Ask the Experts – Lifting and Rigging FAQs
Rigging
Can Any Company Assemble Their Own Alloy Chain Slings?
Al Abel, a 20-year veteran of the material handling industry, discusses the proper way to assemble a chain sling, and whether or not any company can do it themselves.
Can I assemble my own chain sling?
Yes, provided your company meets the following requirements:
- Your company must demonstrate proven competency in assembling chain slings.
- Only the correct, manufacturer-specified components may be used.
- Your company’s name must appear on the sling’s identification tag as the manufacturer.
- The completed sling must be proof tested.
How Does Mazzella Extend the Service Life of Crane Rope?
Kent Richardson is a Lifting Specialist from Mazzella out of Detroit, Michigan and he’s here to explain how you can improve the service life of wire rope on your crane or hoist.
What can I do if my crane application seems to be wearing out wire rope too quickly?
When customers believe they are going through wire rope too frequently, the first step is to evaluate both the wire rope and the application itself.
Questions that should be considered include:
- How is the wire rope being inspected?
- Are inspections checking for broken wires?
- Is the rope being monitored for reduction in diameter?
- Are inspectors looking for deformation, kinks, or other signs of damage?
- How is the crane being operated?
- What is the specific application or operating environment?
In many cases, examining the removed wire rope can provide valuable information. The condition and wear patterns of the rope often help identify the factors contributing to its service life and can provide direction when selecting a replacement wire rope.
By evaluating the failed or retired wire rope, it is often possible to determine which characteristics should be prioritized in a new wire rope to better suit the application.
Can I Repair a Damaged Latch on a Sling Hook or Crane Hook?
Adam Franz is the Executive Vice President of Rigging with Mazzella, and he’s here to answer some questions about ordering replacement latches on sling hooks and crane hooks.
Can a broken hook latch be replaced?
Yes. If the latch on your hook becomes damaged or breaks, a replacement latch can often be installed.
To ensure the correct replacement is selected, you should identify the markings on the hook. The easiest way to do this is to take clear photographs of the hook and its markings with your phone and send them to your local rigging shop for identification assistance.
Once the hook has been properly identified, the correct replacement latch can be sourced based on the hook’s manufacturer and model.
You may then choose to:
- Install the replacement latch yourself.
- Have a qualified rigging shop install the replacement latch for you.
Providing accurate hook identification information helps ensure the replacement latch is compatible with the hook and functions as intended.
Can I Use a Chart Instead of a Sling Tag to Determine Working Load Limit?
Al Abel is a winner of the 2018 Crane Hot Line Corporate Top Trainer Award and is a Lifting Specialist here at Mazzella. Al’s here to answer some of the questions you have about how to read and use a sling tag to determine Working Load Limit (WLL).
Can I Use a Chart Instead of a Sling Tag to Determine Working Load Limit?
Every chain sling, regardless of its length or size, must have a permanent identification tag affixed to it. It is not sufficient to rely on a wall chart or a reference table to determine the working load limit (WLL).
Per industry standards, a rigger must be able to find and clearly read the identification tag on the sling itself before a lift. If a chain sling is missing its tag, or if the tag is illegible, the sling must be removed from service immediately.
The identification tag must include specific information, such as:
- The manufacturer’s name.
- The size and grade of the chain.
- The length (reach) of the sling.
- The working load limit (WLL).
Standard Requirements for Chain Slings
Chain slings are among the most highly regulated pieces of rigging equipment. Key requirements include:
- Periodic Inspections: They must undergo a thorough inspection at least every 12 months by a qualified professional.
- Repairs and Modifications: If a chain sling is repaired or modified, the organization performing the work must add a second tag to the sling. This tag identifies who modified it and explains the modification. It is common to see a chain sling with two identification tags—one from the original manufacturer and one from the repair facility.
As a rigger, your responsibility is to ensure the tag is present and readable. Never guess the capacity of a chain sling based on its size or a generic chart.
How Do I Properly Install and Torque a Swivel Hoist Ring?
