3) The best hook designs therefore either have the point of the hook turned in or protected in some other way, i.e. ‘C’ hook. Where safety catches are fitted the hook must be immediately withdrawn from use if a defect occurs.
4) Loads should only be applied to hooks at the place specifically designed to take them, i.e. the bed of the hook. Loading at any other place. e.g. the point, can only result in greatly overstressing the hook, causing it to open or even break. To avoid overloading the point of any hook, all lifting rings or holes should be large enough to take whole hook and where, for example, flat plates are to be raised, only properly designed plate clamps should be used.