Rigging Inspection

Safety Training

4 Basic Types of Slings

Alloy

Chain Slings
Synthetic Slings
Wire Rope Slings
Metal

Mesh Slings

Inspections On All Types Of Slings

Operator Inspection
Inspect each time before use, no records required
Technical Inspection
At a minimum once every 12 months
Records required

1910.184(e)(3)(ii) The employer shall make and

maintain a record of the most recent month in
which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly
inspected, and shall make such record available
for examination.

Alloy Chain Slings

Alloy Chain Sling Inspection

Each Time Before Use

Tag Must Be Present
Tag Must Be Legible
Hooks, No Throat Spread
No Distorted or Bent Links, Link Wear
No Distorted or Bent Couplers
Not Stretched

1910.184 (B)

Sling identification.
Alloy-steel chain slings shall have
permanently affixed durable
identification stating size, grade,
rated capacity and reach
Use Chart for checking capacity of
sling and sling angle ..

Load Capacity Chart

D RING / HAMMER LOCK

SLING REACH

Chain Slings

Rigging Protection From

Cutting or Slipping
Softeners, padding or use of blocking..

1910.184 (e)(7)(i)

1910.184(e)(7)(i)
Worn or damaged alloy steel chain
slings or attachments shall not be
used until repaired. When welding or
heat testing is performed, slings shall
not be used unless repaired,
reconditioned and proof tested by the
sling manufacturer or an equivalent
entity.

HOIST CHAIN IS GRADE 8 / CASE

HARDEN

Sling Chain is Grade 80 Will Stretch

.

SLING LATCHS

PER B30.10c Chapter 10-1 Hooks

10-1.2.1.2 (4) Inspection
Latch engagement, damaged or malfunctioning latch ( if

provided)

Care, use and Inspection

The life and strength of any Sling chains slings depends on proper inspection,
maintenance and use.

For additional information, refer to ANSI B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184

Use

To protect both operator and materials, observe these

precautions when using chain slings:

Before use, inspect chain and attachments

Do not exceed working load limit. Any of the factors listed

here can reduce the load the chain will hold:

Acceleration in rate of load application can produce

dangerous
overloading.

Variation in the angle of the load to the sling - as the angle

decreases, the working load of the sling will increase.

Free chain of all twists, knots and kinks.

Center load in hooks; hook latches must
not support load.
Avoid sudden jerks when lifting and
lowering.
Balance all loads; avoid tipping of loads.
Use
pads around sharp corners.
Do not drop load on chains.

Match
the size and working load limit of

such as hooks or rings to the

attachments
size and working load limit of the chain.
For overhead lifting, use only alloy chain
and attachments (grade 80,100,120).

INSPECTION

Inspect each link for these conditions

Nicks or gouges.

Excessive wear at bearing points.

Stretch. Cuts, burns, heat damage,

Bends or distortions in hooks

Rust or corrosion

Uneven lengths when legs are hanging free

Inspection of chain

Do not weld or perform local repairs on

chain slings
Do not use homemade links, makeshift
fasteners formed from bolts, rods, or
other non standard attachments
Do not use field fabricated hooks on
sling chains
Hook the ends of all empty chains on
the hoist hook or bull ring

SLING WEAR
MM

Inche
s

Maximum allowable wear (inches)

5.5

7/32

7.0

9/32

3/64 (.046)

10.0

3/8

5/64 (.078)

13.0

1/2

7/64 (.109)

16.0

5/8

9/64 (.140)

20.0

9/64

10/64 (.156)

22.0

3/4

11/64 (.171)

40/64 (.625)

26.0

7/8

12/64 (.187)

47/64 (.734)

32.0

16/64 (.250)

58/64 (.906)

Minimum thick-ness allowable at

(inches) link ends (inches)*
11/64 (.171)
13/64 (.203)
18/64 (.281
22/64 (.343)
27/64 (.421)
34/64 (.531)

Inspection required one time a year

Inspections
1910.184(e)(3)(i)
In addition to the inspection required by
paragraph (d) of this section, a through periodic
inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use shall
be made on a regular basis, to be determined on
the basis of (A) frequency of sling use; (B) severity
of service conditions; (C) nature of lifts being
made; and (D) experience gained on the service
life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such
inspections shall in no event be at intervals
greater than once every 12 months.

