RH : Rigging Hardware & Its Failure

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Chapter:- Rigging & Hoisting

Rigging Hardware & Its Failure

     Explain dangers:

• Rigging is only as strong as its weakest link. Workers’ lives depend on the strength of that link.
• It doesn’t matter what safe working load is stamped on a hook if the hook is cracked and twisted or opening up at the throat. It can’t deliver its full rated capacity.
• Inspection is vital in rigging and hoisting.

Identify controls:

• Rigging hardware must have enough capacity for the job. Only load - rated hardware of forged alloy steel should be used for hoisting. Load - rated hardware is stamped with its working load limit or WLL.
• Adequate capacity is the first thing to look for in rigging hardware. For hoisting, the design factor must be 5 to 1.
• Once the right hardware has been chosen for a job, it has to be inspected regularly as long as it’s in service.

There are warning signs that hardware has been weakened in use and should be replaced.

• Cracks:-  Inspect closely —some cracks are very fine.
• Missing parts:-  Make sure that parts such as clips, and cotter pins in shackle pins are still in place.
• Stretching:-  Check hooks, shackles, and chain links for signs of opening up, elongation, and distortion.
• Stripped threads:-  Inspect turnbuckles, shackles, and cable clips

Demonstrate:

Using samples of hardware on site, review the following points.

Cable Clips

• Check for wear on saddle.
• Check that original parts are in place and in good condition.
• Check for cracks.
• Check for proper size of the wire rope.

Shackles

• Check for wear and cracks on saddle and pin.
• Check that pin is straight and properly seated.
• Check that legs of shackle are not opening up.

Hooks

• Check for wear, twisting, and cracks.
• Make sure that hook is not opening up.

Turnbuckles

• Check for cracks and bends.
• Check rods for straightness and damage to threads. 

With your crew, inspect rigging hardware in use or stored on site. Arrange for repairs or

Replacement of any damaged or defective items.

Rigging Failure

Every year workers lose their lives as a result of improper rigging or rigging failure that allowed a load to fall while being hoisted. Some deaths occur when the load slips from the rigging, when the rigging breaks and allows the load to fall, and when the load breaks into pieces and falls while being lifted.

Always exercise caution when working around:

1. Inspect all rigging prior to use to minimize the possibility of rigging failure. 
2. Look for hazardous conditions such as wire rope deformation, strain, binding, or kinking.
3. Do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
4. Know the rated capacities of rigging and slinging and use the proper size.
5. Ensure that loads are rigged to minimize the potential for dropped loads.
6. Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts.
7. Determine a safe location to stand to avoid being struck by the load if rigging fails, or the load shifts while making lifts.