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Unit 1 — Workplace Safety and Equipment Management
Section 4 — Hoisting, Lifting, & Rigging

4.5 Inspection

Rigging equipment that is not properly inspected, stored, and maintained presents an unacceptable risk of failure. This lesson establishes the systematic approach to pre-use inspection, colour coding, and documentation of rigging equipment.

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⏱️Frequency 🔍Pre-Use Procedure 🎨Colour Coding 📝Documentation

4.5.1 Frequency of Inspection

All rigging equipment must be inspected before each use by the user. In addition, a formal documented inspection by a qualified person must be conducted at regular intervals as specified by legislation and the manufacturer — commonly annually or after any incident.

Inspection Type Performed By Trigger / Frequency Documentation Required
Pre-use visual User (worker / apprentice) Before every use Recommended; mandatory after any deficiency found
Formal documented Qualified person Annually, or after any incident or overload Mandatory — record in rigging inspection log
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No Inspection = No Use Never use rigging equipment that has not been inspected on that day. An inspection performed yesterday does not cover today's lift — conditions, handling, and storage can all introduce new damage overnight.

4.5.2 Pre-Use Visual Inspection Procedure

Follow these steps in order before attaching any rigging to a load. If any item fails, remove the equipment from service immediately.

  1. Lay out in a well-lit area — spread the rigging on a clean, flat surface where the entire length is visible.
  2. Inspect the full length of slings, cables, and chains for damage, deformation, kinking, crushing, and wear.
  3. Check all end fittings — hooks, shackles, links, and thimbles — for cracks, distortion, corrosion, and wear at contact points.
  4. Verify WLL markings and ID tags are present, legible, and match the required capacity for the planned lift.
  5. Check hooks for safety latch function and measure throat opening against the manufacturer's removal criterion (max +15%).
  6. Verify shackle pins are fully threaded, seated, and moused with seizing wire.
  7. Remove and tag any failed equipment immediately — attach a "DO NOT USE" tag and quarantine from the rigging inventory.
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Inspect in Good Light Carry out pre-use inspection indoors or in direct daylight. Inspecting in poor light — inside a van, in shadow, or at dusk — increases the chance of missing a crack, broken wire, or worn fitting.

4.5.3 Colour Coding & Documentation

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Colour Coding

Many organizations use annual colour coding — a different colour tag or paint mark applied each year — to provide a quick visual confirmation that rigging has passed its most recent formal inspection.

How It Works

  • A new colour is assigned at the start of each calendar year.
  • After passing formal inspection, equipment is marked with that year's colour.
  • Any rigging displaying last year's colour (or no colour) is flagged for formal re-inspection before use.

On the Job Site

  • Always check which colour is current for the active inspection period on your specific job site.
  • Colour coding does not replace the mandatory pre-use visual inspection — it supplements it.
  • Report equipment with missing or incorrect colour coding to your supervisor immediately.
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Documenting Inspections

Maintain a rigging inspection log for all formal inspections. This record provides legal evidence of due diligence and supports warranty claims in the event of equipment failure.

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Required Log Entry Fields

  • Date of inspection
  • Inspector name and qualification
  • Equipment identifier (serial number, tag number, or description)
  • Findings — describe any deficiencies observed
  • Result — Pass / Fail / Removed from Service
  • Next due date for formal re-inspection
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Legal Significance Under Ontario's OHSA, employers are required to maintain records demonstrating that equipment was inspected and maintained. A complete rigging log protects the employer, the supervisor, and the worker in the event of a Ministry of Labour investigation.
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