If you use a crane or hoist to lift or move material on a job site, then you know there are a lot of different items you can use to connect a load to the lifting device. Hooks can be attached to a single or multi-leg sling assembly or used for tie-down and load securement purposes. We’ve previously covered ASME B30.9 and the inspection of lifting slings, so for the purpose of this article, we’re going to discuss the ASME B30.10 hook inspection standard and what you need to know about the inspection and use of hooks.
Before we dive in, you should understand that there are two chapters in ASME B30.10 that address the different types of hooks:
This chapter specifically refers to all hooks that support the load in the base (bowl, saddle, or pinhole) of the hook. This includes all of the following types of load-bearing hooks:
This chapter specifically refers to all hooks that do not support a load in a direct-pull configuration, such as:
Chapter 10-1 and Chapter 10-2 may have different information related to the materials and components, proof testing, fabrication and configurations, and repair and modification requirements—depending on if you’re using load-bearing hooks, or hooks that don’t support the load in a direct-pull configuration.
Our recommendation is to obtain a copy of the most recent edition of ASME B30.10 Hooks and review to make sure your hooks are being used, inspected, and maintained in accordance with industry standards.
ASME B30.10 requires the manufacturer’s identification and rated load identification be forged, cast, or die stamped on a low-stress and non-wearing area of the hook.
If the hook is used in conjunction with equipment described in other B30 standards, such as on a sling assembly, or as part of a below-the-hook lifting device, the equipment manufacturer’s identification and rated load identification shall be forged, cast, or die stamped on a low-stress and non-wearing area of the hook.
Similar to sling inspections, all ASME hook inspections shall be performed by a Designated Person with any deficiencies further examined and determination made by a Qualified Person as to whether they constitute a hazard.
For hooks in regular service, inspection procedures and record keeping requirements are governed by the kind of equipment in which they are used. If there are more stringent inspection requirements for hooks as stated in standards for specific equipment, those inspection requirements take precedence over the requirements listed below:
Prior to use, all new, altered, modified, or repaired hooks shall be inspected to verify compliance with the applicable ASME B30.10 Hooks standard. Written records of initial inspections are NOT required.
Frequent inspections include observations of the hook being used during operation, as well as visual inspections to identify any conditions or removal criteria outlined in ASME B30.10 hook inspection guidelines.
For semi-permanent and inaccessible locations where frequent inspections are not feasible, a Qualified Person will determine the frequency of periodic inspection requirements to satisfy ASME B30.10 hook inspection requirements. Inspection intervals should be based on:
Guidelines for frequent inspection intervals:
Conditions listed under Removal Criteria, or any other condition that may result in a hazard, shall cause the hook to be removed from service. Hooks shall not be returned to service until approved by a Qualified Person. Written records of frequent inspections are NOT required.
A complete and thorough inspection of the hook shall be performed. Disassembly of the hook may be required to perform a complete examination and identify conditions based on the removal criteria outlined in ASME B30.10 hook inspection requirements.
Periodic inspections shall be performed at a minimum interval of 12 months, unless approved by a Qualified Person. Periodic rigging inspection intervals should be based on:
Guidelines for periodic inspection intervals:
Hooks shall not be returned to service until approve by a Qualified Person. Written records of periodic inspections ARE required.
The goal of a rigging inspection is to thoroughly evaluate the condition and remaining strength of all equipment used to perform overhead lifts or used for load-handling activities.
ASME B30.10 requires hook inspection and that hooks shall be removed from service if damage or evidence of any of the following is present. A hook may not be returned to service until it has been approved by a Qualified Person.
Utilize best practices when using, inspecting, and storing your hooks. Make sure all of your rigging equipment has the proper markings/identification, is in acceptable working condition and passes a visual inspection, and is stored in an area where it’s not susceptible to extreme temperatures, excess moisture, chemical exposure, or mechanical damage.
Operators or riggers using hooks shall be aware of the following:
Consult with the manufacturer or a Qualified Person if you are planning to use a hook in an environment where temperatures exceed 400°F (204°C) or –40°F (–40°C).
The strength of hooks can be affected by chemically active environments, such as caustic or acid substances or fumes. The hook manufacturer or a Qualified Person should be consulted before hooks are used in chemically active environments.
We advise that the end user must evaluate the work activity with regards to the safety of their employees. If the activity makes the use of the latch impractical, unnecessary, or more dangerous, then the end user may choose to eliminate the latch. It is also recommended that each lifting activity is considered independently as far as the use of a hook latch is concerned.
While not the official position of ASME, Mazzella Companies as an organization, recommends that hook latches should be used.
When we train our employees and inspectors on the use of hook latches, we take all of the following into consideration:
Investing in the training of your employees and putting together a lifting and rigging compliance program are two of the best ways you can protect your workers and prolong the service life of your equipment.
Professional rigging training provides your team with the knowledge needed to inspect their rigging equipment before each shift / each lift and identify damage and irregularities that may require an item to come out of service.
If you’re not confident in your knowledge of the applicable OSHA and ASME standards, or just don’t have the resources to put a lifting and rigging compliance program into place, you should consider a third-party inspection provider.
At Mazzella, we have a dedicated team of Rigging Inspectors that are independently trained and certified and inspect to all applicable OSHA and ASME standards. Their only responsibility is to come on-site and perform a thorough inspection of your rigging gear, address solutions as required, and complete the service in a timely manner.
Our inspectors can help you identify compliance issues and identify opportunities for improvement based on their thorough understanding of all applicable OSHA and ASME standards.
If you have questions about rigging inspections, or want to hire a third-party to satisfy OSHA/ASME periodic inspection requirements, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We can partner with you to ensure the peace of mind that safety compliance brings.
OSHA 1910.184, ASME B30.9, B30.20, B30.26, & ANSI Z359 require periodic, documented inspections on slings, rigging hardware, lifting devices, and fall protection every 12 months, at minimum, and monthly to quarterly in more severe service conditions.
Call us at 800.362.4601 or click here if you need inspections for slings, rigging hardware, lifting devices, or fall protection!
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