Adam Franz is a recipient of the Crane Hot Line Corporate Top Trainer Award for 2019 and has worked for Mazzella over 13 years. In this video, he addresses the right way and the wrong way to install and tighten a swivel hoist ring.
How should a hoist ring be installed?
A common misconception is that a hoist ring should simply be tightened until it will not turn any further. This is not the correct installation method and can result in damage to the hoist ring.
Every hoist ring is designed to be installed to a specific torque value established by the manufacturer. To ensure proper installation:
- Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct torque specification.
- Use a calibrated torque wrench to achieve the required torque value.
- Verify that the hoist ring is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Proper torque is critical. If a hoist ring is not tightened sufficiently, the threads may not be fully engaged, which can affect the integrity of the connection. Conversely, over-torquing a hoist ring can stretch the threads and potentially damage the hoist ring or the mounting point.
The correct installation is not determined by how tight the hoist ring feels—it is determined by applying the manufacturer’s specified torque value.
Can I Replace a Lost or Missing Sling Tag on a Lifting Sling?
Ben Copeland is a Lifting Specialist from Mazzella working out of Pittsburgh, PA. He’s here to answer some of the questions you have about sling identification tags and what to do with a chain sling or wire rope sling that’s missing a tag.
Can I replace a missing sling tag myself?
No. A replacement tag cannot simply be issued and attached to a sling without verifying the sling’s condition and capacity.
If a sling’s identification tag is missing or illegible, the sling should be removed from service and evaluated by a qualified sling manufacturer or repair facility.
Repairable Slings
Certain sling types, such as chain slings and repairable high-performance roundslings, may be returned to a qualified facility for inspection, testing as required, and re-tagging if they are found to be in acceptable condition.
Non-Repairable Slings
For sling types that are not typically repairable, re-tagging is often impractical or cost-prohibitive. In many cases, replacement of the sling is the most economical and appropriate solution.
The purpose of the sling tag is to identify the sling and communicate critical information such as capacity, configuration, and manufacturer. Without verifying the sling’s condition and specifications, a replacement tag cannot be issued with confidence that it accurately represents the sling in service.
What Are Some Alternatives to Heavy Chain Slings or Wire Rope Slings?
Levi Jabben is a Sales Specialist with Mazzella based out of Oklahoma City. He’s here to answer some of the questions you have about alternative options to using heavy chain slings and wire rope slings.
Are there alternatives to traditional chain and wire rope slings?
Yes. Modern rigging technology offers several alternatives that can improve ergonomics, reduce weight, and simplify your lifting operations.
Alternatives for Chain Slings
A common challenge with traditional adjustable chain slings is the weight and complexity of the adjustable leg assemblies. Manufacturers like Gunnebo Industries and The Crosby Group offer product lineups designed to eliminate these separate adjustable components. These integrated assemblies are:
- Lighter: Easier for personnel to handle and transport in the field.
- More Efficient: Faster for the shop to assemble, resulting in shorter lead times for the customer.
More Efficient: Faster for the shop to assemble, resulting in shorter lead times for the customer.
Transitioning to Synthetic Slings
In many applications, synthetic products can serve as an excellent alternative to heavy wire rope or chain:
- Weight Reduction: A half-inch chain sling at a 20-foot length is extremely heavy and difficult to carry. In contrast, an endless round sling with the same vertical WLL is light enough to carry under one arm.
- Improved Ergonomics: Moving to lighter synthetic materials reduces the physical strain on riggers without sacrificing capacity.
Selecting the right alternative depends on your specific environment and load requirements. We stay up-to-date on the latest product innovations to help you find the safest and most efficient solution for your facility.
Is Grade 70 Chain Suitable for Overhead Lifting?
Levi Jabben is a Sales Specialist with Mazzella based out of Oklahoma City. He’s here to answer some of the questions you have about alloy chain and what grades of chain can be used to fabricate chain slings for overhead lifts.
Is Grade 70 chain suitable for overhead lifting?
No. Grade 70 chain is not suitable for overhead lifting.
Grade 70 chain is a transport or tie-down chain. It is not an alloy chain and does not provide the same warning signs as lifting-grade chain. Instead of bending or stretching before failure, Grade 70 chain can snap suddenly without warning, creating a serious safety hazard.
