ASME B30.26-2004 pdf – Rigging Hardware.
(b) Conditions such as those listed in para. 26-4.8.4, or any other condition that may result in a hazard, shall cause the hardware to be removed from service. Links, rings, and swivels shall not be returned to service until approved by a qualified person.
(c) Written records are not required.
26-4.8.3 Periodic Inspection
(a) A complete inspection of the links, rings, and swivels shall be performed by a designated person. The hardware shall be examined for conditions such as those listed in para. 26-4.8.4 and a determination made as to whether they constitute a hazard.
(b) Periodic In spect ion Freq zien cy. Periodic inspection intervals shall not exceed one year. The frequency of periodic inspections should be based on
(1) frequency of use
(2) severity of service conditions
(3) nature of lifts being made
(4) experience gained on the service life of hardware used in similar circumstances
(5) Guidelines for the time intervals are
(a) normal service — yearly
(b) severe service — monthly to quarterly
(c) special service — as recommended by a qualified person
(c) Written records are not required.
26-4.8.4 Removal Criteria
Links, rings, and swivels shall be removed from service if conditions such as the following are present and shall only be returned to service when approved by a qualified person:
(a) missing or illegible identification
(b) indications of heat damage, including weld spatter or arc strikes
(c) excessive pitting or corrosion
(d) bent, twisted, distorted, stretched, elongated, cracked, or broken load bearing components
(e) excessive nicks or gouges
(f) a 10% reduction of the original or catalog dimension at any point
(g) evidence of unauthorized welding or modification
(ii) for swivels, lack of the ability to freely rotate when not loaded
(I) for swivels, loose or missing nuts, bolts, cotter pins, snap rings, or other fasteners and retaining devices
(j) other conditions, including visible damage that cause doubt as to continued use
26-4.8.5 Repairs and Modifications
(a) Repairs, alterations, or modifications shall be as specified by the link, ring, or swivel manufacturer or a qualified person.
SECTION 26-4.9: OPERATING PRACTICES
26-4.9.1 Links, Rings, and Swivels Selection
(a) Links, rings, and swivels having suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch, angle of loading, and environment shall be selected in accordance with the recommendations of the hardware manufacturer or a qualified person.
NOTE: The angle of loading affects the load on the links, rings, and swivels. As the horizontal angle decreases, the effective load increases (see Fig. 14).
(b) The rated load of the links, rings, and swivels shall not be exceeded.
(c) Links, rings, and swivels that appear to be damaged shall not be used until inspected and accepted as usable under para. 26-4.8.4.
26-4.9.2 Cautions to Personnel
(a) All portions of the human body shall be kept from between the links, rings, and swivels, the load, and any other rigging during the lift.
(b) Personnel should stand clear of the suspended load.
(c) Personnel shall not ride links, rings, and swivels.
26-4.9.3 Storage & Work Environments
(a) Links, rings, and swivels should be stored in an area where they will not be subjected to damage, corrosive action, or extreme temperatures.
(b) If extreme temperatures or chemically active environments are involved, the guidance provided in paras. 26-4.6.1 or 26-4.6.2 shall be followed.
26-4.9.4 Rigging Practices
26-4.9.4.1 Links and Rings
(a) Alterations or modifications shall comply with para. 26-4.8.5(a).
(b) Contact with obstructions that could damage the link or ring should be avoided.
(c) Shock loading should be avoided.
(d) Links and rings should not be dragged on an abrasive surface.
(e) The link or ring shall be of the proper shape and size to ensure that it seats properly in the hook or lifting device.
f) Multiple slings or rigging hardware gathered in a link or ring shall not exceed a 120 deg included angle (see Fig. 14).
g) The horizontal angle of loading should not be less than 30 deg unless approved by a qualified person (see Fig. 14).