Posted By Tabs "They are thoroughly examined yearly by Royal Sun Alliance." This is your starting point - talk to your insurers as to what they are willing to underwrite. "Does anyone know if our on-site Mechanical Engineer- apprentice trained 20 yrs ago- would be competent to replace defective chain link, shackles and hooks/catches without having to out source?" Unless he has used these skills almost continuously, I would suggest retraining and assessment of skills are required. "If yes what testing would need to be performed if any before being re-introduced into the works." Full load tests, and visual inspections, as per appropriate BS - preferably by someone else, not the person conducting the repairs. "On a like for like replacement would the existing test cert be valid until the next thorough examination, or does the chain sling need to be load tested and re-certified no matter what?" It is never going to be "like for like" if a component is replaced or repaired ... I would suggest it must be retested and re-certified, but the appropriate BS should tell you more. Someone needs to do a thorough bit of thinking and process control design, but there is nothing I know of to stop you doing it. You should look at getting a serious quality standard behind it all too - process controls are the key and must be absolutely incorruptible.

Posted By Rob Forrestall Thanks to all who replied to this thread. Will have a look into the training information provided. Rob