Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Act, Regulation and Code 2021

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.10-2014, Chapter 10-2 Hooks - Miscellaneous

Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Hook.

Manufacturer's referenced standards

If a user is not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Hooks 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 Hooks 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 Hooks.

An employer must identify responsibilities for the user of a Hook

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 Hook you are using

A Hook must be marked with the manufacturer's identification

Manufacturer's specifications for the Hooks must be available to users

Where are your manufacturer's specifications for the Hooks kept ?

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

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

Prior to and during use all Hooks 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 Hooks must have a documented periodic inspection completed by a designated person

How often are periodic inspections completed ?

What must be checked on a periodic inspection ?

Unauthorised repair or alterations

Damaged hooks shall not be used

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.

Misconception 2. The side, back or tip of a hook can make contact with the load as long as it's within its rated capacity.

Loads shall be centered in the base (bowl/saddle) of the hook to prevent point loading of the hook. Hooks are not designed to place a side load, back load, or tip load on the hook.

Misconception 3. The purpose of a safety latch is to keep the slings on the hook when the slings are in a loaded condition.

Hook latches aid the retention of loose slings under slack rigging conditions only and are not intended to be anti-fouling devices during lifting or rigging. Visual verification of proper hook engagement is required in all cases.

Misconception 4. Any number of slings can be placed on a hook as long as they are not bunched or pinched.

A collector ring, such as a link or shackle, should be used when more than two legs are placed in a hook or for angles greater than 45 deg with respect to the hook centerline.

Misconception 5. Sorting hooks are designed to be used at all angles.

The normal recommended “angle of loading” when using sorting hooks is 30 to 45 degrees. These lower angles although typically discouraged for most rigging applications, allows the load to more easily obtain full hook throat engagement. The manufacture must always be referenced

Misconception 6. Sorting hooks are designed for lifting pipe only.

Sorting hooks are commonly used for lifting plate when part of a 4 legged bridle, do not exceed 45 degrees between two hooks on the same side of the load