What are OSHA rigging inspection requirements?

OSHA 1926.251 (construction) and 1910.184 (general industry) require that all rigging equipment be inspected before each use by a competent person. Slings must be removed from service if they show hook damage, bent or cracked links, excessive wear, stretch deformation, or heat damage. Chains must be inspected link by link. Wire rope slings are condemned if they have 10 or more broken wires in one rope lay, corrosion, kinking, or crushing. Inspection records must be maintained.

How often do lifting slings need to be certified?

Rigging slings do not have a mandatory recertification interval under OSHA, but must be inspected before each use and periodically by a qualified person. The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) recommends formal thorough examination of lifting accessories every 6 months in most industrial applications, or more frequently where use is intensive. Slings showing any defects must be immediately removed from service and destroyed to prevent accidental reuse.

Rigging Inspection

Complete before using rigging equipment.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Before each use
Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
Role: Rigger / Signal Person
Total Items: 30
Compliance: OSHA 1926.251, ASME B30.9

Slings

Inspect slings.

Sling Type
Capacity tag legible?
No damage or wear?
End fittings in good condition?

Hardware

Inspect rigging hardware.

Shackles in good condition?
Hooks and safety latches OK?
No deformation or cracks?

Pre-Inspection Setup & Documentation

Initial documentation and site preparation verification

Inspector Name
Inspection Date
Project Name / Job Number
Current Weather Conditions
Previous inspection findings reviewed?

Safety & Compliance Verification

Verify compliance with applicable OSHA regulations and site safety plan

Site safety plan posted and accessible?
All required permits current and displayed?
SDS/MSDS sheets available for all chemicals on site?
First aid supplies accessible and stocked?
Emergency contact information posted?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Verify all personnel have and are using appropriate PPE

Hard hats worn by all personnel?
Safety glasses/eye protection in use?
High-visibility vests worn where required?
Steel-toe/safety footwear worn?
PPE in good condition (no damage)?

Site Conditions & Housekeeping

General site conditions and housekeeping standards

Walkways and access routes clear of debris?
Adequate lighting in all work areas?
Trip hazards identified and addressed?
Waste properly contained and removed?

Equipment & Tools Condition

Verify all equipment and tools are in safe working condition

All equipment pre-use inspected today?
Machine guards in place and functional?
Electrical cords and connections in good condition?
Any defective tools removed from service?

Related Construction Checklists

Related Equipment Checks Checklists

Why Use This Rigging Inspection?

This rigging inspection helps construction teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for rigger / signal person professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: before each use.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 1926.251, ASME B30.9. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Rigging Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 7 sections: Slings, Hardware, Pre-Inspection Setup & Documentation, Safety & Compliance Verification, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Site Conditions & Housekeeping, Equipment & Tools Condition. It is designed for construction operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed before each use. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Rigging Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Rigger / Signal Person professionals in the construction industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.