Rigging Safety
Inspection of wire rope slings is a responsibility for all employees. Supervisors, riggers, or any employee that handles wire rope should be keeping their eyes and ears open for unsafe or hazardous practices and equipment at any location. Spotting misuse or abuse of equipment can often save lives and should be a regular part of your routine. Any time that you become aware of these hazards make sure you report them to the user or your supervisor.
The following safety tips are for anyone involved in rigging and/or the inspection of wire rope. CAUTION – Slings shall be removed from service if any of the following conditions exist:
*10 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, or 5 broken wires in one strand in one lay.
*Wear or scraping on one-third the original diameter of the outside individual wires.
*Kinking, crushing, bird caging, or any other damage to the wire rope structure.
*The evidence of heat damage to the wire rope.
*End attachments that are cracked, deformed or worn.
*Significant corrosion of the rope or end attachments.
*Hooks that have been opened more than fifteen percent of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point, or twisted more than ten degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.
If you check your rigging on a regular basis and remove any defective wire rope, then we know that the rigging won’t fail during use. Remember, wire rope is only as strong as the weakest part of the wire. Don’t take chances with damaged rigging. The accident you prevent could save a life…
NEVER HEAT A WIRE ROPE WITH A CUTTING TORCH.