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Make sure that all hoisting hooks, excepting grab and sorting hooks are equipped with safety catches. Inspect all hooks frequently. Look for wear in the saddle of the hook. Look for cracks, severe corrosion and twisting of the hook body. Be especially careful to measure the throat opening. If a hook has been overloaded or if it is beginning to weaken the throat will open. If there is any evidence of opening or distortion, destroy the hook. If you discard the hook without destroying it someone else may attempt to use it. Be especially careful during the inspection to look for cracks in the saddle section and at the neck of the hook. Ensure the headache ball (Overhaul Weight) is securely attached to either the hook or the rope so that there is no possibility of it sliding up and down on the load line. Note: It may be necessary to weld a small lug or ring on a hook to allow a tag-line to bee attached. If this is done it should be welded at the tip of the bill or at the back of the hook. When the welding is completed the hook MUST be removed from service and sent for recertification.
Tackle
Regulations, Part IV, Cargo Gear, 21(8): All chains......and all
rings, hooks, shackles, swivels and
pulley blocks shall be inspected by a competent person immediately
before each occasion on which they are used in hoisting or lowering,
unless they have been inspected within the preceding three months. |
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A Few Tips: - Remove the hook and headache ball from the rope. - Clean all components completely before inspection. - Inspect the entire hook, and its supporting pin. - Do not hesitate to open up the Headache Ball for inspection, especially if it is load-bearing. - Ensure any greaseways and grease nipples are clear and free. Replace the grease nipple if necessary. - Hang the hook from a piece of twine and tap it with a hammer. It should ring - if not it may be cracked. - Inspect the pin, and the hook eye for wear and impact damage. If the pin is much smaller than the eye of the hook both will suffer from impact damage which will show as peening of the wear surfaces. Replace one or both if necessary. - Measure the cross-section of the pin in at least three places, and the opening of the throat, to record wear. - This is also an ideal opportunity to take photos of, or sketch, anything unusual. This may be of use in the future. - Make notes of what you found, where you found it and what, if anything, you did about it. - Renew any tags or stamps that identify the hook. - Grease it well and re-install.
- Ensure the cotter pin or other securing mechanism is
in good condition.
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Refer to the Construction Safety Association of Ontario
"Rigging Manual", Chapter 4, Rigging Hardware - Hooks. |
