Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code 2021

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.26-2015, Chapter 26-5 Rigging Blocks

Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Rigging Block.

Manufacturer's referenced standards

Users must be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Rigging Blocks.

Can you prove users are competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Rigging Blocks?

If a user is not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Rigging Blocks they must have direct supervision from a competent worker

If not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Rigging Blocks do users have direct supervision?

Do you have documented policies and procedures in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Rigging Blocks?

An employer must identify responsibilities for the user of Rigging Blocks

The use of Rigging Blocks can create hazardous situations

Have Supervisors taken all precautions to protect the health and safety of every worker under the Supervisors supervision.

Have Suppliers ensured the equipment supplied is in a safe operating condition, and that it complies with this Act, regulation and the OHS Code  

What are the manufacturer's design factors for the Rigging Blocks you are using?

Each Rigging Block shall be durably marked to show the name or trademark of the manufacturer

Each Rigging Block shall be durably marked to show its rated load 

Each Rigging Block shall be durably marked to show its rope size(s)

What are the training requirements for Rigging Block users?

How does your company monitor the training requirements for Rigging Blocks?

How have users been trained in the requirements for Rigging Blocks?

Training records should be kept to show users were trained in the requirements of Rigging Blocks.

Manufacturer's specifications for the Rigging Blocks must be available to users

Where are your manufacturer's specifications for the Rigging Blocks kept?

How do you ensure users are familiar with the manufacturer's specifications?

Have employers identified hazards associated with the use of Rigging Blocks?

Have users identified the hazards associated with the use of Rigging Blocks?

All new Rigging Blocks shall have an initial inspection completed by a designated person

Prior to and during use all Rigging Blocks shall have a frequent inspection completed by a designated person

How often are frequent inspections completed

What must be checked on a frequent inspection

All Rigging Blocks must have a periodic inspection completed by a designated person

How often are periodic inspections completed?

What must be checked on a periodic inspection?

How does your company identify a Rigging Block has had a periodic inspection?

Rigging Block identification missing

Rigging Block identification illegable

Misalignment or wobble in sheaves

Excessive sheave groove corrugation or wear

Loose or missing nuts, bolts, cotter pins, snap rings, or other fasteners and retaining devices

Pitting or corrosion

How much pitting or corrosion is allowed

Bent, twisted, distorted, stretched, elongated, cracked, or broken components.

Wear, nicks or gouges 

How much wear nicks or gouges are allowed

Reduction of the original catalog dimensions

How much reduction is allowed

Damage to load bearing threads

How much thread damage is allowed

Unauthorized welding or modification

Damaged Hooks as per ASME B30.10

Damaged Shackles as per ASME B30.26

Other conditions, including visible damage, that cause doubt as to continued use

Rigging blocks having suitable characteristics for the application, included angle, and environment shall be selected in accordance with the recommendations of the rigging block manufacturer or a qualified person.

The rated load of the rigging block shall not be exceeded.

Rigging blocks that appear to be damaged shall not be used until inspected and accepted as usable.

The minimum D/d ratio between the sheave pitch diameter and wire rope diameter is 6.

All portions of the human body shall be kept from between the rigging block, its running lines, the load, and any other rigging during lifting or load handling activities.

Personnel should stand clear of the suspended load.

Personnel should stand clear of rigging when it is under tension.

Personnel shall not ride rigging blocks.

The rigging block components shall be fully engaged, with all fasteners and retaining devices in place and in good working order before use.

Contact with sharp edges that could damage the rigging block should be avoided.

Shock loading should be avoided.

The load applied to the rigging block should be in-line with the sheave and load fitting(s) to prevent side loading of the block

Ensure the rope is in the sheave groove when the rigging block begins to take load

The line load multiplied by the block load factor shall not exceed the rated load of the rigging block

Rigging blocks should not be dragged on an abrasive surface.

Load line fittings shall not contact the rigging block sheave(s).

Are Rigging Blocks stored correctly when not in use

Are Rigging Blocks subjected to mechanical damage?

Are Rigging Blocks subjected to corrosive actions?

Are Rigging Blocks subjected to extreme heat?

Misconception 1. If you have attended a training course you are a competent rigger.

Training is only one part of being competent to carry out your job, you must also be adequately qualified and have sufficient experience.