Rigging failures are almost always documentation failures first. A sling that snapped had a manufacturer's date stamp, an inspection tag, and a competent person who was supposed to check it. When any of those three fails, the sling fails soon after.
What OSHA And ASME Require
OSHA 1926.251 and 1910.184 both require that slings be inspected daily by a competent person before use, and periodically (monthly minimum) by a qualified person with documentation. ASME B30.9 (slings) and B30.26 (hardware) provide the industry standard for what counts as an acceptable inspection.
What actually has to be documented:
- Sling identification (serial number, capacity, type)
- Manufacturer and manufacture date
- Working load limit and design factor
- Visual condition — cuts, tears, chemical damage, UV, heat
- Hardware attached — hooks, shackles, links
- Inspector name and date
- Sign-off — pass, remove from service, or repair
Daily vs Periodic Inspection
Daily inspection is visual, done by a competent person, documented on a shift log. Periodic inspection is more thorough, done by a qualified person (typically annually or monthly for heavy use), documented on a formal record.
What's In The Forbes Rigging Inspection Pack
- Daily rigging inspection log (fill in per shift)
- Monthly rigging inspection log (formal record)
- Annual sling recertification log
- Hardware inspection log — hooks, shackles, spreader bars
- Wire rope inspection log
- Rigging removal-from-service form
- Rigging capacity calculation worksheet
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to inspect slings?
OSHA 1910.184 and 1926.251 require inspection BEFORE EACH USE by the person using the sling, plus periodic inspection by a designated inspector (monthly minimum for heavy use, annually minimum for light use). Documentation of the periodic inspection is required. Documentation of the pre-use inspection isn't strictly required but is best practice.
What's the difference between a competent person and a qualified person?
Competent person = someone capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards, with authority to correct them. Qualified person = someone with a degree, certificate, or extensive experience who has demonstrated ability to solve specific problems. Daily rigging inspection = competent. Periodic recertification = qualified. Not interchangeable.
Do synthetic slings expire?
Synthetic slings don't have manufacturer expiration dates in the way that harnesses do. They must be removed from service when they show damage — cuts, holes, UV degradation, chemical exposure, heat damage. Most conservative operators retire synthetic slings at 5 years or first sign of degradation, whichever comes first.
What makes a sling need to come out of service?
OSHA and ASME criteria: missing or illegible identification tag, cuts, holes, worn hardware, distorted or heat-damaged fittings, knots, kinks, damaged shackles, or any condition that affects the manufacturer's rated capacity. If you're not sure, take it out.
What's a proper rigging capacity calculation?
Working load limit divided by the sum of vertical load components based on sling angle. A single vertical sling at 100% has full capacity. A sling at 30 degrees from vertical has 50% of vertical capacity. Two-leg bridle at 60 degrees included angle has ~87% of the sum of individual capacities. The template includes the geometry calculator.
Does hardware need daily inspection too?
Yes. Shackles, hooks, and spreader bars all require pre-use inspection under ASME B30.26. Look for wear, distortion, thread damage on shackle pins, latch operation on hooks. Missing latch = out of service.