Anyone working on a rigging site knows the importance of safety, at least in theory. However, not all rigging sites proactively take measures to keep operations safe. The dangers of not doing so are immense, from minor on-the-job injuries to life-threatening accidents.
There are many straightforward ways to stay safe and compliant on a rigging site. Make note of the following and implement them if you are not already.
Perform Rigging Hardware Checks
No matter the size or scale of your rigging hardware, it is imperative that you perform checks on your equipment before using. This ensures not only your safety but that of the team, and keeps your site compliant with industry regulations.
Rigging hardware such as hooks, chains and shackles should be inspected for signs of wear, such as dents, scratches, rust or missing pieces. Additionally, ring bolts may have become stuck due to overloading on previous projects, and in this case should not be used.
Practice Load Testing and Other Safety Measures
Not all equipment issues are obvious during a visual inspection. That is why it’s important to perform load testing in addition to hardware checks. With the help of a colleague or team of experts, apply a load to the rigging system to verify that it is operational, even during extreme conditions.
Have an Expert Perform a Rigging Inspection
For the ultimate peace of mind, a certified professional can look over your equipment for flaws and malfunctions. On-site rigging inspections are designed to be a fresh pair of eyes and catch anything that has fallen through the cracks. Inspectors can also answer questions, put your crew at ease, and provide a baseline through which future safety operations are measured.
A thorough rigging inspection will review both the equipment and the surrounding environment. These inspections are usually scheduled out, but they occasionally come by surprise, so be sure your crew is following safe and compliant practices at all times.
While having an inspector review every piece of equipment on your job site may sound tedious, the alternative is an unsafe and potentially life-threatening environment.
Anticipate Rigging Issues
Even if your rigging hardware is performing well now, if you foresee it having an issue in the future, it is important to do something. It is better to be overly-cautious than not cautious enough – environmental concerns, obstructed surfaces, hazardous work locations and equipment that is not properly grounded are all potential dangers while on the job.
If you are concerned about the safety or compliance of your rigging site, call an inspector or a certified quality expert.
Invest in Quality
Paducah Rigging is committed to keeping you and your crew safe. In addition to high-quality professional rigging hardware and accessories, we provide on-site services and inspections to help keep your site safe and compliant.
Reach out today to get started on improving your work site.