When a lift goes right, no one notices. When it goes wrong, everyone does. The fastest way to keep jobs on schedule—and people safe—is to build every lift around the basics: correct gear selection, verified capacity, documented inspections, and trained people. Below are the OSHA and ASME “must-knows” your crew should have on repeat, plus how CERTEX can help you stay compliant without slowing the job.
Quick note: This article is an overview, not legal advice. Always consult the actual standards and your site-specific procedures.
OSHA: The non-negotiables your crew must follow
1. Inspect rigging before each shift (and as needed during use).
- OSHA requires rigging equipment used for material handling to be inspected prior to use on each shift, and taken out of service if defective1,2.
2. Never use untagged or illegible gear.
- If the sling or hardware ID is missing or unreadable, it’s a hard stop—do not use it. The equipment must show its identification and rated load (safe working load)2.
3. Don’t exceed the rated load.
- Loads must not exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity shown on the tag or markings (including the effects of sling angle)2.
4. Remove damaged slings immediately (know the criteria).
- Wire rope slings must be removed if they have 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, or 5 broken wires in a single strand in one lay; or if outer wire wear reaches one-third of the original diameter3.
5. Proof-test special or custom lifting accessories.
- Custom grabs, hooks, clamps, and similar lifting accessories must be proof-tested to 125% of rated load before use4. Note: Test loads shall not be more than 125% of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. Test reports should be available.
6. Cranes and rigging personnel must be qualified.
- Under Subpart CC (construction), riggers and signal persons must be qualified persons—the employer determines qualification based on degree/certification or demonstrable knowledge/experience for the job at hand5.
ASME: What the B30 volumes expect in the field
1. Slings (ASME B30.9): frequent + periodic inspections and sling protection.
- B30.9 covers fabrication, use, inspection, testing, and maintenance of slings. The 2021 edition adds a non-mandatory appendix on sling protection—reinforcing the need to pad sharp edges to prevent cuts and crushing. Keep frequent (shift/usage) and periodic (documented) inspections, and set removal criteria per sling type6.
2. Hooks (ASME B30.10): inspect for throat opening, twist, wear—and use latches unless hazards dictate otherwise.
- All new or altered hooks need an initial inspection; latches are required unless they create a greater hazard for the task. Monitor throat opening, tip loading, twist, wear at bearing points, and latch function; remove if out of tolerance7.
3. Rigging hardware (ASME B30.26): design factor and markings matter.
- Detachable rigging hardware (shackles, eyebolts, hoist rings, turnbuckles, clips, etc.) must meet construction, marking, inspection, and use provisions. Adjustable hardware (such as turnbuckles) uses a minimum design factor of 5 and must be applied per rated loads and alignment8.
4. Below-the-Hook Devices (ASME B30.20): mark it, inspect it, operate it per the book.
- B30.20 covers below-the-hook lifting devices (spreader bars, clamps, magnets, vacuums). Devices must carry visible ratings and identification, and undergo pre-lift checks plus defined frequent/periodic inspections9.
Practical field checklist (post this in the shop)
Keep your crew aligned and your lifts compliant—download, print, and hang this practical field checklist where everyone can see it.
Where OSHA and ASME meet (and why it matters)
- OSHA is enforceable law. It tells you what you must do (e.g., inspect each shift, don’t overload, remove defective gear, proof-test custom attachments)1,2,4.
- ASME B30 standards are consensus best practices that OSHA and insurers often reference. They tell you how to do it right (detailed inspection methods, tolerances, markings, and operation). Staying aligned with B30 helps demonstrate due diligence if you’re ever audited or investigated6,7,9.
How CERTEX helps you stay compliant (without slowing production)
- Documented sling & hardware inspections — Frequent and periodic programs aligned to OSHA and ASME B30, with digital records you can produce on demand.
- Repairs, proof-tests & certification — Including custom lifting attachments that must be proof-tested to 125% before first use (we’ll document it).
- Training for riggers, signal persons, and supervisors — Practical courses that map to OSHA Subpart CC and ASME B30 expectations (qualification is employer-determined; we provide the training and evidence you need).
- Engineering & below-the-hook solutions — Spreader bars, clamps, magnets, and specialty lifters designed and marked per B30.20/BTH-1—with inspection schedules built in.
- Sling selection & protection — Help calculating angles/capacity, choosing the right sling for the environment, and specifying edge protection to extend service life.
Top 10 On-Site Fail Points
- Missing/illegible sling tag
- Sharp edges with no protection
- Hook latch removed “for convenience”
- Overlooked sling angle tension
- Using “looks good” hardware with hidden deformation
- Out-of-date periodic inspections
- Custom lifter not proof-tested to 125%
- Rigger/signal person not actually qualified for this lift
- No recordkeeping when the auditor asks
- “Just this once” decisions
Staying compliant with evolving OSHA and ASME standards can be overwhelming—but CERTEX is here to make it simple. Reach out to your local CERTEX branch for the latest industry requirements and hands-on support for your next lift.
Sources
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.184 – Slings (General Industry).
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 – Rigging Equipment for Material Handling (Construction).
- OSHA Letter of Interpretation – Wire rope sling removal criteria.
- OSHA Letter of Interpretation – Proof-testing special/custom lifting accessories to 125%.
- OSHA Subpart CC – Cranes & Derricks in Construction (Qualified Rigger & Signal Person)
- ASME B30.9-2021 – Slings (scope & 2021 updates incl. sling protection appendix).
