16 Lifting and Rigging Myths That Could Compromise Safety
From using any chain for an overhead lift to the CE marking meaning "Chinese Export," plenty of myths still exist in the lifting and rigging industry. Our article will review—and debunk—the 16 biggest myths in the industry.
Transcript
Intro
– You are going to screw it in ’til it’s tight, and then back it off an eighth of a turn, that way when you lift the load, it doesn’t get too tight, right?
– No.
– Hi, I’m Ben.
– Hi, my name’s Henry Brozyna. I’ve been with Columbus McKinnon for 35 years. I’m the Industrial Product Trainer for them.
– And today we’re tackling some lifting and rigging myths that don’t hold weight and debunking some of those misconceptions.
Why Rigging Training Is Imperative
– I think some of them got started for convenience. People didn’t know what they were doing. Today, training is very, very important. If they’re not trained properly, that’s when they start doing things that, “well, what if I just take this and do this” and it works and it worked the first time, so they keep doing it. And every time they do it, they get one step closer to a failure. And that’s what my view is. That’s what I’m trying to stop.
Are Hook Latches on Hoists Optional?
– All right, so let’s dive into some of these myths. So Henry, true or false, a latch on a hoist hook is optional.
– False, a latch on a hoist hook is not optional. The hook has to have a latch. Unless, there is one caveat here, unless the latch creates a hazard to the operator. That is the only time that latch can be removed.
– So can you give me some examples of like when would the latch be a hazard to the operator?
– The one example I can give you is if you have a furnace and they will reach over that high heat area and operate the latch in order to get it on or off the crucible. Well, if the latch is there, they have to spend that split second longer over that high heat source, which means there’s a potential that the operator could get burned. In that case, yes, a latch could be removed simply to facilitate moving that crucible, that hot material in and out quickly.
Are Latches on Sling Hooks Required?
– So if you’re telling me that latch hooks on hoists are required, then on sling hooks, they’re also required, right?
– No, as a company, Columbus McKinnon recommends that if the hook has an eye, provisions for a latch, we recommend that you put a latch on it. It’s not mandatory.
If you do have a multi-leg sling, in other words, you got more than one leg, and both legs, three legs, or four legs all have latches, and somewhere during the use of those slings, one of the latches gets damaged, you are now non-compliant. All right?
There are other companies out there that require, regardless of where the hook comes from, they require latches on the hooks, but that’s their policy. There are certain areas in the country that require latches, but it’s normally, generally, it’s not mandatory.
– So the way we look at it is if there’s a space for a latch,
– Put a latch on.
– There should be a latch.
Can Hoists Be Used Inverted?
True or false, a hoist cannot be used inverted.
– False. Not all hoists can be used inverted, but some hoists can be used inverted. Like our Lodestar, our Lodestar is a prime example. We sell to the entertainment business. They use primarily all of their hoists inverted, all right?
There are some things that have to be considered when using a hoist inverted. For example, the Lodestar has grease in it, so we don’t have to worry about leakage. If you’ve got a hoist that has a lubricant in it, that is a liquid type lubricant, you can use that upside down, but you have to switch the plug with the vent, otherwise it will start to leak. But can a hoist be used inverted? Yes. Not all.
– So why would you use your hoist inverted?
– It does a couple of things for the technician is if the hoist is inverted, if something goes wrong with the hoist and he needs to open it up to repair it, he can bring it down to basically his level. He doesn’t need to go up and get the hoist.
Can Any Chain Be Used for an Overhead Lift?
– Chains are really strong. So you can use any chain for an overhead lift, correct?
– No, grade 80, grade 100 are the two primary grades of chain that you can use for lifting. The reason why you can use them for lifting is the standards tell us as a manufacturer, and any manufacturer, in order for a chain to be used for an overhead lift, it has to have an alloy component to it. The alloy component allows that chain to stretch at least 20%. That’s per standard.
That stretching, what that gives us is that gives the operator the clue or the indication that the chain’s been overloaded ’cause that stretch is very, very noticeable and it has to be able to stretch 20% before rupture. So it gives them that obvious notification that, “Hey, something’s wrong. Stop doing what you’re doing. Bring the load back down to the ground.”
