19.2 Hook and Rigging-Hardware Inspection

Identify the governing component standard

ASME B30.10 covers hooks; ASME B30.26 covers rigging hardware such as shackles, adjustable hardware, compression hardware, links, rings and swivels. Inspection includes identification, physical condition, assembly and function. A component can be structurally sound yet unsuitable because its pin is incorrect or its intended rating cannot be established.

The CCO study references identify B30.26-2015. The supplied CCO reference manual contains B30.10-2014 excerpts. These edition-specific exam references should be distinguished from the current applicable workplace standards and manufacturer instructions. Do not describe every numerical criterion as an undated universal rule.

Initial inspection checks new, repaired or altered equipment before use under the applicable program. Frequent inspection observes current condition and operation; periodic inspection is a thorough examination at the interval appropriate to service. Severe, corrosive or unusual service can require shorter intervals. An annual calendar reminder alone cannot prove a satisfactory inspection program for heavily used equipment.

Hooks: measure against the original condition

Inspect the bowl, throat, tip, shank, threads, swivel bearing, securing parts and latch or self-locking mechanism. Look for cracks, wear, gouges, deformation, corrosion, heat damage and unauthorized repairs. Compare measurements with manufacturer limits and the original dimensions, rather than an adjacent hook of unknown model.

The B30.10-2014 excerpt in CCO's manual identifies wear exceeding 10% of an original sectional dimension, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise; any visibly apparent bend or twist; and distortion increasing throat opening by 5%, not to exceed 1/4 inch, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise. It also addresses inability of a self-locking hook to lock. Do not keep a visibly twisted hook because it is below an unrelated numerical threshold.

OSHA 1910.184's alloy-chain hook provisions separately identify a throat opening more than 15% above normal or twist more than 10 degrees. Those stated OSHA values do not authorize use contrary to the applicable stricter ASME/manufacturer removal criteria. Always identify the source and application rather than combining the most permissive values from different documents.

Measurement example

A hook's original throat was 2.00 inches. Five percent is 0.10 inch, which is less than 0.25 inch. Under the supplied 5%-with-quarter-inch-cap criterion, an opening of 2.12 inches exceeds the 0.10-inch allowance. An opening of 2.07 inches would not exceed that numerical allowance, but cracks, wear or any visible distortion may independently require removal. Passing one measurement is not passing the complete inspection.

Latches and locking parts

A latch helps retain slack rigging; it does not carry the load or prove engagement. Test operation without placing fingers in the closing path. If a required latch is missing or inoperative, follow the approved repair or replacement procedure before use. Do not substitute tape, a zip tie or an arbitrary wire wrap.

CCO's B30.10 excerpt describes qualified approval of mousing for certain applications. That is a controlled provision with scope and requirements, not a universal repair instruction. Personnel-hoisting hooks have additional closed-and-locked requirements in OSHA 1926.1431. A hook acceptable for one material-handling application may therefore be unacceptable for a personnel platform.

Check swivel bearings and shank retention as well as the visible hook body. Reassembly must use the original securing method or manufacturer recommendations. A loose retaining nut or damaged thread is not cured by loading the hook so it seats tighter.

Inspect hardware by its mechanism

Check inaccessible bearing surfaces when the periodic procedure requires disassembly by an authorized person. Use manufacturer-specific dimensional and functional limits. A generic “10% wear allowed everywhere” statement does not establish continued usability for all hardware families.

Incorrect assembly is a defect even if every individual piece is undamaged. Examples include a mismatched shackle pin, insufficient turnbuckle thread engagement or a wedge socket with the live rope on the wrong side. Compare the complete installation to instructions. A proof-test certificate from before the mismatch does not validate the new assembly.

Record and resolve findings

Identify the component, finding, date and disposition under the inspection program. Separate it from usable stock and notify the responsible person. Manufacturer or qualified-person approval governs repair and modification where the standard permits them. Heating a bent hook, welding a shackle or grinding unknown cracks is not a routine rigger correction.

Authorized repairs require the applicable examination, testing and documentation before return to service. Maintain inspection records required by the relevant standard and employer program; do not claim that every pre-use visual observation requires the same written record as a periodic examination. Traceable equipment and clear disposition prevent rejected gear from reappearing in the next lift kit.

Sources: CCO reference manual, B30.10 excerpts, CCO B30.26 study reference, OSHA chain-sling provisions.