Materials Handling (including Gear and Equipment for Rigging) >> Inspection

Figure 1: Improper practice - Worker riding crane hook exposed to fall and entanglement hazards
Figure 1: Improper practice - Worker riding crane hook exposed to fall and entanglement hazards.

Potential Hazard

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

Figure 2: Improper practice - Workers near suspended workbasket and supported load
Figure 2: Improper practice - Workers near suspended workbasket and supported load.

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)]
  • 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)]
Figure 3: Wire sling and shackle

Potential Hazard

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

Figure 4: Chain falls in use
  • 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)]
  • 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)]
Figure 5: Worker inspecting wire rope slings Figure 6: Safe load of chain fall illegibly marked