Grade 30, grade 43, grade 70, those are all carbon chain. There’s no alloy components to them. So yes, they will stretch, they’re not going to stretch 20%, so they will fail. And then if that’s the case, then yeah, you would have some explaining to do as to why you’re using the lower grades of chain for lifting purposes.
– What if I’m lifting something that is less than my working load limit? Then I can use carbon chain, right?
– Regardless, regardless of how much you’re picking up, if you’re picking up 200 pounds and you’re using a grade 30 chain that you bought at the local hardware store for a couple dollars a foot and you use that for lifting something and it fails, you’re noncompliant. There’s going to be some questions to be answered.
Should I Back Off the Screw Pin on My Screw Pin Shackle an Eighth to a Quarter Turn?
– Let’s talk shackles. So the proper way to screw in a screw pin shackle, right? You’re going to screw it in ’til it’s tight and then back it off an eighth of a turn; that way, when you lift the load, it doesn’t get too tight, right?
– No, the proper way to to use a shackle, you would take the pin, and this would be a screw pin shackle. You take the screw pin shackle, you tighten it, hand tight, you leave it. That’s as far as you go.
The myth as to why people would back it off is when they pick the load up, and then when they go to take it off, now they can’t spin it by hand because it kind of tightens up, which it will, but we put a flat on here. We put a hole in here. You can put a tool on this to open it up. You can put a tool inside the hole to open it up as well.
The reason why you don’t want to back it off is that you actually leave a little bit of a gap there. It might be only a couple thousandths, but what ends up happening is, a lot of times when people pick things up with a shackle, the load might go to one side or the other side.
We call this the spread, this opening. When that happens, you could potentially bend this ear out. And the reason why that happens is ’cause you’ve given it somewhere to go. If that gap was gone, well then this gap, this spread can’t get any bigger, even though you’re putting weight on one side of the ear or the other. So this is, yeah, backing it off is totally a myth.
I would say they came up with that more for convenience than anything else. They weren’t thinking about safety at the time.
– Right, but getting a tool is going to slow down my process and make things less efficient. And the riggers who were before me, they’re the ones who told me to do this.
– Well, they’re perpetuating a myth is what they’re doing.
Once you do learn that, “You know what? I can take and put a marlinspike, or I can put a screwdriver into that hole and then just turn it and loosen up,” you might start carrying it in your pocket. Most riggers, most technicians will have some kind of a tool belt with them. That’s all you need. You’re going to have a screwdriver right there. You’ll have one that’ll fit that hole. You’re going to probably have a set of adjustable wrenches in there, or even a pair of pliers. Put it on here and open it up, you’re done. Very, very simple way to do that.
How To Learn More About Rigging Training?
– All right guys, that’s it, so if you have a myth that you’ve heard that we didn’t cover or you need some clarification, feel free to drop it in the comments.
Hopefully this has equipped you with some knowledge that you can bring back to your job site so you can keep your team safe.
If you need training or if you have any questions about the rigging process, Mazzella can help. Contact us through the link below. We can also help with your slings, hardware, wire rope, cranes, fall protection, and lifters for all of your lifting needs.
If you found this video useful, informative, entertaining, or you just feel like being friendly, then hit that like button so we can get this information out to everyone who needs it. Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a video. If you have a question, drop it in the comments so we can get you an answer. And remember, safe rigging is smart rigging. My name is Ben, stay safe out there.
Few industries have changed as much as the lifting and rigging industry. Consequently, best practices from 30 years ago are now an OSHA inspector’s worst nightmare.
Whenever Mazzella’s trainers head to a facility or job site, they hear some variation of these sentences: “We’ve been doing it this way since the beginning. Why would we change it now?” “We can’t afford to adopt a new process. It would slow down our operations.”
Because of how much the industry has changed, plenty of myths still circulate. Most of these myths come from convenience. In the early years, there were no industry standards as comprehensive as the ones we have today.
Today, organizations realize that training is more important than ever. This cycle will only continue if older generations still perpetuate myths to younger generations.
