Rigging & Hoisting Safety Inspection Checklist

Complete this rigging inspection before each lift. Rigging failure is a leading cause of struck-by fatalities. All rigging must be inspected by a competent person before use.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Before each use / Daily
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Role: Qualified Rigger / Competent Person
Total Items: 49
Compliance: OSHA 1926.251, ASME B30.9, ASME B30.26, UK LOLER 1998, India IS 2762

Wire Rope Slings Inspection

Inspect wire rope slings per OSHA 1926.251(c).

Working Load Limit (WLL) adequate for load?
Identification tag legible with rated capacity?
Less than 10 randomly broken wires in one lay?
No kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or core protrusion?
No evidence of heat damage or excessive corrosion?
Thimbles in eyes not cracked, distorted, or worn?
End fittings (swaged, speltered) secure and undamaged?
No reduction in rope diameter (neck-down)?

Synthetic Web & Round Slings

Inspect synthetic slings per OSHA 1926.251(e).

Identification tag present with capacity and material?
No cuts, tears, snags, or punctures?
No excessive abrasion or wear?
All stitching intact (no pulled threads)?
No knots used to shorten sling?
No evidence of chemical, UV, or heat damage?
Edge protection used for sharp corners?
Fittings and hardware undamaged?

Alloy Steel Chain Slings

Inspect chain slings per OSHA 1926.251(b).

Chain is alloy steel Grade 80 or 100?
Chain sling tag present with rated capacity?
No stretch exceeding 5% of link length?
No cracks, gouges, nicks, or weld splatter?
No bent, twisted, or elongated links?
Master link and coupling links undamaged?

Shackles, Hooks & Hardware

Inspect lifting hardware per OSHA and ASME standards.

Shackles rated for intended load?
Shackle pins straight and fully engaged?
Cotter pins in place on screw pin shackles?
Hook safety latches present and functional?
Hook not opened more than 15% (no throat spread)?
No cracks or deformation in any hardware?
Turnbuckle take-up at least 3 full turns?
Eyebolts aligned with sling direction (no side load)?

Lift Planning & Load Handling

Pre-lift planning and load weight determination.

Actual or estimated load weight known?
Center of gravity identified for balanced lift?
Sling angles considered in capacity calculation?
Pick points adequate to support load?
Lift path clear of obstructions and personnel?
Tag lines attached for load control?
Landing zone prepared and personnel cleared?

Signals & Communication

Signal person and communication requirements.

Qualified signal person designated?
Signals agreed upon between operator and rigger?
Voice communication tested (if using radios)?
Standard hand signals posted or known?
Only one signal person directing lift at a time?

Safe Rigging Practices

Proper rigging methods and prohibitions.

Shock loading avoided (smooth acceleration)?
Slings not dragged across ground or surfaces?
No workers under suspended load?
Load cannot tip, shift, or fall during lift?
Pads/softeners used on sharp edges?
Basket hitch angle 120° or less?
Choker hitch at 120° or more from horizontal?