(1) Inspections.

(a) A qualified person must perform an inspection on all hardware according to Table 29, each day before using. If a daily inspection is not feasible because the hardware is in a semipermanent or inaccessible location, a periodic inspection is allowed instead of daily.

(b) You must remove hardware from service when it shows any conditions listed in Table 29, or any other hazardous condition.

Table 29

Hardware Inspection

For all hardware, inspect for the following:
•	Missing or illegible identification.
•	For shackles, missing or illegible manufacturer's name or trademark and/or rated load identification.
•	Indications of heat damage, including weld spatter or arc strikes.
•	Excessive pitting or corrosion.
•	Load bearing components that are:
	–	Bent.
	–	Twisted.
	–	Distorted.
	–	Stretched.
	–	Elongated.
	–	Cracked.
	–	Broken.
•	Excessive nicks or gouges. For riggings blocks, excessive nicks, gouges and wear.
•	10% reduction of the original or catalog dimension at any point. For shackles, this includes at any point around the body or pin.
•	Excessive thread damage or wear, where applicable.
•	Evidence of unauthorized welding or modification.
•	Any other conditions that cause doubt as to the safety of continued use.
•	On shackles, also inspect for incomplete pin engagement.
•	On swivels and swivel hoist rings, check for lack of ability to freely rotate or pivot.
•	On compression hardware, also check for:
	–	Unauthorized replacement components.
	–	Insufficient number of wire rope clips.
	–	Improperly tightened wire rope clips.
	–	Damaged wire rope.
	–	Indications of wire rope slippage.
	–	Improper assembly.
•	On swivels, check for loose or missing nuts, bolts, cotter pins, snap rings, or other fasteners and retaining devices.
•	On blocks check for:
	–	Loose or missing nuts, bolts, cotter pins, snap rings, or other fasteners and retaining devices.
	–	Misalignment or wobble in sheaves.
	–	Excessive sheave groove corrugation or wear.

(2) Repairs, alterations, or modifications.

(a) You must repair, alter, or modify rigging hardware according to the hardware manufacturer or a qualified person.

(b) Welding of hardware is prohibited unless authorized by the manufacturer.

(3) Hardware use.

(a) You must select hardware with the characteristics suitable for the application and environment where it will be used.

(b) You must not exceed the rated load of the hardware.

PDFWAC 296-155-56100

General requirements.