The inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment are essential to ensure long-term performance and compliance with industry standards. Faulty or hazardous equipment poses significant risks, potentially jeopardising the safety of your work environment, the well-being of your staff, and the financial stability of your operations.
Why knowing when to repair equipment is important
Knowing when your lifting equipment needs repairs is crucial to ensure its efficiency and the safety of those operating it. Spotting the signs of repairs on your equipment early could be the key to guaranteeing timely and cost-effective repairs, whilst maintaining equipment and workplace safety.
Keep your workers secure and your projects running smoothly by looking for these signs equipment may not be in the best shape:
1. Rust or corrosion on metal equipment and machinery
Rust is the first sign of corrosion you should look for. Even in small amounts rust can signify something wrong below the surface of equipment such as a loss of mechanical strength which means loads can drop and cause significant damage. Always assess rust before using equipment to ensure corrosion is not impacting operating standards and safety.
2. For fabric equipment: look for chaffing and holes
In fabric equipment look for holes, tears, burns, chaffing and general abrasions– all are signs equipment is heavily worn down or has been misused. For fabric equipment like slings or waterbags, chaffing is a sign of abrasive use and could impact the strength. As for holes, tears or undone stitching, they imply the sling or waterbag is at the end of its life or unsuitable to carry loads and does not comply with safety standards. Make sure to spot the signs to provide a solution to fabric equipment whether it is repairing or replacing the faulty fabric, or replacing the entire equipment as a whole.
3. Identify cracks and discolouration
Like for almost all things, cracks mean a loss of efficiency and a need for repairs–lifting equipment is no different. Metal and all types of material can fatigue if there is heavy use, exposure to harsh environments, and excessive pressure. A crack in equipment can mean it no longer complies with safety standards and is no longer safe to use as the materials are not at their full capacity strength. It’s important to look for signs of potential cracking and keep up with proper maintenance to prevent cracks.
Shackles and other metal equipment whilst heat-treated can also become discoloured and can experience reverse treatment in the field from when they were heat-treated. If you see metal turn blue, it’s a sign of heat damage and should be replaced immediately.
4. Spot any missing parts of equipment
Be sure to check that equipment with multiple components has all the necessary parts available to be used. Missing hooks, bolts, screws or ropes are a sign equipment is faulty. For instance, a missing bolt in a lift beam can cause serious damage leading materials to be dropped and creating a hazardous work environment for your workers. Missing parts of equipment reduce the safety of equipment by reducing the load they can carry. These missing pieces should be replaced before the machinery or equipment is used.
5. Hook and metal deformities
Keep your eye on metal equipment. If you notice it is twisted, out of shape, kinked or elongated– it needs to be replaced. If hooks are deformed, their bearable weight shrinks significantly which can result in dropping loads and injuries. Similarly, if metal rope or shackles are deformed it suggests they are not as strong as you may think. Overbearing loads and improper use can cause metal deformities. Be sure to use correct weights when using metal lifting equipment to prevent damage and deformities.
Rigging Rentals and safety compliance
Rigging Rentals is a leading supplier of rigging and lifting equipment, recognised for its high standards and proven track record of delivering reliable, high-quality equipment that complies with industry regulations. All equipment undergoes rigorous testing and regular inspections to ensure operational safety and performance.
To maintain peak performance and ensure safety throughout the rental period, we recommend conducting daily visual inspections before use. This proactive step helps identify any potential signs of wear or minor adjustments needed due to operational conditions. For more detailed inspections or maintenance, our skilled professionals at Rigging Rentals are available to provide expert guidance and support.
Disclaimer—The content provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that the information presented here is completely accurate or up-to-date. The information should not be considered as professional or expert advice for rigging, lifting, or any related activities. Users should not rely solely on the information provided in this blog and should consult with qualified professionals and/or manufacturers before making any decisions or taking any actions related to rigging and lifting equipment or practices. Rigging Rentals is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of applying the information provided on this blog.