Our article will review—and debunk—the 16 biggest myths in the lifting and rigging industry.
1. A Latch on a Hoist Hook is Optional
Any hoist hook on a job site must have a latch attached.
The only exception would be if the latch creates a hazard to the operator. These examples are usually found in high-heat environments, like a foundry or metal mill. Otherwise, a latch on your hook is essential for safe lifts.
2. Latches Are Required for Sling Hooks
No. While it’s not mandatory, many companies will recommend you put a latch on a multi-leg sling. If the hook was designed to have a latch, put one on.
3. You Can’t Use an Inverted Chain Hoist
While not all chain hoists can be inverted, some can. Inverted hoists are especially common in the entertainment industry, making them a great tool for stagehands who need quick adjustments without climbing a ladder.
However, if you use a hoist with a liquid-type lubricant (oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid), switch the plug with the vent. Otherwise, it will leak. If your hoist uses grease, like the Columbus McKinnon Lodestar, you don’t have to worry about leakage.
4. You Can Use Any Chain for an Overhead Lift
Both OSHA and ASME recommend Grade 80, Grade 100, or even Grade 120 chains for overhead lifting applications.
The reason? Grade 80 and Grade 100 chains are made from graded alloy steel chain, which provides:
- A higher strength-to-weight ratio
- A much higher elongation percentage—20% minimum—before breaking when overloaded
- Better endurance in extreme heat environments (Grade 80 is mandatory in steel mills)
That elongation gives operators a clear indicator of whether the chain has been overloaded. Meanwhile, carbon chains, such as Grade 43 and Grade 70, are commonly used for tie-down and container securement purposes. They are not recommended for overhead lifting, as they will not provide a visual indication, if overloaded, prior to failure.
What if the Load is Less Than the Working Load Limit?
Regardless of how light the load is, if you use a Grade 30 chain from a local hardware store to lift a load at your job site, and it fails, OSHA will penalize you.
5. ‘Backing it Off’ Is Good Practice for Screwing a Shackle
A popular myth, many riggers think it’s best practice to “back off” a pin on a screw pin shackle by an eighth of an inch to prevent over-tightening when lifting a load.
What ends up happening is the load, when lifted, might go to one side or the other side. This is referred to as the spread, where you could potentially bend the ear of the shackle because you’re putting excessive weight on one side of the shackle.
The proper way to use a screw pin shackle is to tighten it with your hand and not back it off.
Transcript
Intro
– “You can mix and match shackle pins between manufacturers.”
– You cannot mix the pins from manufacturer to manufacturer.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– Hi, I’m Ben.
– Hi, my name’s Henry Brozyna. I’m the industrial products trainer for Columbus McKinnon.
– And today, we’re tackling some lifting and rigging myths that don’t hold weight and debunking some of those misconceptions.
Why Rigging Training Is Imperative
– What ends up happening is, is people will perpetuate that myth year after year. And it’s always, “Well, the other guy told me.” And every time they do it, they get one step closer to a failure. Training is an important part of an employee’s job.
Can Carbon Shackles Be Used for Overhead Lifting?
– Let’s dive into some of these myths. So, Henry, you’re never supposed to use carbon shackles for overhead lifting. Just like chains, you have to use alloy shackles only, right?
– No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– You can use carbon shackles to lift.
Some people will say, “Well, why do you use carbon for lifting with shackles and you can’t use carbon chains for lifting?” ASME B30.26 covers hardware. That’s what shackles fall under. Nowhere in there does it say you cannot use a carbon shackle for lifting.
Don’t assume that the shackle capacity size matches the capacity of the same size chain. There’s always going to be a difference. So, if you are using a shackle and chain, you want to work to the lowest working load limit.
Can Round Pin Shackles Be Used for Overhead Lifting?
– You can use carbon shackles, but when it comes to the type of shackle, it really doesn’t matter which type of shackle you use for overhead lifting as long as the working load limit is greater than the load that you’re lifting. You can use screw pin, round pin, or bolt type. Right?
– No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– Screw pin, bolt, nut and cotter, both can be used for overhead lifting. Round pin with the cotter pin in it, no. That if you look in ASME B30.26, they specifically say in there not to use a round pin shackle for overhead lifting.
