Never use damaged rigging gear, a crucial safety rule for lifting operations.

Rigging gear is the quiet hero of any lift. It isn’t flashy, but when it’s right, everything else falls into place. Think about it: a single damaged sling or a cracked hook can turn a routine lift into a safety incident in seconds. So, what should we actually follow when selecting rigging gear for a job? The answer is clear and simple—never use damaged gear.

Rule of thumb: damaged gear stays out of service

If you’ve ever tried to force a tool that’s been bent out of shape, you know the feeling. It doesn’t work, it feels off, and it’s a risk you can’t justify. The same logic applies to rigging gear. The correct rule is straightforward: if any piece shows damage, it should not be used. It’s not just a personal preference; it’s a fundamental safety obligation.

This principle isn’t a guess. It’s built into the way professionals run lifts on ships, in yards, and wherever heavy loads need to move safely. NAVFAC P-307 emphasizes inspecting gear before use and retiring anything that’s compromised. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Damaged gear is a red flag you don’t ignore.

What “damaged” looks like—and what to do about it

Damage isn’t always obvious at first glance. Here’s a practical sense-check you can carry out on the floor, before a lift begins:

• Slings and straps: Look for cuts, snags, abrasions, or worn fibers. For synthetic slings, any fraying, glazing, or powdery appearance is a red flag. For steel or wire rope, look for broken strands, kinks, corrosion, or crushing.

• Hooks and shackles: Check for burrs, nicks, cracks, twisting, or bent eyes. Hook tips should be free of deformation; the safety latch must operate smoothly.

• Tags and records: Every piece should carry an inspection tag or equivalent documentation. If the tag is missing, faded, or indicating an out-of-date inspection, treat it as non-useable.

• Load-bearing components: Examine pins, collars, and pins for proper seating and no looseness. Any looseness can spell danger once you start lifting.

• Environment and wear patterns: If a piece has been exposed to heat, chemical exposure, or severe impact, it may be weakened even if there’s no obvious surface damage.

If you find something off, mark it and remove it from service immediately. An orange or red “do not use” tag makes the status clear to everyone nearby. Report it, retire it, and replace it with gear that’s verified and fit for the job. It’s not a complaint; it’s a safeguard.

Beyond the visible: the load, the fit, and the fit-for-use rule

Damage isn’t the only factor. A rigging setup has to be appropriate for the job in front of you. That means:

• Load rating: Every piece of gear has a rated working load limit. This is the ceiling you must stay beneath. Do not assume that a higher-capacity piece will behave the same—check the label, the manufacturer’s guide, and NAVFAC guidance.

• Geometry and type: The type of sling or link must suit the load shape and the lift direction. A misaligned or inappropriate sling can introduce dangerous angles and stresses.

• Compatibility: All components in a rigging assembly should be compatible with one another. A damaged or worn component in the chain can compromise the entire lift—even if the rest look fine.

• Environmental factors: Salt spray, humidity, heat, or chemicals can accelerate deterioration. If gear has lived in a harsh environment, inspect more closely and retire sooner if there’s doubt.

In practice, this means you don’t just think about the weight. You think about the whole system—the webbing, the rope, the hooks, the shackles, and how they’ll behave together under real-world conditions.

A mindset that keeps people safe

Safety isn’t a one-person job; it’s a shared discipline. The team works best when everyone assumes responsibility for gear integrity. Here are some social rules that help:

• Speak up if something looks off. If a co-worker spots a damaged tag or suspicious wear, it’s not tattling to say something. It’s prevention.

• Use a simple, visible tagging system. Clear color-coded tags or labels quickly communicate status and avoid accidental reuse.

• Keep a short, practical log. A quick checklist or note about each piece’s inspection status helps you stay consistent from job to job.

• Don’t make it personal. If a decision to retire gear slows the lift, that pause might save someone from harm. The goal is a safe outcome, not speed.

If you’re curious about the why behind these rules, think of rigging gear as a chain whose strength depends on every link. A weak link weakens the whole chain. Since the load relies on every component, you don’t gamble with one suspect piece. This approach is echoed in NAVFAC P-307 guidance, which stresses inspection, non-use of damaged gear, and a culture of safety over convenience.

A practical checklist you can carry on-site

Here’s a compact, repeatable routine you can use every time you prepare for a lift. Keep it in your pocket or on the toolbox lid so you can run through it quickly.

• Inspect each piece before use: look, sniff if needed, and test visually for any flaws.

• Check the tag or documentation: is the inspection date current? Is the configuration compatible with the load?

• Look for deformation, corrosion, cracks, and wear marks. If you see any, set the gear aside.

• Verify the load rating is appropriate for the lift. If you’re unsure, don’t guess—ask a supervisor.

• Confirm connections: pins, bolts, and latches must seat properly and function without excessive play.

• Tag out damaged gear and remove it from service. Replace it with qualified gear.

• Brief the team: confirm that everyone understands the gear status and the lift plan.

• Document anything unusual. A quick note keeps a record for the next job and helps spot patterns over time.

If you like a little rhythm to your routine, you can space these steps out across the morning shift. A routine like this becomes second nature — your brain automatically checks the critical points as you approach the load.

A quick detour to real-life flavor

You’ve probably heard stories from the field—how a momentary distraction or a tiny nick in a chain costs a crew days of work and, more importantly, safety. It’s not just about following a rule; it’s about honoring the people who depend on you to keep them safe. The way you take care of gear says a lot about the crew’s culture: careful, deliberate, and respectful of limits. And that culture sticks with you, even when you’re off shift. The best results happen when there’s a shared sense that safety is not negotiable.

Common questions that come up in the crew room

• What if there’s no time to inspect every piece in depth? Do what you can, but never skip the obvious visible checks. If there’s any doubt, stop and reassess. It’s better to delay.

• Can I reuse gear after a minor scrape? If the damage affects the load path, the integrity of the gear could be compromised. When in doubt, retire it.

• How do we handle mixed equipment from different manufacturers? Ensure compatibility and confirm any differing standards with your supervisor. The goal is predictable, safe performance, not a mismatch of parts.

Why this matters for NAVFAC guidance

The rigging world is all about forethought, not improvisation. NAVFAC P-307 underscores a disciplined approach to lifting, including how to assess gear condition and how to manage situations where gear is no longer fit for service. This isn’t about vocabulary games or clever tricks; it’s about applying a clear, repeatable standard that protects people and equipment. The weight is important, sure, but it’s the quality of every component that makes a lift safe.

A final word: safety is continuous

If you’re standing on a deck, a pier, or a shop floor, you’re part of a broader system that keeps people safe. The mantra—never use damaged gear—may sound like a simple line, but its impact is profound. It creates a culture where caution is the default, not the exception. It reminds everyone that every gear choice matters, and that responsibility travels with the team wherever the load goes.

Bottom line

Choosing rigging gear is not a moment to gamble. If anything shows signs of wear, we retire it. If the gear isn’t within its inspection period, it’s not in service. If the load exceeds what the gear can handle, you don’t take the risk. These are the anchors that keep lifts safe, efficient, and professional.

If you’re ever unsure, pause, reassess, and lean on the team. The job isn’t just moving a load—it’s protecting the people who move with it. And that, more than anything, is what NAVFAC guidance reminds us every day.