Comparisons of Chain

Grade 40 Steel Transport Chain

1/2 Links
9200# Capacity Horizontal
Grade 80 Alloy Steel Chain
1/2 Links
12,000# Capacity@90

Requirements

Rated to capacity of weakest

component
No makeshift links formed from
rods, or bolts
No mechanical coupling links

Requirements

No screw links

UNLESS APPROVED FOR OVERHEAD LIFTING

Alloy Chain Sling Use

Rated load must be reduced when

used at temperatures in excess of
600 F
Consult sling manufacturer before
use in chemical environments.

WEB & POLYESTER SLINGS

INSPECTION OF POLYESTER SLINGS

(A) INITIAL INSPECTION- BEFORE USE

- INSPECTION REQUIRED.
(B) FREQUENT INSPECTION-TO BE
MADE BY A DESIGNATED PERSON
EACH TIME THE ROUND SLING IS
USED.
(C) PERIODIC INSPECTION-TO BE
CONDUCTED AT LEAST MONTHLY.

Synthetic Slings
Sling capacity varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, it
has no set standard like wire rope does.
User must look at the Individual Sling Capacity Tag to
determine Safe Lifting Capacity of that sling.
If the Tag is not readable or is missing, Do not use it!
Inspect sling before each days use, and as often as
necessary during the day to assure safety of sling!
Sharp edges can slice a sling in two without warning as the
load is tensioned. Use softeners or padding on corners.

Synthetic Web Slings Use

Not to be used in any area where

fumes, vapors, sprays, mists, liquids,
acids, are present.
Do not use in area where
temperatures exceed 180 F.
1910.184(i)(9)

OPERATION OF POLYESTER
ROUND SLINGS

DETERMINE WEIGHT OF LOAD. The weight

of the load shall be within the rated
capacity of the polyester round sling.
Select a polyester round sling having
suitable characteristics for the type of load
, hitch and environment.
Polyester round slings shall not be loaded
in excess of the rated capacity. Consider
load angle.

Polyester slings

POLYESTER ROUND SLINGS WITH

FITTING WHICH ARE USED IN A
CHOKING HITCH SHALL BE
SUFFICIENT LENTH TO ASSURE THAT
THE CHOKING ACTION IS ON THE
ROUND SLING, AND NEVER ON THE
FITTING.

Synthetic Slings

Sling Choker Adjustments

POLYESTER SLINGS

POLYESTER SLINGS USED IN A

BASKET HITCH SHALL HAVE THE
LOAD BALANCED TO PREVENT
SLIPPAGE.
ENSURE THE SLINGS FITTING IS THE
PROPER SIZE TO FIT ON THE CRANE
HOOKS BOWL, AND OR OTHER
ATTACHMENTS.

Basket Hitch
Basket - loading with the sling passed
under the load and both ends on the hook .
You may need two slings to balance the
load

POLYSTER SLING

POLYESTER ROUND SLINGS SHALL

NOT BE TWISTED, SHORTEN,
LENGTHENED,TIED IN KNOTS, OR
JOINED BY KNOTING.

POLYESTER SLINGS

POLYESTER ROUND SLING SHALL

NOT BE DRAGGED ON THE FLOOR OR
OVER AN ABRASIVE SURFACE.
POLYESTER ROUND SLINGS SHALL
ALWAYS BE PROTECTED FROM BEING
CUT BY SHARP CORNERS,SHARP
EDGES,PROTRUSIONS.

POLYESTER SLINGS

POLYESTER SLING SHLL NOT BE

PULLED FROM UNDER LOADS WHEN
LOADS ARE RESTING ON THEM
POLYESTER ROUND SLING THAT
APPEAR TO BE DAMAGED ARE NOT
TO BE USED UNLESS INSPECTED AND
ACCEPTED.