Does the Cotter Pin Need To Be Used for Bolt Type Shackles?
– So, cotter pins on bolt type shackles, they’re a pain, and they get lost all the time. They’re really just put there by the manufacturer to cover their own butts, right? You don’t actually have to use a cotter pin with your bolt type shackle.
– No, you want to use the cotter pin.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– What can happen if you don’t have the cotter pin in there is the nut can actually back off the pin and then of course we could lose the load. And that’s why that pin, yes, some people might look at it and say, “Well, we don’t really need it.” Yes, you do. It’s there for a purpose.
Can You Replace Shackle Pins With Grade 8 Bolts?
– Sometimes, when you’re working really fast or maybe the second shift, before you didn’t put everything away properly, the shackle pins can get mixed up. This doesn’t matter. You can mix and match shackle pins between manufacturers. You can even put a regular old bolt in a bolt type shackle, right?
– Well, you cannot use a standard bolt.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– All right? You can’t go to the hardware store and buy a grade 8 bolt. ‘Cause you lost this pin, put a grade 8 bolt in there. No, that’s noncompliance. All right?
Can You Mix Pins Between Shackle Manufacturers?
That’s one. The second thing is, is you cannot mix the pins from manufacturer to manufacturer.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– They may fit, but don’t do it, because their pins are made a little bit differently. They might use a little bit different material than, say, what Columbus McKinnon uses, and vice versa. So, you never want to mix manufacturers.
If you do have Columbus McKinnon pins and shackles, If I take the pin out of the carbon shackle, which is going to be the lowest capacity, and put it into the higher capacity, I don’t sacrifice capacity. All right? So, the pins within the Columbus McKinnon line are interchangeable.
They’re all made to the higher standard. All right? And that reason for that is, is we do know that people will separate the two and then all of a sudden when they go to put them back together again, it’s like, “Oh, geez, I don’t know if I’ve got the right pin.” In our case for Columbus McKinnon product, we don’t worry about that.
Does “Should” Mean Optional in ASME Standards?
– If the ASME standard says “shall“, you have to do it, but if it says “should“, it’s optional. If it slows down my process, I don’t have to.
– “Should” is a recommendation. If you don’t follow the standards, whether it’s a “should” or a “shall“, if you have an accident, and there’s an investigation, and OSHA gets involved, and they start doing an investigation, that inspector is going to look at and see what happened. They’ll cite you based on that.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– They have what they call their General Duty Clause. Whatever OSHA doesn’t cover specifically, they will grab from the standards, they will grab from the manufacturer’s recommendations, they will even grab from that company’s policies, all right? And procedures. And they could cite you based on one of those three items.
So, is it a good idea to make sure that you are following the standards? Yeah, it is.
What Is the CE Marking on Rigging Hardware For?
– If there’s a CE on a piece of hardware, it means it’s from China, “Chinese Export”.
– No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– CE refers to a international standard that started in Europe. It does not mean Chinese export.
Basically, when you look at a shackle, like this one has the CE markings on it, that means that this shackle can be sold in Europe, because it meets the CE standards. So, it can be sold in Europe.
– So, you’re telling me that CM shackles that are marked CE are not manufactured in China?
– Correct.
Can Turnbuckles Be Used for Overhead Lifting?
– So, turnbuckles are never to be used in an overhead lift, correct?
– No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– You can use turnbuckles for lifting purposes. They’re also covered under ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware, which that standard is for lifting equipment.
– So, what are some applications where maybe you might use a turnbuckle in a lifting application?
– If you attach it to a hoist and then you can go ahead and use the turnbuckle to kind of fine-tune it.
So, for example, maybe you’re putting in a shaft into a piece of equipment, and a hand hoist or a lever tool doesn’t give you quite that adjustment that you need to really get it lined up, ’cause you don’t want to scratch the shaft. You don’t want to scratch the bore that it’s going into. The turnbuckle gives you that fine adjustment.
