Rigging Inspection

General Requirements

All slings must be rated for the load to be lifted. The Working Load Limit (WLL) can be found on the sling's identification tag (or in tables and charts for wire rope slings). Manufacturer's instructions will provide additional criteria for when damage or wear is excessive and the item must be replaced.

Loads must be properly rigged at the center of gravity so that the load is balanced and stable, and additional stress is not placed on the sling. Loads must be secured, if necessary (ex. a pallet of materials). Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the sling for acceptable angles (90 deg, 60 deg, 45 deg). The lifting capacity may decrease with the angle of the sling.

Inspection forms for common types of slings are available under Documents.

Chain Slings

Inspect for these issues and mark with a tag or orange paint before removing from service. Inspections may be documented on the Chain Sling Rigging Inspection Form.

• Twists or bends
• Nicks or gouges
• Stretching
• Excessive wear at bearing points
• Distorted/damaged links or attachments

Nylon Slings

Inspect for these issues and mark with a tag or orange paint before removing from service. Inspections may be documented on the Nylon Sling Rigging Inspection Form.

• Holes, tears, cuts, burns, snags or embedded particles
• Expousre of the red warning yarn/thread
• Broken or worn stitches in splices
• Excessive wear or elongation of sling
• Knots in the sling
• Distortion, excessive pitting, corrosion, or broken fittings
• Other apparent defects that cause doubt

Wire Rope Slings

Inspect for these issues and mark with a tag or orange paint before removing from service. Inspections may be documented on the Wire Sling Rigging Inspection Form.

• Broken wires
• Kinks
• Distortion of the rope
• Welding damage or burns
• Other apparent defects affecting strength

Engineered Lifting Devices

Engineered lifting devices are designed to simplify rigging of equipment, parts, and fixtures. They must be designed by a competent person to attach to a known part, and must be certified. Proof-testing at 125% of the WLL is the minimum. Often, manufacturer's will test to two times the WLL.

Shop-Made Lifting Devices

Shop-made lifting devices that are not designed, rated, and tested by a compent person are prohibited. They often fail without notice, and must not be used or available in the workplace.