A comprehensive rigging inspection must evaluate all load-bearing components for structural integrity, wear, and legible load ratings in strict accordance with OSHA 1926.251 and ASME B30.9 standards.
- Inspectors must meticulously check wire rope slings for broken wires, kinking, crushing, or bird-caging that could compromise the core.
- For synthetic web slings, the examination must identify any cuts, snags, acid burns, or melting, along with missing or illegible capacity tags.
- Alloy steel chains require precise measurements to detect elongation, stretch, or localized wear at load-bearing points.
- Furthermore, all rigging hardware—including shackles, hoist rings, and hooks—must be scrutinized for deformation, cracks, or a throat opening increase exceeding 5% (not to exceed 1/4 inch) or a 10-degree twist.
Any equipment exhibiting these defects must be immediately removed from service to prevent catastrophic failure during heavy lifting operations. Download our complete Rigging Inspection Checklist for a detailed, compliant guide to evaluating your lifting hardware.