Rigging Inspection Documentation Requirements
Everyone knows that rigging gear gets inspected, but do you know when it needs to be inspected and documented, and by whom?
A designated competent person performs rigging inspections, and a qualified person shall examine any deficiencies found during the inspections. The qualified person will determine whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard and what must be done to mitigate it.
Inspections are broken into three general categories:
- Initial
- Frequent
- Periodic
This sounds simple, but it is not. OSHA and ASME have a variety of standards that relate to the inspection and removal of service criteria for different types of rigging products:
- OSHA 1910.184 – Slings
- ASME B30.9 – Slings
- ASME B30.10 – Hooks
- ASME B30.20 – Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
- ASME B30.21 – Level Hoist
- ASME B30.26 – Rigging Hardware
Initial Inspection:
Most would think that when the rigging equipment is new, it should be inspected, which is true, but new rigging equipment is not the only time an initial inspection should be performed. An initial inspection also applies to altered, modified, or repaired rigging when it returns to service after being removed from service for any reason.
Equipment-Specific Rigging Inspection Requirements:
Chain and Metal Mesh Slings: Documentation is required with individual identification markings.
Below-The-Hook Lifting Devices: Documentation is required for any operation or load testing of new, reinstalled, modified or repaired devices.
Load Indicating Devices: Within The Rigging Hardware Standard, a written record of the inspection must be created.
Frequent Inspection (Daily or Prior to Use):
A Competent Person should perform a visible/function inspection daily, or pre-shift, of all hardware, slings, and attachments for damage, defects, or deformities. Users should not rely on a once-a-day inspection if the gear is being used multiple times throughout the day. Documentation is not required.
Each month that a below-the-hook lifting device is in service, even if not used, it shall receive an inspection.
Periodic inspection:
A complete and thorough inspection shall be made of everything used for lifting. Below-the-hook lifting devices, chain and/or metal mesh slings, and load indication devices shall receive a documented inspection, and the documentation shall record the condition of each individual item.
Although OSHA Regulations specifically address this inspection for chain slings. All other slings shall receive a documented inspection; however, the inspection records of individual slings are not required. This applies only to wire rope and synthetic slings.
Rigging hardware shall be inspected; however, records of this inspection are not required.
The actual interval of both the frequent and periodic is not fixed. The environment, condition, and use of the rigging may require more frequent inspection.
ASME standards provide additional guidelines for Periodic inspections:
- Normal = Yearly
- Severe Service = Monthly to Quarterly
- Special Service = As determined by the Qualified Person
ASME Defines these types of service as follows:
- Normal service that involves loads within the rated capacity
- Severe service that involves normal service coupled with abnormal operating conditions
- Special service that does not meet the normal or severe service conditions must be determined by the qualified person
Compliance
Now that we have identified the types of inspections that require documentation, where does compliance come in?
While OSHA is very specific about the need for a documented periodic inspection of chain slings, they do state that prior to use, all slings, attachments, and fitting shall be inspected. They are also aware of the requirements of ASME and may ask to see the records of all rigging inspections.
If they find damaged gear in use, they will cite you for both the damaged gear and the lack of inspections that would have prevented that gear from entering service.
Ignorance or a lack of understanding of the rigging inspection requirements is not a defense in a court of law. Trained qualified riggers and supervisors are your first line of defense against rigging failure.
Elevate Your Teams Rigging Expertise
The experts at CICB can help guide you through this maze of Regulations, Standards, and Documentation on your path to compliance. The end goal is increased effectiveness, efficiency and a safer work site. Contact our team to get started.
