutory requirement. A successful proof load test instills confidence in customer, operator and owner.
Water Weights load testing involves the use of lightweight, empty, poof load bags that are made up of specially developed super-strong PVC, are suspended from or placed on the equipment/structure to be tested, and then gradually filled with water to systematically build up the load to the required level. These bags have a simple system of manual release of the water permits the load to be withdrawn immediately whenever required to avoid mishaps, in case at any point of testing it appears that the equipment may not be able to withstand the load.
Water Weights water filled proof load bags is designed to provide a test load instead of traditional solid weights. This highly engineered and certified system allows a safe, practical and economical method for load testing. The development of Water Weights bags has increased greatly the practicality, economy and safety of providing proof load testing in marine, industrial and engineering applications.

Applications
Marine: Offshore installations, shipbuilding and repair companies and docks and harbours use Water Weights for testing applications like cranes, davits, derricks, winches, lifeboats, ramps and lifts, and pad eyes.
Industrial: Power stations, refineries, factories and crane companies use Water Weights for testing overhead cranes, beams, gantries and elevators.
Engineering: Specialised Water Weights products and services are used by structural engineers, construction companies, naval architects and engineers, and logistics management companies for floor and bridge tests, ballast and counterweight, water and liquid storage, tanks and liners, load measurement, and cargo manifesting and data logging.

Advantages
Safe: Water Weights water bags have a physically proven factor of safety in excess of 6:1 and are proof load tested to over 2:1 prior to being taken into services. When performing load test, gradual application of the load allows many problems to be identified prior to attaining maximum load.
Economical: Water Weights bags weigh less than 2 per cent of achievable load allowing for considerable savings in transport, storage and labor cost.
Flexible: A wide range different sizes of Water Weights bags is available. Bags can be hung in combinations to achieve large loads.
Simple: Water Weights bags are very light, aiding handling. These bags are fully rigged and ready to hang and fill.
Certified: All Water Weights bags are certified to the UK Health and Safety Executive Safety Requirements and the American Bureau of Shipping. Even Water Weights are approved to ISO 9001:2000.
Says Shyam M. Gurnani, Partner, Fafeco, "With the introduction of Water Weights in India, the company can now ensure more safety to people that work in conditions where any negligence on the part of the authorities or the manning of the equipment can result in huge amount of losses, both of tangible value and reputation."