Rigging Gear and Hardware Inspection Tips

A productive and successful workplace is safe. A slight or significant mishap may easily ruin a project, resulting in costly downtime and low morale on the job site. There are things that each individual employee can do prior to a lift to ensure their safety as well as others on site.

What to Inspect Before a Lift

• Your gear
• Your Fall Protection equipment
• Your hardware
• Your surroundings

For those of you that have been in the industry for years, this may be as familiar as the back of your hand. However, for the safety of the entire team, it is important everyone on site (in all experience levels) are aware of these pre-lift inspections and that nothing is overlooked. Due to inevitable rigging and safety wear and tear over time, personal and professional equipment inspections are crucial to adhering to safety standards.

Rigging Hardware Inspection

How Often Should I Inspect My Rigging Hardware?

• Each day before the rigging hardware is used, the user or designated person must conduct a visual inspection.
• A designated person must conduct a regular inspection at least once a year.

How Do I Inspect Common Rigging Hardware for Deformities?

The rigging hardware must be examined, and a determination produced as to whether it poses a risk or not. It is not necessary to keep written documents. Periodic inspections are required in semi-permanent and inaccessible areas where frequent inspections are not possible.

Common Signs of Rigging Hardware Damage

• Manufacturer's name or trademark is missing or unreadable, and/or rated load identification is missing or illegible (or size as required)
• A reduction of 10% or more of the original dimension
• Load bearing components that are bent, twisted, distorted, stretched, extended, cracked, or shattered
• Excessive nicks, gouges, pitting, and rust are all signs of corrosion.
• Weld spatter or arc strikes, as well as indications of unauthorized welding, are all signs of heat damage.
• Nuts, bolts, cotter pins, snap rings, and other fasteners and holding devices that are loose or missing

Webbing, Lines, and Sling Inspection

How Often Should I Inspect Webbing, Lines, and Slings?

• Designate a Competent Person to visually examine synthetic web slings and any fastenings and attachments for damage, flaws, or deformities daily.
• As for professional product inspections, they should be performed every 12 months (at minimum).
• If the slings are more frequently used, it is smart to have them professionally inspected monthly or quarterly.

How Do I Inspect Webbing, Lines, and Slings?

It is important to double-check the sling to make sure that the rated capacity meets the needs of your project.

Common Signs of Web Sling Damage

• Holes, cuts, snags
• Excessive wear or abrasion
• Knots along any part of the sling
• Brittle or stiff areas on any part of the sling this may be a result of UV or chemical damage
• Fitting that is corroded, bent, pitted or broke
• Missing or illegible sling identification

Your company may elect to examine synthetic web slings more frequently than the minimum yearly requirement, depending on the harshness of the working environment and the frequency of usage. However, sometimes it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

Fall Protection Equipment Inspection

How Often Should I Inspect Fall Protection Equipment?

• Daily by the user
• At least yearly by a professional inspector

How Do I Inspect Fall Protection Equipment?

Like web slings, fall protection equipment can be inspected by a visual inspection by the product user. A Fall Protection system should be inspected regularly, at least yearly if not more. All hardware, including hooks, buckles, and D-rings, should be inspected. Examine the items for any cracks or issues. All components that fail should be taken out of service immediately.

Common Reasons Fall Protection Equipment Fails Inspection

• Broken, cut, burned, or pulled stitches
• Broken strands of webbing
• Corrosive, heat, or chemical damage
• Broken strands on the rope lanyard

Taking a few seconds to do your due diligence before a lift ensures your personal safety as well as everyone around you. If you are due for your yearly inspection or like to have your gear professionally inspected prior to a lift, contact Hercules.

Inspection Services From Hercules

• Web Sling Service
• Round Sling Service
• Chain Sling Service
• Hoist Service
• Fall Protection Harness Service
• Fall Protection Lanyard Service