There was a post on related issues a little while ago and I think someone posted the relevant standards, see if you can find it. I know the search doesn't always work great but it'll be worth a try.
KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...
There are many standards for lifting equipment, most of which are concensus standards. Some have become law through OSHA adoption.
DOE-STD-1090 is a good reference which lists many of the other standards.
Which standard you need may depend upon what sort of lifting eauipment you are interested in (cranes, slings, forklift trucks, etc,), and what you are lifting (personnel, nuclear materials, steel, etc).