I went to a facility, it was actually a power generating facility, and they were lifting the cover off of a turbine, but when they go to put it back on, because they have all those threaded studs sticking up, they don’t want to damage threads.
They were having some issues lining that all up. We suggested to them was to start using turnbuckles and that worked out perfectly for them.
What Is the Red Thread for in Web Slings?
– So, how about this one? The red thread in nylon slings is an out of service gauge. If the thread is hidden, sling’s good to go.
– The red thread is not a gauge.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– All right? It is a indicator of overload, period. All right?
The red thread is not the same material that the sling is made from. The nylon sling will stretch a certain amount before it takes load. When it gets into the overload condition, it stretches much, much more. The red thread doesn’t stretch that much. So, what ends up happening is, the red thread becomes visible.
That’s an indicator that that sling has been overloaded. Unfortunately, there are people who look at it and say, “Well, the red thread’s in there, that tells me when the sling is no good anymore.” Well, the sling’s got a hole in it, it could have cuts in it, it could have abrasion. And they’re like, “Well, what’s wrong with it? The red thread isn’t out yet, so it’s fine.”
It’s like, “No, that’s not the purpose of that red thread.” That red thread is an overload indicator. It’s not a gauge.
Is a Kink in a Wire Rope Sling Removal From Service Criteria?
– But with wire rope slings, you know, I know that the ASME standard says you’re not supposed to have kinks or doglegs, but they’re going to get kinked up with everyday use. If the kink is minor, it’s acceptable and not cause from removal from service.
– No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– Any kink is cause for removal from service.
We’ve all done this. We’ve taken a paperclip or a small piece of wire and we bent it multiple times. It breaks, all right? That’s metal fatigue. You’ve weakened it to the point where failure happened.
Apply that same idea to wire rope. That’s exactly what’s happening. The wires on the one side have already been stretched, they’ve gone past their elastic limit. You haven’t physically broken them, you’ve broken them internally, basically. And every time that that wire rope gets used, you put a load on it, straightens out, you take the load off, kink comes back. You keep bending that paperclip enough times, it breaks. You keep bending that wire rope back and forth multiple times, and one of these days, it’s going to break.
That’s the reason why you got to take it out of service, ’cause no one can sit there and say, “You know what? After you do that 20 times, the wire’s going to break.” No one can predict that.
Can Any Employee Perform Rigging Tasks?
– Okay, how about this one? “Rigging is simple. Anybody can do it.”
– Of course! Of course they can. No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– Some rigging is simple rigging. Very basic. Some of it can get complicated. It depends on what you’re lifting, how you’re lifting it, what you’re lifting it with, and then of course how you’re attaching it.
Those are all things that a rigger will take into consideration.
Training vs In-Field Rigging Experience
– “Rigging trainers are just OSHA shills and they’re there to tell you things based on the standards, but they don’t actually have any experience of how things are done in the field. Their purpose is to tell you what to do so they can sell you some more stuff.”
– No.
– [Announcer] Myth!
– They’ve been in this business for 10, 15, 20, 30 years, right? They know what they’re talking about.
They’ll sit on different boards. They’ll sit on ASME, they’ll sit on CMAA, they’ll sit on WSTDA, they’ll sit on those different groups, because they want to know what is changing in the industry, just so that they can keep it as safe as possible.
The flip side of that is, is I can give them my input, too. I can give them input into from what I have heard or what I have come across in my experience. You know, sometimes, somebody will put something out there and it’ll be like, “That’s not going to work, guys.”
“Why won’t it work? Give me an example. Tell me why.” Right?
I can bring that to the table. And that, that’s one of the reasons why I like sitting on these different committees. It keeps me at the forefront of any changes that are coming through.
– So, you’re telling me that trainers are not just salespeople in disguise?
– I am not, no. I don’t know about others, but I am not, no.
How To Learn More About Rigging Training?
– All right.
All right, guys, that’s it. So, if you have a myth that you’ve heard that we didn’t cover or you need some clarification, feel free to drop it in the comments.
Hopefully, this has equipped you with some knowledge that you can bring back to your job site so you can keep your team safe. If you need training or if you have any questions about the rigging process Mazzella can help, contact us through the link below.
