Materials Handling (including Gear and Equipment for Rigging) » Inspection
Potential Hazards:

Failure to adequately inspect material handling devices and rigging gear before use is necessary to ensure safe operations. Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review Shipbreaking: Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.


Inspection
Figure 1: Rigger inspecting wire rope slings and shackles before use
Figure 1: Rigger inspecting wire rope slings and shackles before use.

Figure 2: Toppled crane caused by overloading
Figure 2: Toppled crane caused by overloading.

Figure 3: Riggers inspecting chain lifts before use
Figure 3: Riggers inspecting chain lifts before use.

Figure 4: Workers verifying load will not exceed the safe working load of lifting equipment and gear
Figure 4: Workers verifying load will not exceed the safe working load of lifting equipment and gear.

It is a requirement that all material handling equipment be inspected. There are specific inspection requirements for:
  • Ropes, chains, and slings.
  • Shackles and hooks.
  • Chain falls and pull-lifts.
  • Hoisting and hauling equipment.
  • Use of gear.
Potential Hazards:

Failure to adequately inspect material handling devices and rigging gear may allow unsafe equipment to be used, and may result in serious accidents.

Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • Material handling gear and equipment used for materials handling and rigging must be inspected before each shift and, when necessary, at intervals during its use to ensure its safety. [29 CFR 1915.111(a)] See Figure 3.
  • Defective material handling gear must be removed and repaired or replaced before further use. [29 CFR 1915.111(a)]
  • The safe working load of material handling gear must not be exceeded. [29 CFR 1915.111(b)] See Figure 4.
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