For overhead lifting applications, only the following grades of alloy chain should be used:
- Grade 80
- Grade 100
- Grade 120
These grades are specifically designed and manufactured for lifting and provide the necessary strength and ductility required for overhead applications.
Important Note
Grade 70 chain should only be used for tie-downs or cargo securement. It should never be used for overhead lifting.
How Do I Keep My Sling Tags From Falling Off in the Field?
Jason Kuhlman is a Lifting Specialist with Mazzella out of Oklahoma City. He’s here to answer some of the questions you have about sling tags and what you can do to prevent them from coming off when rigging or lifting a load.
How can I keep sling tags from falling off?
Sling identification tags can be easily damaged or lost in demanding environments, such as the oil and gas industry. There are a few practical solutions that can help keep tags securely attached.
For Chain Slings
Using an alloy chain lock (or protective alloy link) through the tag can help protect it. This adds thickness and strength, reducing the chance of the tag being cut or chopped off if something slides into it.
For Wire Rope Slings
A heavier grade of aircraft cable can be used to attach the tag. Additionally, double-tagging the sling—placing a tag on each end—has proven effective in preventing tags from sliding off or being damaged during use.
These simple modifications can significantly reduce the frequency of lost or damaged sling tags in the field.
Rigging Inspections
Do I Need Periodic Proof Testing or Load Testing on My Slings?
Bryan Holmgren is the Regional Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella, and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about proof testing requirements for lifting slings.
Do I need to perform load testing or proof testing on my slings every 12 months or during periodic inspections?
No. There is no requirement in OSHA or ASME standards that mandates load testing or proof testing of slings after they have been manufactured.
The only exception is when a sling is sent in for repair. In that case, different requirements apply.
Can My Company Perform Our Own Periodic Sling Inspection?
Tom Horner is the Corporate Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about who can perform a periodic rigging inspection.
Can My Company Perform Our Own Periodic Sling Inspection?
Yes. As a user of slings and rigging, you are permitted to conduct your own periodic inspections, provided the following requirements are met:
- The individual designated to perform the inspections must have documented training.
- Competency and qualification of the designated inspector must be demonstrated and verifiable.
- Your company must create and maintain its own inspection documentation and records.
- The designated inspector must be given adequate time to perform the inspections in accordance with your company’s periodic inspection guidelines.
What standards are used during a rigging inspection?
Tom Horner is the Corporate Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella and he’s here to answer questions regarding the standards that regulate the inspection of lifting and rigging equipment.
What standards are used during a rigging inspection?
When providing an inspection quote, it is standard practice to inspect according to OSHA and ASME requirements. However, it is important to determine if your organization maintains more stringent internal standards.
If your company has internal protocols that exceed federal or industry requirements, please provide that information during the quoting process. This ensures that the inspection is performed to your specific expectations and that the quote accurately reflects the scope of work required.
How Long Should Lifting and Rigging Inspection Records be Maintained?
Tom Horner is the Corporate Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about documentation and maintaining records related to periodic rigging inspections.
How long should sling and rigging inspection records be maintained?
In general, you should maintain the most recent inspection record for the equipment being inspected.
For periodic inspections, this may be the most recent annual inspection record if inspections are conducted on a 12-month interval.
If more frequent inspections are performed, such as monthly inspections, you would typically retain only the most current inspection record. Once a new inspection has been completed and documented, prior inspection records may be discarded.
Always ensure that your inspection records are maintained in accordance with your company’s policies and any applicable regulatory or customer requirements.
Are Inspection Tags Required for Rigging Gear That’s Been Inspected?
Bryan Holmgren is the Regional Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella, and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about identifying rigging gear that’s received a periodic inspection.
Do my slings require an inspection identifier after a periodic inspection?
No. There is no requirement in OSHA or ASME standards, nor in any recommended industry guidelines, that mandates the use of a physical inspection identifier (such as a color-coded zip tie, tape, or tag) on a sling following a periodic inspection.