We can also help with your slings, hardware, wire rope, cranes, fall protection, and lifters for all of your lifting needs.
If you found this video useful, informative, entertaining, or you just feel like being friendly, then hit that like button so we can get this information out to everyone who needs it. Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a video. If you have a question, drop it in the comments so we can get you an answer. And remember, safe rigging is smart rigging. My name is Ben. Stay safe out there.
6. Carbon Shackles Should Never Be Used for Overhead Lifting
“Since you can’t use carbon chains for overhead lifting, then carbon shackles shouldn’t be used.”
While this logic is understandable, it’s false. Carbon shackles, depending on the application, are fine to use for lifting.
However, don’t assume that similar-sized alloy and carbon shackles have the same working load limit. When comparing shackles of equal specification, most carbon shackles will have a smaller working load limit than alloy shackles.
7. Any Type of Shackle Can Be Used for An Overhead Lift
“As long as the working load limit is greater than the load that you’re lifting, you can use screw pin, round pin, or bolt type shackles, right?”
No. If you look at ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware, round pin shackles aren’t meant for overhead lifting.
It states:
“NOTE: Round pin shackles are not covered by the scope of this Volume, because they have limited application in lifting. They are only restrained by a cotter pin and may present a hazard in odd angle loading conditions.”
8. You Don’t Actually Need to Use Cotter Pins on Bolt-Type Shackles
Yes, cotter pins have an important purpose. They can be used as a holding device so the nut cannot back out of the shackle.
With a cotter pin, the bolt can rotate 360 degrees while staying secure. If you rotate it without a cotter pin, the nut can back off the pin and cause a load drop.
According to ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware, if the manufacturer designed the shackle to be used with a cotter pin in place, you must use it.
“For long-term installations, bolt-type shackles should be used; if screw pin-type shackles are used, the pin shall be secured from rotation or loosening.”
9. You Can Use any Shackle Pin as Long as It Fits the Shackle Body
Not all pins are created the same among manufacturers. Pins come in three types of materials: carbon, alloy, and micro-alloy. And even if two pins are the same size, they may have different WLLs depending on the manufacturer.
Some companies, make their pins interchangeable by using the same material for all of their pins. It’s good practice to reach out to the manufacturer to see what they think. It’s also good practice to keep your pins matched with the original shackle to avoid mixup and confusion.
10. If ASME Standards Say ‘Should,’ You Can Ignore It Without Penalty
While ASME can’t fine you for overlooking their standards, OSHA will take care of that.
Regardless of your experience in lifting and rigging, your daily operations are formed by ASME standards. Their standards are created and updated by ASME’s committees, which are made up of former and current:
- Engineers
- Government officials
- Academics
- Industry leaders
Plus, according to OSHA’s General Duty Clause, they can fine you for violating updated ASME standards, ANSI standards, and manufacturer recommendations, even if that standard isn’t in OSHA’s guidelines, regardless of whether it’s a should or a shall.
Your organization should be in the habit of following all applicable industry standards. Even if it does slow down your processes, it creates a safer work environment and keeps you from paying hefty fines.
11. CE Markings on Rigging Hardware Stands for “Chinese Export”
Many riggers believe the CE label on rigging hardware stands for “Chinese Export.” This isn’t true. CE stands for “Conformité Européenne,” and it indicates that the product meets European Union (EU) safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.
When you look at an American-made shackle, and it has the CE marking, that marking indicates it can be sold in Europe.
12. You Should Never Use Turnbuckles for Overhead Lifting
Turnbuckles can be used for specific overhead lifting applications. They are ideal for applications where your load needs to be perfectly level because they allow you to make minute adjustments to the rigging length and height.
We’ve seen power generation facilities use turnbuckle hoists in conjunction to lift the cover off large turbines.
Plus, turnbuckles fall under ASME B30.26 Rigging Hardware standards and best practices for use. In subsection 26-2.9.4. Rigging Practices, it states:
(a) Turnbuckle end-fitting threads shall be fully engaged in the body threads.
(b) Components, including pins, bolts, nuts, or cotter pins used with jaw ends, shall be in good working condition prior to use.
