When it comes to rigging, every link in the chain matters …. literally. While shop-made rigging might seem like a quick, low-cost solution, it often comes from good intentions such as:
- Budget pressure — Avoiding the cost of new equipment by reusing materials on hand.
- Lead time issues — Needing a solution when certified rigging isn’t readily available.
- “We’ve always done it this way” — A belief that homemade gear works fine because it’s been used before without incident.
The problem? Without design engineering, controlled manufacturing, and proof testing, homemade rigging introduces unknowns that can jeopardize safety, damage equipment, and result in costly OSHA rigging requirement violations.
The hidden dangers of shop-made rigging
Unlike manufactured rigging, which is designed, tested, and rated by qualified engineers, shop-made rigging is typically assembled from spare parts or modified components. This means:
- No rated load capacity — Without a manufacturer’s tag or identification, there’s no way to verify its safe working load limit.
- Unknown material integrity — Parts may be worn, corroded, or otherwise compromised.
- No proof of compliance — OSHA and ASME require rigging to meet specific design and testing standards.
- No inspection criteria — Without known specs, inspections become guesswork.
Why markings and testing matter
Markings and proof testing aren’t just paperwork — they’re the foundation of safe lifting.
- Markings (such as WLL, manufacturer name, and material type) allow the user to confirm the equipment is rated for the load.
- Testing verifies that the equipment can handle its rated capacity without deformation or failure.
- If required to be load tested, must have a serial number and appropriate documentation.
Without these, you couldn’t be sure of compliance.
What OSHA and ASME say
OSHA 1926.251(a)(4) prohibits the use of rigging without permanently affixed and legible identification markings.
ASME B30 specifies manufacturing and testing requirements for all rigging.
If rigging doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s not just unsafe — it’s non-compliant.
How to spot shop-made rigging
During rigging inspections, watch for these red flags:
- Not identified and capacity unknown
- Welded, spliced, or bolted components of unknown origin
- Non-compliant fittings or hardware
- Mismatched parts from different assemblies
If you find any of these, remove the rigging from service immediately and tag it “Do Not Use.” These cannot return to service until a qualified person has approved for use.
Best practices for safe rigging
- Purchase from reputable suppliers that deal with load-rated equipment.
- Inspect before each use for wear, deformation, or missing ID tags.
- Remove questionable rigging from service immediately and tag it.
- Train your crew to recognize proper rigging products.
- Know and understand OSHA and ASME requirements.
Why training matters
Even the best rigging equipment can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Crane Tech’s Qualified Rigger courses covers rigging gear selection, inspection, and proper use — so your crew can identify hazards.
Don’t wait for an OSHA citation, or worse, an incident to find out your rigging isn’t safe.
Call us at 800-290-0007 or complete our quote form to schedule your Qualified Rigger training today.