Rigging Equipment Inspections: How Often, Who Can Do Them and What to Record
Most lifting gear failures do not come from a freak event. They come from a sling, shackle or hoist that was worn, damaged or overdue for inspection, with nothing written down to show anyone had looked.
We get asked about rigging inspections regularly: how often gear needs checking, who is allowed to do it, and what records to keep. Here is the short version. We have also put it into a free guide you can print and keep on site.
Want a register to keep track of your equipment? Email info@sureaccess.com.au and we will send you a rigging equipment register template.
The two types of inspection
The Australian Standards describe two kinds of inspection, and both matter.
In-service, before every lift. The user checks the gear for wear or damage and confirms the weight limit tag is visible and legible. Anything defective comes out of service until a qualified person has assessed it.
Periodic, at set intervals. A more thorough examination by a trained inspector, with the gear cleaned and checked in a well-lit area. These inspections must be recorded.
How often should lifting gear be inspected?
There is no single answer. It depends on the type of gear, how often it is used, how hard it is worked and where. Synthetic slings and wire rope slings with soft eyes wear faster, and contaminated or corrosive environments shorten the interval. As a starting point, our guide sets out:
Flat, round and soft slings: every 3 months by a competent person
Wire rope assemblies: every 12 months, subject to usage
Alloy chain slings (T80 and V100): from yearly to monthly, depending on lifts per week
Harnesses and energy absorbing lanyards: before and after each use, plus 6-monthly by a certified inspector
Lifting beams: as specified by the manufacturer, and we recommend 12-monthly
Any repair or modification must be followed by a proof load test. The full table, including fall arrestors, lifelines and anchors, is in the free guide.
Who can inspect it?
Periodic inspections need to be carried out by a competent person: someone with the training, experience and knowledge to identify hazards and non-compliances, judge whether the equipment is safe, and advise on maintenance. Records of each inspection must be kept.
What to record
The item: its identification number and description
The date of the inspection and who carried it out
The result: pass, repair, or removed from service
Any repair, modification or proof load test
When the next inspection is due
A simple register covering those points is usually enough to show a site supervisor or auditor that your gear is under control. If you would like ours, email us for the register template.
Inspections sit inside wider planning. See our 6-week shutdown planning checklist, the pre-mobilisation checklist and our overview of working at heights compliance.
We also provide scaffolding and rigging services across Mackay and the Bowen Basin, and can inspect your lifting, rigging and height safety equipment on site. Get in touch or call 0498 131 997.
Frequently asked questions
How often should slings be inspected?
Before every use by the person using them, and periodically by a competent person. Our guide recommends 3-monthly periodic inspection for flat, round and soft slings, and more often for heavy use or harsh conditions.
What should we do with gear that fails an inspection?
Take it out of service straight away and keep it away from the work area. A qualified person then decides whether it can be used, repaired or discarded. Any repair or modification must be followed by a proof load test before it goes back to work.
Do we need to keep inspection records?
Yes. Periodic inspections must be recorded. A simple equipment register makes that easy, and you can email info@sureaccess.com.au for our template.
Can SureAccess inspect our rigging and height safety equipment?
Yes. We inspect under-the-hook lifting, rigging and height safety equipment at your site across Mackay and the Bowen Basin. Call 0498 131 997 or email info@sureaccess.com.au.
This article is general information only. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, the relevant Australian Standards and your site's requirements.
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