…
(f) The load applied to the turnbuckle should be in line and in tension.
(g) Turnbuckles should not be side loaded.
(h) Turnbuckles should be rigged or secured to prevent unscrewing during lifting or load handling activities.
13. The Red Thread On Web Slings is an Out of Service Gauge
The red thread isn’t a gauge of sling integrity. It is solely an indicator of overloading.
If you see the red thread while lifting, you should pull the sling out of service, but it’s not the sole indicator of the sling’s integrity.
The red thread isn’t made from the same material as the lifting sling. A nylon or polyester web sling will stretch a certain amount before it takes a load. When it gets into the overload condition, it stretches much more, while the red thread doesn’t stretch as much.
What can happen is the red thread becomes visible. That’s an indicator that that sling has been overloaded. Unfortunately, there are people out there who look at it and say, “Well, the red thread isn’t out yet, so it’s fine to continue using.”
The red thread will not account for issues like holes, cuts, and abrasion damage. To see if your sling meets cause for removal criteria, you should follow through with your normal inspection criteria instead of solely relying on the red thread.
It’s also important to note that not all manufacturers include red–core yarns with their synthetic web slings as part of the manufacturing process.
14. You Can Still Use Wire Ropes with Minor Kinks
Any kink, no matter how minor, is cause for removal. Any kink is a sign that the wire rope sling has been stretched past its elastic limit.
Even though the rope is physically intact, internally, the structure is permanently compromised. If you keep bending that wire rope multiple times, whether it’s two lifts or 25 lifts, it will inevitably break and cause a catastrophic failure.
For example, when you bend a paperclip several times, it will eventually break from metal fatigue, even if it looks intact from the outside—the structural integrity of that paperclip is permanently compromised. The same logic applies to wire ropes. The ropes have already been stretched past their elastic limit. While they appear fine on the outside—even with a minor kink—their integrity is permanently compromised.
To avoid kinks and extend the life of your wire rope sling, pair it with sling protection.
15. Rigging is Simple. Anyone Can Do It!
While some rigging is simple and straightforward, other parts of it are incredibly complex.
As we discussed in our Global Lifting Awareness Day article, riggers don’t become experts overnight. While they can come from all social classes, races, religions, or economic backgrounds, riggers spend countless hours learning from experienced workers, on-the-job training, and testing their skills.
There are teams of scientists and engineers who spend their days coming up with formulas and equations to ensure lifts go smoothly and equipment is properly manufactured.
It also depends on what you’re lifting, how you’re lifting it, what you’re lifting it with, and how you’re attaching it.
16. Trainers are Undercover Salespeople and OSHA Sticklers
Many view trainers as an adversary instead of an ally. They’re seen as OSHA shills with no experience in the field who just want to sell you more products.
First, trainers come from all walks of life, and plenty of them come from traditional rigging backgrounds. We’ve seen trainers at our organization with decades of fieldwork. Trainers can also come from an engineering background. Others could be transitioning from a managerial position.
Regardless of their background, trainers know what they are talking about. Many also sit on various industry boards and committees, like the Web Sling Tie-Down Association (WSTDA).
How Can You Improve Your Rigging Processes?
While they may seem like a burden, following updated industry standards and rooting out long-believed myths will improve your job site’s operations.
We understand it can be hard to kick old habits, especially if your experienced coworkers are the ones perpetuating them. Whether it was learning the truth about the CE label, or removing wire ropes with minor kinks, we hope this article equipped you with knowledge that you can bring back to your job site.
Mazzella has been a leader in lifting and rigging training for years now, offering comprehensive, in-house training programs that cover:
- Lifting and rigging
- Fall protection
- Overhead crane operating
- Signalperson
Furthermore, our partnership with Industrial Training International (ITI) helps lifting professionals advance their careers while keeping their operations safe and OSHA-compliant.
Schedule an online, in-person, or job site training session today. Mazzella is also a one-stop shop for all your lifting and rigging needs: fall protection, lifting slings, overhead cranes, below-the-hook lifting devices, crane service, warehouse solutions, and so much more!
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