POLYESTER SLINGS

POLYESTER SLINGS SHALL BE

HITCHED IN A MANNER PROVIDING
CONTROL OF THE LOAD.
WHEN LIFTING WITH OR WITHOUT
THE LOAD, PERSONNEL SHALL BE
ALERT FOR POSSIBLE SNAGGING OF
THE POLYESTER ROUND SLING

POLYESTER SLING

TWISTING THE LEGS SHALL BE AVOIDED

ONLY POLYESTER SLING WITH LEGIBLE
IDENTIFICATION TAGS SHALL BE USED.
TAGS AND LABELS SHOULD BE KEPT
CLEAR FROM THE LOAD AND CHOKE
POINTS
AVOID ALL SHOCK LOADS.

POLYESTER SLING REMOVAL FROM SERVICE

REMOVE FROM SERVICE IF IDENTIFICATION

IS MISSING OR UNREADABLE
MELTED,CHARRING OR WELD SPATTER ON
ANY PART OF SLING
HOLES, TEARS,CUTS,EMBEDDED
PARTICLES,ABRASIVE WEAR,OR SNAGS
THAT EXPOSE THE CORE FIBERS OF THAT
SLING

POLYESTER SLING TO
REMOVE FROM SERVICE

BROKEN OR WORN STICHING IN THE

COVER WHICH EXPOSES THE FIBER CORE

FITTING WHEN DAMAGED, STRETCHED OR

DISTORTED IN ANY WAY.

SLINGS THAT HAVE KNOTS IN THEM.

ACID OR ALKALI BURNS

Synthetic Web Sling

Inspection

Inspect each time before use

Tag present, and legible.

No Burns or melting any type.

No snags, punctures, tears, or cuts
No broken or worn stitches
No distortion of fittings
No exposed tattletales

Wire Rope Sling Use

Fiber Core ropes permanently removed

from service if exposed to
temperatures in excess of 180 F.
Consult Rope Manufacturer if iwrc
ropes used above 400 F or below -60
F
Consult Sling manufacturer Before
utilizing in any chemically active
environments.

Wire Rope Slings Inspection

Tag present, and legible

Broken wires
Wear or scraping
Kinks,Crushing, Bird Caging, or any
distortion of the rope.
Heat damage
End attachment, or Hook damage
No U-Bolt Clips utilized

Wire Rope Capacities

D/d Ratios

D / d ratio is the diameter around which

the sling is bent divided by the body
diameter of the sling

Safety Factors
To guard against failure of a wire rope in
service, the actual load on the rope should
only be a fraction of the Capacity to be
lifted.
The safety factor includes reduced capacity of
the rope below its stated breaking strength
due to wear, fatigue, corrosion, abuse.

Wire Rope Core

Monitor Reduction in Diameter

How to measure a wire rope

Maximum Broken Wires 10 per

lay, 5 per Strand

Wire Rope Construction

1910.184

1910.184(f)(5)(iii) Kinking,
crushing, bird caging or any other
damage resulting in distortion of the
wire rope structure.

1910.184(f)(5)(ii) Wear or scraping

of one-third the original diameter of
outside individual wires.

Remove Rope From Service

1910.184(f)(5)(iv) Evidence of heat damage.

1910.184(f)(5)(v) End attachments that
are cracked, deformed or worn.
1910.184(f)(5)(vi) Hooks that have been
opened more than 5 percent of the normal
throat opening measured at the narrowest
point or twisted more than 0 degrees from
the plane of the unbent hook.
1910.184(f)(5)(vii) Corrosion of the rope
or end attachments.

Sling checks before lift

Is the lifting device adequate?

Check the placard on the crane or
hoist, and then answer three
questions:
1. Is capacity adequate for this lift?
2. Will it lift high enough?
3. Is horizontal reach adequate?
Choose a sling body type which will
best support the load while
providing adequate rated capacity.

Protecting Rigging From

Damage or Environment
Rigging components are expensive to buy and to replace!
Use them properly and store them properly!
Keep wire rope slings lubricated and all rigging stored out of
the weather.
Treat the rigging as though your life depended on it!
Because it does if it fails!
Dont use makeshift rigging or attempt to repair any rigging
components.
Knots tied in rigging reduces the strength by 50% or more!

