Understanding the two main types of rigging gear inspections: periodic and pre-use.

Two kinds of rigging gear inspections you should know for NAVFAC P-307

Safety in rigging isn’t a one-and-done deal. In the field, gear gets used, it gets stressed, and sometimes it wears quietly until something obvious already went wrong. That’s why NAVFAC P-307 emphasizes two distinct inspection routines: periodic inspections and pre-use inspections. They’re not interchangeable. They’re teammates that keep lifting operations reliable and safe.

Let me explain what each type actually covers and why you’ll see both on the job site.

Periodic inspections: a scheduled, thorough check

Think of periodic inspections as the long, careful health check for your rigging gear. These are performed at established intervals, not just when something looks off. The idea is to catch wear, damage, corrosion, deformation, or any other safety concerns that have developed over time since the last look.

What happens during a periodic inspection?

• A detailed assessment of the entire gear set: slings, shackles, hooks, wire rope, chains, and any other components.

• Look for wear patterns we know can lead to failure: fraying, broken strands, gouges, cracks, deformation, corrosion, bent or distorted parts, or any sign a component has been compromised.

• Functional checks: verify that hardware moves and seats correctly, that components mate properly, and that fasteners engage as designed.

• Documentation: note the inspection date, the inspector, any findings, and the next due date. Records aren’t just paperwork — they’re a trail that helps prevent surprises later.

• Scheduling discipline: inspections happen on a rhythm, so equipment doesn’t drift into unsafe territory just because time passed.

Why periodic inspections matter

• They provide a time-based safety net. Even if a piece looks fine at a glance, months of service can reveal issues you wouldn’t notice in a casual peek.

• They support regulatory compliance and standards. Regular checks reduce the risk of sudden gear failures during lifts.

• They help you plan maintenance before a problem becomes urgent. If a problem pops up during a periodic inspection, you can address it before it affects operations.

Pre-use inspections: the quick but mighty safety check before every lift

Pre-use inspections are the micro-safety moment shouted into action right before you lift. These checks are done immediately prior to use, and they’re focused on the equipment’s condition and readiness for that specific lift.

What happens during a pre-use inspection?

• Visual inspection of all gear involved in the lift: are there new scratches, dents, corrosion, or deformation since last use?

• Confirm assembly integrity: components are correctly placed, pinned, and seated; all parts are present and in good condition.

• Functional checks of critical elements: hooks open and close properly, rope or strap segments aren’t kinked or damaged, shackles and eyebolts seat and thread correctly.

• Safety controls and accessories: verify that tags, inspections, and locking devices (where applicable) are in place and intact.

• Quick decision point: if anything looks off, hold the lift, tag the gear out of service, and report for further inspection or replacement.

Why pre-use checks matter

• They catch issues that have developed during the most recent lift or since the gear was last used — issues a periodic inspection could miss if nothing dramatic happened in the interim.

• They add a final, immediate layer of safety. Even trusted gear gets a last-minute once-over when you’re about to move a load.

• They’re practical and fast. A good pre-use checklist can be completed quickly, without slowing down a job you’re trying to finish safely.

Periodic and pre-use: two layers, one safety net

Here’s the simple truth: periodic inspections and pre-use inspections aren’t redundant. They’re complementary. Periodic checks catch conditions that mature over time. Pre-use checks catch conditions that appear between uses or during the most recent application. Pair them, and you’ve built a robust habit that keeps equipment in top shape and operators safer.

A relatable analogy helps. Think of your rigging gear like car maintenance. Periodic inspections are the regular service visits where you change oil, inspect belts, and check brakes. Pre-use inspections are the quick pre-drive checks you do each morning—tires, lights, fluids, and seat belt. Do both, and you reduce the odds of a breakdown on the road or, worse, a lifting mishap in the yard.

Putting it into practice on the job site

If you’re part of a crew handling lifting operations, here are practical ways to integrate these inspections smoothly:

• Use clear checklists. A well-structured periodic checklist covers all components and wear indicators. A concise pre-use checklist focuses on the gear for the upcoming lift.

• Keep reliable records. Date stamps, inspector names, and next due dates aren’t decoration. They’re essential for traceability and accountability.

• Assign responsibilities. Designate who performs periodic inspections and who conducts pre-use checks. Clear ownership prevents gaps.

• Train consistently. Everyone involved should understand what to look for, what qualifies as “acceptable,” and when to tag gear out of service.

• Create a quick-closing loop. If an inspection finds a problem, there should be a straightforward path to repair or replace and a clear note about the gear’s status before it’s used again.

Common pitfalls to watch for (and how to avoid them)

• Skipping the periodic schedule. It’s tempting to let time slip by, especially when a machine is busy. Put a calendar reminder on gear or asset records.

• Ignoring small issues. A tiny nick or a minor rust spot can grow into a bigger problem. Document, assess, and address promptly rather than hoping it goes away.

• Inadequate documentation. A missing entry is the same as no entry in the eyes of safety. Make it a non-negotiable habit to sign, date, and log every inspection.

• Confusing inspection types. Keep the purpose of each inspection straight: periodic is time-based and thorough; pre-use is immediate and focused on readiness for that lift.

• Over-reliance on memory. A well-worn technician’s memory is great, but it isn’t a substitute for written records. Always log findings.

NAVFAC P-307 and the bigger picture

NAVFAC P-307 sets the framework for how the Navy and related operations approach training and safety around lifting gear. The two inspection types—periodic and pre-use—align with how responsible teams manage risk: a steady, scheduled maintenance cadence paired with a vigilant, moment-by-moment readiness check. This isn’t about cramming for a test; it’s about keeping people safe and gear performing as intended in challenging environments.

A few practical takeaways

• Periodic inspections are your time-based health check. Do them at the intervals established by policy and standards.

• Pre-use inspections are your last-minute safety assurance before any lift. Do them every time.

• Documentation is non-negotiable. It’s the trail that proves gear has been checked and is fit for service.

• Training matters. Operators, riggers, and inspectors should be comfortable with the checklists and the decision rules for when to refuse service.

A quick, human perspective

There’s a truth to this work that isn’t flashy but matters every shift: safety compounds. A minor defect caught early can prevent a big incident later. A pre-use check that spots a snag before a lift can save a limb or a life. And a well-kept record shows the depth of care your team brings to the job.

If you’re new to rigging or you’re brushing up on NAVFAC P-307, think of the two inspection types as the backbone of responsible lifting. They’re simple in concept but powerful in impact. The periodic check keeps the gear honest over time; the pre-use check keeps the gear honest before it’s put into service. Together, they create a culture where safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s the standard.

In closing, remember this: the right kind of vigilance doesn’t slow you down; it makes the work more predictable and safer. Rigging gear inspections, done right, are as much about people as they are about hardware. Keep the checks visible, keep them consistent, and keep talking about why they matter. The result isn’t just compliance; it’s confidence—on every lift, in every operation.

If you want to go deeper, NAVFAC P-307 resources and field manuals offer concrete details on the inspection criteria, acceptable wear limits, and recording formats. Bookmark the sections on periodic and pre-use inspections, and keep a copy accessible on the job site. It’s practical, purpose-driven guidance that helps you stay focused on what matters most: a safe, efficient lift every time.