RIGGING EQUIPMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES

It is important that every time rigging equipment is used, it is visually inspected prior to use. Find out the full process and what you need to consider to ensure ongoing site safety and compliance.

Visually inspect rigging equipment
Rigging equipment should be visually inspected by the operator for any visible sign of damage before put to use. Inspection frequencies as stated in the relevant Australian Standard for rigging equipment must be undertaken regularly, or every 3 – 6 months, using a colour coded system for periodic inspections.

It is highly recommended that visual inspections of lifting gear and rigging equipment is performed by a qualified inspection officer to company endorsed work instructions, relevant standards, occupational health & safety requirements and manufacturers recommendations to determine acceptance or rejection criteria.

A report by the inspection officer
A report should be provided by the inspection officer with all items satisfying the specified requirements tagged or hard stamped to cross-reference with the report. Report results commonly read as follows:

• Rigging equipment as “R” (Repair) should be quarantined and repaired prior to further use.
• Rigging equipment listed as “F” (Fail) are not suitable for continued use or for their intended purpose and should be destroyed and discarded immediately. We cannot accept any responsibility for continued use and/or availability of rejected items. Items listed as “P” (Pass) are suitable for continued use and can be put back into service.
• Rigging equipment listed as “P” (Pass) is suitable for continued use and can be put back into service. Should any replacement parts be required they can be supplied by reference to the item number in the report. All rigging equipment has been fitted with a WHITE colour coded identification tag.

Working load limit
When using rigging equipment identifying the working load limit is essential in determining your lifting limitations. Working Load Limit is the maximum load that can be applied to a sling or component. Rigging equipment in accordance with Australian Standards will have a high safety factor of 6:1. This is an important safety feature. The safety factor helps to counter possible problems from shock, vibration, fatigue, wear, damage and corrosion. It is important that the safety factor is maintained.

Providing maintenance records such as a Lifting Equipment Register and providing adequate training and supervision is mandatory for employers.

All Lifting provide NATA accredited inspections and load testing. We provide visual on-site and in-house rigging equipment inspections followed up with an inspection register. Call 1300 666 733 to talk to one of our inspection officers today.