Mazzella’s Recommendations and Best Practices
While inspection identifiers are commonly used in some facilities, Mazzella generally recommends against relying on them for several reasons:
- False Sense of Security: A “pass” tag only indicates the sling’s condition at the exact moment of the periodic inspection. If a sling is damaged during its very first lift after that inspection, the tag remains, which may lead a worker to falsely assume the sling is still safe to use.
- Over-Reliance on Tags: If workers rely solely on inspection tags, they may only use slings that have a tag present. If a tag accidentally falls off or is removed, workers may assume the sling is damaged, even if the equipment itself is in perfect condition.
- Undermining Proper Procedures: Relying on a tag does not promote a healthy inspection culture. It encourages workers to look for a piece of plastic or tape rather than performing the required visual inspection of the actual rigging gear.
The Bottom Line
Rigging must be inspected daily, before each shift, or before every use. An inspection tag is not a substitute for a qualified user’s eyes. The safety of a lift should be determined by the current condition of the sling, not by the presence of a tag.
Does a Rigging Inspector Need a Copy of a Previous Inspection Report?
Tom Horner is the Corporate Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella Lifting Technologies and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about inspection reports and what you need to provide to a third-party inspection company.
Do I need to provide a prior inspection report to receive a quote for a new inspection?
While providing a previous inspection report is helpful for reference, it is not required.
To provide an accurate quote, we primarily need a reasonably accurate estimate of the amount of rigging being inspected. To assist with this, we provide a “front-load form” that will help you identify and inventory your equipment so we can accurately scope the project for you.
Training
Should My Mobile Crane or Overhead Crane Operators Be Certified?
Al Abel is a Lifting Specialist for Mazzella, and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about your crane operators and the type of training and certification they may need.
Do Crane Operators Need To Be Certified?
It depends on the equipment being operated:
- Mobile Crane Operators: In the construction and mobile crane world, operators must be certified. If your operators need this, we can direct you to a company that specializes in that specific certification.
- Overhead Crane Operators: For most companies using overhead cranes, operators do not necessarily need to be certified, but they must be competent and qualified to perform the lift and the rigging processes.
Proving Competency and Qualification
The key requirement for a company is the ability to prove their people have been trained. Documentation is essential—as the saying goes, “If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.” This proof can include:
- Internal sign-in sheets from company-led training.
- External training documentation from professional providers who deliver tailored classes and certificates of attendance.
A Note on Temporary Workers
If you have a temporary worker who handles rigging gear, slings, or hardware, you are responsible for their safety and behavior. You must be able to prove that you provided training for that temporary worker while they are in your facility.
How Much Rigging Training Does a New Hire Need?
Al Abel is a winner of the 2018 Crane Hot Line Corporate Top Trainer award and is a Lifting Specialist here at Mazzella. Al’s here to answer some of the questions you have about the proper amount of lifting and rigging training that a new employee should receive.
How much rigging training does a new hire need?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The amount of training a new hire needs depends on their experience, qualifications, and the work they will be performing.
Before any employee is allowed to work around crane hooks, slings, or lifting operations, they should first receive the company’s basic safety orientation, including applicable safety policies and procedures.
Once that foundation is established, the employee should receive lifting and rigging training appropriate to their assigned duties. This training should be documented and verified by supervision.
For new employees, a best practice is to work under the guidance of an experienced employee or supervisor who can:
- Observe their performance.
- Evaluate their understanding of safe lifting and rigging practices.
- Determine whether additional training is needed.
- Confirm they are capable of performing their assigned tasks safely.
Some employees may come with extensive industry experience or previous certifications, while others may have little or no exposure to lifting and rigging operations. Because of this, training requirements will vary from person to person.
The goal is not to complete a predetermined number of training hours. The goal is to ensure the employee has received appropriate instruction, demonstrated competence, and that the training has been documented before they are permitted to perform lifting and rigging activities independently.
How Do You Encourage Employees To Speak Up About Safety?
Al Abel is a Lifting Specialist for Mazzella in Cleveland, OH and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about who’s responsible for workplace safety and identifying hazards on the job site.
How do you encourage employees to speak up about safety?
