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Rigging Equipment Inspection Explained

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Construction sites are busy places with numerous machines and workers working under a strict deadline to complete a project. With heavy machinery all over the place, the workers on the ground and in the surrounding tend to be at risk. This is why rigging equipment inspection carries huge significance and should be followed to ensure the best crane rigging practices and prevent serious mishaps. Here are some important rigging equipment inspection tips you need to know.

Understand The Purpose Of Rigging Equipment Inspection

Rigging equipment inspection is not only rigorous but also overlooked by local authorities to ensure the contractors are following the rules and laws. However, before we dive into the details, it is important for you to understand the purpose of rigging equipment inspection and the ultimate goal it will help achieve.

The main purpose of inspections is to make sure the companies are following industry standards. For instance, when it comes to rigging equipment and other construction-related issues, the OSHA and ASME standards are followed.

These standards are known as the golden rules of the game and ensure maximum safety and protection. That said, when you hire an inspector to visit your site, they will perform a thorough inspection of the place and ensure everything is according to the OSHA/ASME standards.

At the same time, your equipment will also be inspected and every step of the process is recorded and documented. As a result, not only will your rigging equipment be safe to use but the workers will be able to work in safe working environments as well.

What Does Rigging Inspection Cover?

When it comes to getting rigging equipment inspected, the price and the number of machines to be inspected vary. In simple words, an inspection may cover one or two machines or numerous depending on what you want to be inspected.

However, some equipment or components such as lever tools, stage safety, lanyards, and shackles are inspected each time. The components or tools used on a daily basis are more likely to be inspected. And the data documented or recorded will help you invest in your resources accordingly in the future.

Make It Easy For Inspectors

There have been many incidents in the past and continue to happen where contractors either mislead or hide important information from the inspectors. Sooner or later, the inspectors are going to find the discrepancies in the data and might leave you with a hefty fine let alone legal proceedings.

Keep in mind that rigging equipment inspection does not come easy. There are a lot of steps involved and it is normal for the inspectors to miss out on a thing or two. However, you should not take advantage of the situation and collect and transfer the information to the inspectors even before they visit your site.

This helps them get directly down to the issue. Hiding important data to avoid fines and legal proceedings can lead to serious mishaps that will not only cancel your license but may also land you in jail. Therefore, document every repair, replacement, and inspection so that it can be presented to the inspector the next time they visit your site.

Proper Equipment Installation

Equipment installation is a serious matter. There are a lot of things that could go wrong leading to consequences. Therefore, an inspector visiting your site and inspecting the rigging equipment will also check the installation of equipment. These are the equipment you rent from crane services DC.

The installation processes are also overlooked by the regulatory authorities and should be carried out following industry standards. This includes everything from large wire ropes to small hardware like shackles and sleeves.

Every single component or machine should be installed in the right place, in the right way to prevent safety hazards. To prevent such situations from taking place, only certified individuals should be allowed to set up the equipment.

This means that every certified/qualified individual on the site has the necessary skills and experience to meet the requirements of the task at hand. The installation techniques and methods vary depending on the machine and that said, may require additional training and certifications especially when dealing with larger rigging equipment.

Double Check Weight Load

Lifting and shifting extremely heavy loads may look easy from the outside but is the scariest part of the construction process. The reason is that there are a lot of people on the ground along with inflammable materials and other equipment that could turn the entire site into a hazard should a heavy load fall due to a machine failure.

This is why, calculating the weight load precisely and double-checking it is part of the inspection. Sometimes, the weighing machine could malfunction as well leading to inaccurate readings. This could be a serious problem for the crane operator.

Moreover, calculating the weight load also allows for some unexpected variables such as wind speed. Extremely heavy winds tend to make it difficult to balance the loads. Therefore, you need to double-check everything.

Setup A Safety Training Session For Inspectors

As mentioned earlier, a third-party inspector is not going to be fully aware or familiar with every inch of your job site. That said, it is your responsibility to show them around so that they can properly perform the inspection.

Before the inspectors can visit the site, you should set up a quick training session to inform them of what is happening at the site and how to protect themselves during an inspection. Believe it or not, even a 15-min briefing can prevent a lot of mistakes and injuries.

Moreover, if your job site is dealing with chemical hazards and hot materials etc. it is your job to hire an inspector that has experience and knowledge dealing with such factors.

Work With Trustable Inspectors

When it comes to choosing an inspector, you should know that it is your choice to pick someone trustworthy and reliable. Not every inspector out there is equipped with all the knowledge and skills required. This means before hiring an inspector you should interview them.

You might be tempted to hire cheap services but do not be surprised if they land you in legal trouble with the authorities later on. A qualified inspector is familiar with ASME and OSHA standards. There is no doubt these inspectors do not come cheap but better be safe than sorry.

And if you are struggling to find the right inspector, ask your social circle for recommendations. Finding a good inspector during the busy season can be slightly tough. It might take time and a bit of effort and time but will surely be worth it in the long run.

Conclusion

Rigging equipment inspection has two primary goals to cover, safety and protection. This is only possible if you work with the right rigging companies MD, hire the right inspector, and make sure every piece of equipment is thoroughly checked according to the standards. In the meantime, you should document and record all the data to be on track with the maintenance schedules. This will help you stay on the safe side along with your crew, eventually leading to the successful completion of the project.

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