Posted By Richard Webber Sean, It depends on the type of hook that you observed. A 'C' hook is open but curls inward to prevent displacement of lifting strops/chains etc. All other type of hooks must have a sprung safety catch (or be 'moused' which entails tying cord around the mouth of the hook-not to be recommended really) Have a look in section D3 of the CITB publication GE700 Richard

Posted By Martin Taylor this question is interesting to me as we constantly have a battle to maintain the safety clips on the hooks of our lifting equipment. Our environment is injectin moulding instead of construction and the clips are quite often broken by the variety of eyebolts they are applied to. This is often accepted on the principle that the gear is used only for doing straight and simple lifts on loads with eyebolts. Is there any specific guideance that mandates the use of spring clips? Martin

Posted By Sean McMahon Thanks guys, I have found the following which I think gives me the ammunition I need, it seems to be rather unequivocal. LOLER Regulation 6(1)(b)(ii) 172Where appropriate, lifting equipment should be fitted with suitable devices to minimise any risk of the load falling freely. LOLER 98 177Hooks and other similar devices provided for lifting should be of a type that reduces the risk of the load becoming displaced from the hook or other devices. 6(1) Guidance LOLER 98 178Wherever possible, hooks should be used that have safety catches fitted or are shaped to prevent the accidental displacement of the sling etc. Where this is not possible, an alternative acceptable method is to secure the throat of the hook by mousing. If vertical plate clamps are used it is important that they do not open if the load strikes a surface. 6(1) ACOP