Specify, Select and Inspect Rigging Equipment

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Inspection of your rigging equipment is one of the most important tasks that you must perform as a rigger. When working with wire rope slings, it is important that you get into the habit of using a pre-use inspection checklist. Here is a sample of one for you to go over.

Wire Rope Slings

Pre-Use Inspection Checklist

  • Inspect daily before use and frequently during use
  • Slings must be removed from service when any substandard condition exists
  • Excessive randomly distributed broke wires (determined by your organization)
  • Severe localized wear, abrasion, or scraping
  • Kinking, crushing, under-stranding, bird-caging, core protrusion, and any other damage resulting in distortion of the rope structure
  • Evidence of heat damage
  • End attachments that are cracked, deformed or worn
  • Hooks or latches deformed or damaged
  • Corrosion of the rope or end attachment
  • Each wire rope sling should be marked to show:
    • Name or trademark of manufacturer
    • Rated load capacity for the types of hitches, and the angle upon which it is based
    • Diameter or size