Load Angle Factors L A F X LOAD DIVIDED BY LEGS = STRESS ON SLING LEGS

^ 2,874 LBS ^

<< 707 LBS

LAF X LOAD LEGS=TENSION

LOAD ANGLE FACTOR

Load angle factor = L A F X LOAD DIVIDED BY LEGS = STRESS ON SLING LEGS

Sling Angle
load Angle Factor
90 deg 1.000
85 deg
1.004
80 deg
1.015
75 deg
1.035
70 deg
1.064
65 deg
1.104 L A F X LOAD DIVIDED BY LEGS = STRESS ON THE SLING LEG
60 deg
1.115
55 deg
1.221
50 deg
1.305
45 deg
1.414
40 deg
1.155
35 deg
1.742
30 deg
2.000
25 deg
2.364
20 deg
2.924
15 deg
3.861
10 deg
5.747
5 deg
11.490
2 LEGED SLING
90 Deg 1.000 X 1,000 LBS = 1,000 DIVIDED BY 2 = 500 LBS PER LEG
60 Deg 1.155 X 1,000 LBS = 1,155 LBS DIVIDED BY 2 = 577.50 LBS PER LEG
45 Deg 1.414 X 1,000 LBS = 1,414 LBS DIVIDED BY 2 = 707 LBS PER LEG
30 Deg 2.000 X 1,000 LBS = 2,000 LBS DIVIDED BY 2 = 1,000 LBS PER LEG
5 Deg 11.490 X 1,000 LBS = 11,490 LBS DIVIDED BY 2 = 5,745 LBS PER LEG
3 LEGED SLING
90 DEG 1.000 X 1,000 LBS = 1,000 LBS DIVIDED BY 3 = 333 LBS PER LEG
4 LEGED SLING
30 DEG 2.000 X 1,000 LBS = 2,000 LBS DIVIDED BY 4 = 500 LBS PER LEG

Open Eyebolts

Not Alloy, and Not to be used for lifting

Un-Shouldered Eyebolts
Unshouldered Max
Load Lbs.
-Thread
Size

Straight
Pull
90

1/4 - 20

500

5/16 - 18

900

3/8 - 16

1400

7/16 - 14

2000

1/2 - 13

2600

9/16 - 12

3000

5/8 - 11

4000

3/4 - 10

6000

7/8 - 9

7000

1-8

9000

1-1/8 - 7

10000

1-1/4 - 7

15000

1-1/2 - 6

19600

Alloy, No Angular loading allowed 90 only, Minimum of 2x of

shank in part to be lifted.

Shouldered Eyebolts
45

Thread Straight 45 Deg.

Pull
Pull
Size
90
45
1/4 - 20
500
125

5/16 - 18

900

225

3/8 - 16

1400

350

7/16 - 14

2000

500

1/2 - 13

2600

650

9/16 - 12

3000

750

5/8 - 11

4000

1000

3/4 10

6000

1500

7/8 9

7000

1750

18

9000

2250

1-1/8 7 10000

2500

1-1/4 7 15000

3750

1-1/2 6 19600

4900

Alloy only, Maximum load rating for eyebolts are based on a

straight vertical lift in a gradually increasing manner. Angular
lifts will significantly lower maximum loads Angular lifts must
never be more than a 45 degree pull. Shoulder must be supported
for any angular loading. Minimum of 2x of shank in part to be
lifted.

Below the Hook Lifting

Devices

Anything which does not fall under the

slings category is a below the hook
lifting fixture to include
structural,mechanical, vacuum, or
magnetic devices.
Must be designed iaw ANSI B30.20
Must
display the
following
Manufacturers
Name
and Addressinformation
Serial#
Lifter Weight if over 100# or 45kg.
Rated Load

Below the Hook Lifting

Devices Inspection

Operator Daily before use

Periodic at least annually with
records

Below the Hook B30.20

A LIFTER SHALL BE DESIGNED TO

WITHSTAND THE FORCES IMPOSED
BY ITS RATED LOAD, WITH A
MINIMUM DESIGN FACTOR OF
3,BASED ON YIELD STRENTH, FOR
LOAD BEARING STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS.

Slings

Rigging

Use approved slings & safety rules

for all rigging jobs.

