Rigging equipment must be immediately removed from service when it exhibits visible damage, compromised structural integrity, or missing identification tags, as mandated by OSHA standard 1926.251.
- Specifically, synthetic slings require immediate removal if you detect acid burns, melting, snags, punctures, or tears.
- For alloy steel chain slings, inspectors must look for excessive chain stretch, cracked welds, or deformed, bent, or twisted links.
- Wire rope slings must be retired when the number of broken wires exceeds allowable limits. Under ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184, the threshold is 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or five broken wires in one strand in one lay. OSHA 1926.251 (construction) uses a different criterion: 10% of total wires in 8 rope diameters.
- Additionally, any deformed, cracked, or significantly worn hardware, including hooks, shackles, and master links, necessitates immediate decommissioning.
Regular inspections by a competent person are required to ensure all lifting gear meets these strict safety tolerances before every shift. Documenting these inspections is an industry best practice recommended by ASME B30.9.
Download our comprehensive Rigging Inspection Checklist to standardize your daily equipment evaluations.