What action should be taken if damaged rigging hardware is discovered during the pre-lift check?

What action should be taken if damaged rigging hardware is discovered during the pre-lift check?

• A. Proceed with the lift after a quick inspection.
• B. Continue using it if the load is light.
• C. Remove from service and replace; notify supervisor; do not lift until replaced.
• D. Ignore the issue and keep working.

Answer: (C)

Damaged rigging hardware cannot be trusted to carry a load. When damage is found during the pre-lift check, the correct action is to remove the hardware from service, replace it with approved gear, notify the supervisor, and not proceed with the lift until the replacement is in place and re-inspected. This prevents a hidden flaw from causing a sudden failure, which could lead to dropped loads, injuries, or worse. Even small dents, bends, cracks, or corrosion can significantly reduce strength, so quick inspections or using the gear for a lighter load aren’t reliable safeguards. Tag the equipment as out of service and ensure the replacement is properly inspected before lifting resumes.

Damaged rigging hardware cannot be trusted to carry a load. When damage is found during the pre-lift check, the correct action is to remove the hardware from service, replace it with approved gear, notify the supervisor, and not proceed with the lift until the replacement is in place and re-inspected. This prevents a hidden flaw from causing a sudden failure, which could lead to dropped loads, injuries, or worse. Even small dents, bends, cracks, or corrosion can significantly reduce strength, so quick inspections or using the gear for a lighter load aren’t reliable safeguards. Tag the equipment as out of service and ensure the replacement is properly inspected before lifting resumes.