RIGGING TIPS

. Prevailing work rules and government

regulations place full responsibility for
proper performance upon the rigger, so
it is his duty to be familiar with the
condition and capability of all tools and
equipment used, as well as techniques
employed. One basic rule always
applies: Always know ... never guess.
Each lift may be divided into three parts.

Rigging rule # 1

1. The Lifting Device - Know its

capability and limitations, and its
condition. When was it last
inspected? If in doubt about capacity,
check the placard.

Rule # 2
2.

The Hitch - Here is

where the rigger can
exercise ingenuity.. but it's
also the easiest place to
make a mistake.

Rule # 3
3.

The Load - The weight

must be known. But you
must also protect the load
from possible damage by
the slings ... and protect the
slings from damage by the
load.

RIGGING
Before

you select a sling for

a specific lift, determine the
most effective hitch to do the
job, protect the load, and
protect the sling. One of
three basic hitches will
usually do the job.

Basket Hitch
Basket - loading with the sling passed
under the load and both ends on the hook
or a single master link.

Chocker
Choker loading with the sling passed
through one eye and suspended by the
other.

90 Deg / Vertical
Vertical / 90 Deg loading with the the
load suspended vertically on a single part or
leg of the sling.

The Hitch
The

type of hitch you select may

determine the type of sling body
that will best do the job, as well
as the length of sling that will be
needed. Lifting height, overhead
clearance and hook travel will
affect choice of hitch and length
of sling

Check Lifting Height for proper

Clearance

RIGGING

When

attaching a
sling to eye bolts,
always pull on
line with the bolt
axis.

RIGGING
When hitching to bolts screwed
into or attached to a load, a side
pull may break the bolts.
You may need to brace the sling

Rigging Boxes / Crates

When lifting crates or wooden boxes

with a basket hitch, be sure load can
withstand side pressure as tension is
applied to sling.

Use spreader bars and corner

protectors to prevent damage to
contents.

RIGGING
You

can reduce the angle of

a choke with a wooden
block, or blocks, between
the hitch and the load. This
also increases the angle
between the two legs to
improve sling efficiency..

Tag Line

Anytime a load is lifted beyond arm's

reach with a single-part load line or
straight eye and eye sling, use a
tagline to prevent load rotation. If a
wire rope is permitted to rotate, the
strands may unlay and the rope's
capacity will be reduced

Rigging checks before lift

Is the lifting device adequate?

Check the placard on the crane or
hoist, and then answer three
questions:
1. Is capacity adequate for this lift?
2. Will it lift high enough?
3. Is horizontal reach adequate?
Choose a sling body type which will
best support the load while
providing adequate rated capacity.

The proper choice will provide

1. What is the Lifting capacity

needed.
2. Proper D/d Ratio. (Outside Dia of
sheave to outside Dia of rope)
3. Handling characteristics needed
for rigging ( Do you need a tag line?)
4. Protect your slings from damage.

5. Minimal damage to the load.

Use a shackle in the sling eye during a

choke to protect sling body against
excessive distortion.

Proper Shackle Use

Always put pin through sling eye rather

than against the sling body since the
sling movement of the sling body could
rotate pin, causing it to come loose.

Lifting a Bundle
When

lifting a bundled load

with a single sling near the
center of gravity, a choke is
more effective than a basket
hitch to prevent unbalance
and slipping of the load in
the sling

Rigging

When rigging two or more straight slings as

a bridle, select identical sling constructions
of identical length - with identical previous
loading experience. Normal stretch must be
the same for paired slings to avoid
overloading individual legs and unbalancing
the load during the lift. Two basket hitches
can be rigged with two slings to provide
better balance for long loads. Be sure that
slings cannot slide toward one another
along the load when the lift is made.

Turnbuckles

Turnbuckles must be proof load

tested at 2 times the SWL and
tagged or marked

Inspect Turnbuckles for cracks and

bends in frame
Check for Thread damage & bent
rods

Turnbuckles

Rigging Selection
3. Are the Working Load Limits Adequate?
a. What is the weight of the load?
b. Where is the center of gravity?
c. What is the sling angle?
d. Will there be side loading?
e. Capacity/Type of the rigging to be used?