When you’re lifting, hauling, or securing heavy loads, your rigging gear is only as good as its condition. Extreme temperatures—whether scorching summer heat or bone-chilling winter cold—can weaken equipment, cause premature wear, and even lead to failure if not properly managed.
At CERTEX, safety and performance are top priorities. To help you protect your investment and your team, we’ve rounded up key tips for prepping your rigging gear for both summer and winter conditions.
Hot Weather Rigging Tips
High temperatures can degrade synthetic materials, affect metal integrity, and create dangerous working conditions. Here’s how to mitigate the risks:
- Inspect for UV Damage and Heat Exposure
- Synthetic slings (like nylon and polyester) are especially vulnerable to UV rays. Look for fading, stiffness, or brittleness.
- Heat can degrade the tensile strength of rigging components, especially if exposed to temperatures beyond their rated limits.
Pro tip: Store slings out of direct sunlight when not in use. Prolonged UV exposure reduces service life.
- Avoid Overheating Metal Components
- Shackles, hooks, and wire rope can retain heat and become difficult—or dangerous—to handle.
- Watch for discoloration or warping that may indicate overheating.
Pro tip: Use gloves and check manufacturer specs for safe temperature ranges (typically up to 200°F for many metal components).
- Hydration and PPE for Workers
- Hot gear is only part of the equation—your team needs to stay safe, too. Heatstroke, dehydration, and fatigue can lead to poor decision-making around heavy equipment, especially in extreme summer conditions.
Worker Safety Tips for the Heat
- Wear heat-mitigating PPE, such as moisture-wicking shirts, vented hard hats, cooling towels, and shaded headgear.
- Schedule work during cooler parts of the day when possible and rotate tasks to limit prolonged heat exposure.
- Provide hydration stations with electrolyte-replenishing beverages—not just water. Products like All Sport hydration drinks and powders (available through CERTEX) are designed to keep industrial teams hydrated and performing at their best.
- Encourage frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, especially for physically demanding tasks.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until workers feel thirsty. Make hydration a routine part of the job site workflow.
Cold Weather Rigging Tips
Frigid temperatures bring their own set of challenges. Ice, snow, and below-freezing conditions can cause rigging to stiffen, crack, or become slippery.
- Inspect for Brittleness and Cracks
- Wire rope and synthetic slings can become less flexible in freezing temperatures, increasing the risk of cracking under load.
- Check for frozen moisture that could hide damage.
Reminder: Never use damaged slings or hardware—cold weather amplifies the risk of failure.
- Choose Gear Rated for Cold Conditions
- Use wire rope lubricants rated for low temperatures to prevent internal rust and reduce friction.
- Consider cold-weather-specific synthetic slings or coatings that remain flexible in sub-zero temps.
- Safe Handling with Gloves
- Cold metal can cause frostbite or stick to skin. Always wear insulated gloves with a good grip.
- Avoid dropping frozen gear, as impacts can cause microfractures not visible to the naked eye.
Storage Tips for All Seasons
Proper storage is key to year-round rigging gear longevity:
- Indoor Storage: Store rigging indoors in a dry, ventilated area to prevent exposure to temperature extremes.
- Elevation: Keep gear off the ground to avoid water pooling or snow accumulation.
- Ventilation: Avoid plastic bins or sealed containers that trap moisture—opt for breathable storage with airflow.
- Organization: Use racks or hooks to separate chains, slings, and wire rope to avoid tangling or crushing.
Routine Inspection Is Non-Negotiable
Whether it’s summer or winter, regular inspection before and after each use is essential:
- Look for abrasions, cuts, broken wires, rust, deformation, and chemical damage.
- Follow OSHA and ASME B30 standards for inspection frequency and retirement criteria.
- Train staff on what to look for in different weather conditions—what’s normal in summer may not be in winter.
Gear Up for the Seasons Ahead
Extreme weather doesn’t have to compromise your lifting operations. With proper inspection, handling, and storage, your rigging gear can stay reliable no matter the forecast.
Need help choosing the right gear for seasonal use? Contact your local CERTEX branch for expert advice or a professional inspection.
