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.

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

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.
Figure 2: Toppled crane caused by overloading

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 3: Riggers inspecting chain lifts before use

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