Rigging inspection programs fail in predictable ways: no designated inspector, no records, and no criteria posted where gear lives. OSHA 1910.184 and the ASME B30 series define what "inspected" actually means — here's the framework in one page.

The Three Inspection Levels

Initial: verify new gear matches the order — markings, tags, certs — before first use. Frequent: visual inspection by the user before each shift or use; no records required, but damaged gear is removed immediately. Periodic: documented inspection by a designated person, at intervals based on service severity — normal service annually at minimum, severe service quarterly or monthly, special service as engineered.

What Gets Inspected, by Standard

The Automatic Removals

Across all gear: missing or illegible identification, heat and weld damage, cracks anywhere, unauthorized repairs or modifications (welding on rigging hardware is disqualifying), bent load-bearing components, and any doubt — doubt removes gear pending a designated person's evaluation.

Records That Satisfy an Audit

A working file per asset or gear class: unique ID (tag, stamp, or serial), purchase cert, periodic inspection dates and findings, and disposition of removed gear. Destroyed gear should be cut or rendered unusable — a retired sling in a gang box finds its way back to work.

Building the Habit

Designate and train the inspector, stage inspection stations where rigging is stored, color-code periodic inspection status (tape or tag by quarter), and make removal frictionless: if a rigger has to argue to scrap a sling, the program is broken.

Replace Removed Gear Fast

When inspection pulls gear from service, we restock it — slings, shackles, chain, hooks, and hardware with certs, shipped from Texas. List what came out of service in the quote form at the top of the page — quotes answered during business hours.