What is a Rigging Inspection Checklist?
A rigging inspection checklist ensures that the equipment used by workers meets the OSHA and ASME standards for safety. The items on the checklist will indicate whether each part of the rigging equipment is safe for use and properly maintained. Moreover, the items will vary depending on the type of inspection.
In this article, the following points are explained:
1. Types of rigging inspections
2. Common problems in rigging inspections
3. Preparing for a rigging inspection
4. A digital solution to rigging inspection checklists
What are the Different Types of Rigging Inspections?
There are three main types of rigging inspections: OSHA, visual, and periodic. Visual and periodic inspections are mandatory. OSHA will determine the when, where, and if particulars of their visit and most likely will not inform you ahead of time. Regardless, a visual inspection should be done prior to each use due to the dangerous nature of rigging work.
Here are three different types of rigging inspections:
OSHA Inspection
Since OSHA is the agency that enforces safety and health legislation, they can come to the worksite and conduct an inspection. They will check whether your workplace complies with the safety guidelines, including the condition of your rigging equipment. OSHA will not normally inform you when and if they plan to conduct an evaluation or not. Therefore, each piece of equipment must always be ready for these surprise visits.
Visual Inspection
It is conducted before each use of the rigging equipment. The person in charge has to visually check each part for wear and tear.
Periodic Inspection
A safety inspector carries out this detailed inspection of the rigging hardware. It is usually done every month or on a quarterly basis.
What are the Common Problems that Occur During a Rigging Inspection?
Here are some of the most common problems in rigging equipment:
Damaged or Missing ID Tags
The ID tag is the most important part of the rig because it contains critical information like the working load limit and product specs. However, ID tags often get lost or damaged because of wear and tear. To avoid this, use ID tags that will withstand the working environment. If you constantly lose it, you need to check whether you are following the best practice guidelines.
Damage to Synthetic Slings
Synthetic slings are very popular because they are strong and flexible. Despite this, you still have to consider the environment where it will be used when choosing the sling for the lift. The most common damage in slings includes excessive wear, worn stitching, and minor cuts. These types of slings are highly susceptible to stretching when used incorrectly.
If you notice punctures, broken stitching, and other damages, remove the sling immediately. If you’re using chemical cleaning agents, take note that these solutions can cause degradation to the sling and will affect its performance.
Stretched or Bent Links
Chain links often get most of the beating than other parts of the rigging equipment. Most often, workers think that chains are stronger than they are, so they forget that they are also susceptible to damage. The most common cause of damage comes from loading the rig with more weight than the chain can handle. It can break, stretch, or crack the chain links. To avoid this, make sure you follow the weight load limit indicated on the ID tag.
Corrosion or Deformation of Wires
If you notice the following problems with the wire rope, remove it from service immediately:
- Severe wear
- Wire breaks
- Wire fractures
- Corrosion
- Bird caging
- Deformation
The working environment, the design, and the installation of the fire are the three factors that affect how long the wire rope will last. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the equipment design and the operating environment.
Broken or Damaged Hardware
Below the hook devices must always bear a mark and be manufactured by a licensed manufacturer. However, the opposite happens most of the time and that often causes the problem. The information on the tag should contain crucial information, such as device weight and weight load limit. Operators need this to calculate the capacity of the rig or if a problem arises. If this information is missing, remove the rig out of service.
How to Prepare for a Rigging Inspection?
OSHA and ASME ensure that workplaces comply with safety procedures. To make sure that you pass a third-party inspection, here are some tips to get the job done:
Understand the Purpose of Inspections
Why is there an inspection? How often should rigging equipment be inspected?
Generally, the main goal of the checkup is to stay compliant with the regulations. So when an inspector comes to your workplace, he will be checking whether your equipment complies with the regulated standards. He will also check if employees are working under safe policies and using appropriate equipment.
Be Aware of What’s Going to be Inspected
The answer could vary but the equipment that must be inspected depends on your specific job description. Here are some items that most probably will be included:
- Spreader beams
- Hooks
- Lanyards
- Synthetic slings
- Alloy chain slings
- Lever tools
- Turn blocks
- Shackles
- Harnesses
Take note that you can use the results to create compliance and maintenance procedures in the future.
Prepare the Necessary Documents Ahead of Time
Documenting everything and keeping the records even from previous years can help the inspection flow smoothly.
It will show inspectors what needs to be checked and give them a reference point so they know the scope and cost of the inspection. On the other hand, incomplete information can delay the inspection and incur more costs on your part.
Orient the Inspectors
A visiting inspector is not familiar with your workplace. You are responsible for conducting an orientation for them so they are aware of what they are facing.
Inform them of what hazards to look out for, what’s happening in the workplace, and the proper protective equipment they need. Even a quick 10-minute briefing can prevent accidents and injuries.
How can a Digital Solution be Used for Rigging Inspection Checklists?
Employees who use rigging equipment regularly in their job are at greater risk than the average worker because of the heavy objects that are prone to fall if weight limits are exceeded. That’s why it’s so important to use a daily checklist to inspect the integrity of your rigging equipment. We understand that this is a time-consuming and often overlooked part of the job, but a necessary one. With Lumiform, you can speed up the inspection process by up to 30%-40% faster, depending on its application.
In addition, the super intuitive mobile app by Lumiform allows you to do the following:
- Automatically schedule inspections to the responsible colleagues, and be notified immediately if inspections are missed or skipped.
- Save time, money, lives with the instant messaging feature, so you can notify colleagues and managers instantly if there are any hazards onsite.
- The flexible form builder kit allows you to convert any paper documents or reports into digital checklists in minutes
- Upload photographic evidence of broken or damaged rigging to be saved for later analysis.
