TOP TIPS FOR A RIGGING GEAR INSPECTION

These simple tips can help make your next rigging inspection run smoothly

There are many different types of rigging products in the marketplace. It is very important for production managers to maintain equipment, understanding each items inspection requirements, and most importantly keeping their employees safe.

Different types of lifting slings

All lifting slings have different removal, service, testing and tag requirements. This includes chain slings, metal mesh slings, wire rope slings, synthetic web slings, and synthetic round slings. Also, other equipment like hooks, rigging hardware and lifting devices, all have different safety requirements.

All Lifting understands the demands and amount of effort required to maintain compliance with Australian standards and Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S). We have a number of professionals, highly trained and certified employees who focus only on the inspection of lifting, rigging and height safety equipment.

Are you looking for an inspection that meets Australian standards?

Employers and employees have a responsibility to ensure all lifting, rigging and height safety equipment is inspected according to Australian standards. Each equipment type requires a specific inspection and testing schedule depending on many different factors.

 Tip: It’s important to keep records of the inspections that have been completed.

Relevant Australian standards for common lifting equipment can be found in the table below. 

 There could be some cases that additional standards apply to your rigging gear or that they are not covered by the Australian standards, which can occur for different reasons such as a work sites specification, or for a company that has developed more thorough internal standards.

Usually, this won’t be a problem for a third-party inspector, however, you need to inform them of any additional requirements. This will help them understand the scope of the inspection and identify additional criteria that would be above and beyond an inspection.

Do you have records of the types and amount of equipment that need to be inspected?

The cost for an inspection will depend on different variables, most important is that the inspectors have been informed about the total amount and different types of rigging gear that need to be inspected.

As an example, if you have a worksite that has 100 lifting slings, 20 lifting devices, and 200 shackles, that inspection will take longer than another worksite that has 10 lifting slings. This will help us provide you with an accurate quote and help find a booking for your inspection. 

You may as well take advantage while one of our inspectors are already visiting your site. You can save money by having all of your equipment together in one location rather than spread across multiple worksites where possible. Organising an inspection schedule for all of your different types of equipment can also assist in keeping costs down.

Some of the common types of equipment we inspect are:

• Lifting Slings: grade 80, 100 and 120 alloy chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic round slings, synthetic web slings, wire rope slings and synthetic rope slings
• Rigging Gear: materials handling equipment, lifting points, eye bolts, shackles and hooks
• Lifting Devices: Lifting beams, spreader beams, pipe lifters, forklift attachments and concrete kibbles,
• Cages: man boxes, material cages and first aid cages
• Height Safety: Harnesses, lanyards, tripods and fall arrest devices
• Wire Rope

 What information do our inspectors need to know? 

There are a few additional factors that can affect the performance of a rigging inspection and will save you money if the inspectors know all of these beforehand. Some of these factors could be: 

1. Some worksites may require additional safety training or site inductions. It’s important for us to know your site access requirements before we arrive. 

2. Will the inspector need to provide any special equipment such as for magnetic particle testing, or on-site proof testing? 

3. There could be abnormal or hazardous environments at your work site such as chemicals, heat sources, height safety access required etc. This may require additional equipment for one of our inspectors to come onsite. Or you may require an inspector with specialised training for the task or environment.

4. If our staff need drug and alcohol testing, background checks, police checks, testing before they come onsite, it might require additional time to organise and it will need to be scheduled prior to our visit. Knowing about these requirements ahead of time can assist us in making our inspection visit as smooth as possible and avoid delays with the inspection. 

Wrapping it up

Remember that the most effective way to ensure a smooth rigging inspection process, is to make sure you and the inspection team have discussed the following:

• Are there any additional requirements to access your worksite? Is there specialised equipment for your site?
• Do you have previous inspection records? If not, an estimate of the types and amount of equipment that will be on site

You should consider a third-party inspection provider for peace of mind, if you’re not confident in your knowledge of the applicable Australian standard and WH&S, or just don’t have the resources to put a lifting and rigging compliance program into place. Our sole focus is to help with your inspection needs and we will partner with you to assist with your safety compliance.

Using a third party helps to take the guesswork out of when the inspections will occur.

We also provide digital reporting through our team system for ease with 24/7 access to your inspection records.

As both a distributor and manufacturer of the equipment that we inspect, we have a unique insight into the correct usage, applicable standards, and applications of your lifting, rigging and height safety equipment. If you’re interested in learning more or after a quote for our inspection services, please contact us today.