A strong safety culture is one where employees feel comfortable reporting hazards and asking questions whenever they encounter something that doesn’t seem right.
Employees should feel empowered to bring concerns to a supervisor or manager, regardless of whether it is their first hour on the job or their twentieth year. They should never hesitate to speak up if they notice something concerning, such as:
- A crane control button that sticks.
- Wire rope or load chain that appears excessively dry or worn.
- Unusual noises coming from a crane or hoist during operation.
- Visible damage to slings, such as holes, tears, cuts, or snags.
- Etc.
When an employee raises a concern, it should be taken seriously. If there is any doubt about the condition of a crane or piece of rigging equipment, it should be removed from service or set aside until a supervisor or qualified person can evaluate it.
Encouraging employees to ask, “Is this safe to use?” helps identify potential hazards before they lead to an incident. An organization that welcomes those conversations creates a stronger safety culture and reinforces that every employee has a role in maintaining a safe workplace.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Regardless of job title or years of experience, every employee should feel empowered to recognize potential hazards, speak up, and help keep themselves and their coworkers safe.
What Employees Should Attend a Lifting and Rigging Training?
Wayne Garrett is a Lifting Specialist with Mazzella out of Pittsburgh, PA. He’s here to answer some of the questions you have about who from your company should attend a third-party lifting and rigging training session.
Who should attend lifting and rigging training?
Lifting and rigging training is most effective when it includes employees from every level of the organization—from new hires to senior leadership.
Training participants should include:
- New Employees: To establish a strong foundation in safe lifting and rigging practices from day one.
- Experienced Workers: It is especially important for employees with 15 or 20 years of experience to attend. This ensures that veteran workers—who often serve as mentors to others—are up to date on current standards and haven’t developed “shortcuts” or habits that could be unsafely passed down to newer staff.
- Safety Coordinators and Plant Managers: Anyone with influence over the facility’s operations should be present.
The Role of Leadership Engagement
Leadership participation is vital because it sets the tone for the entire class. Coworkers and subordinates don’t just observe the instructor; they observe the leaders.
If a manager is disengaged or distracted, it signals that the training is a mere formality. However, when leaders are actively engaged—taking notes and participating in the discussion—it reinforces that safety is a serious priority. An engaged leadership team helps ensure the entire workforce takes the training seriously, fostering a more robust safety culture.
Hoists and Cranes
Do I Need a Model or Serial Number to Order a Hoist Part?
Robert Smothers has spent over 30 years in the lifting and rigging industry, and he’s putting his knowledge to use here to answer some questions about hoists and replacement hoist parts.
Do I need a model and serial number to order replacement hoist parts?
Yes. To ensure you receive the correct part for your specific equipment, you must provide a valid model and serial number.
Using this specific identifying information is essential for several reasons:
- Manuals are often generic: Many manuals found online or in print are designed for a broad range of equipment and may not list parts specific to your hoist’s build.
- Model Evolution: Hoist designs change over time. The parts required for an older hoist may differ significantly from those used in the current generation.
- Precision Matching: Providing the model and serial number ensures that the replacement part is compatible with the exact vintage and series of your hoist.
Having this information ready before you call or order will prevent delays and ensure the safe and proper maintenance of your equipment.
Fall Protection
Can My Company Perform Our Own Periodic Fall Protection Inspections?
Tom Horner is the Corporate Rigging Inspection Manager for Mazzella and he’s here to answer some of the questions you have about inspecting fall protection equipment and who can perform those inspections.
Can we perform our own periodic inspections of personal fall protection equipment?
Yes. Companies may perform their own periodic inspections of personal fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting devices, and similar equipment.
To do so, the following should be in place:
- The designated inspector must receive proper training, and that training should be documented.
- The organization must recognize and support the individual as being competent to perform the inspections.
- The designated inspector must be provided adequate time to conduct inspections in accordance with the company’s inspection program.
- The company must develop and maintain its own inspection documentation and records.
- Inspections should be performed in accordance with the organization’s established periodic inspection guidelines.
The key is ensuring that the designated individual has the training, competency, documentation, and time necessary to effectively carry out the inspection process.
Disclaimer:
Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.