Ensuring that your rigging is stored safely using verified rigging storage solutions is not only crucial for the life of the equipment but also the safety of your colleagues. By investing in the safe storage of wire rope and rigging supplies, you will meet OSHA rigging requirements and help to maintain the maximum service life of your components.
8 Rigging Storage Solutions
Keep rigging dry
Wet conditions can cause rigging to corrode. Keep dry if possible. If you cannot keep rigging dry during operation, allow to dry afterward.
Store rigging supplies in suitable conditions
Rigging hardware can become damaged if storage conditions are inadequate. Always store rigging components in an environment free from dirt, moisture, heat, and movement. Especially since environmental factors can damage the rigging materials over time, making them unsafe for use.
Do not drop components
Dropping rigging slings promotes the accumulation of sand and dirt. Hard particles then generate friction with the rigging materials when they come into contact with other surfaces. This increasing surface wear, and reducing service life.
Dropping components on concrete can cause them to become deformed. Hard concrete can also scrape away at rigging materials, again reducing service life.
Avoid UV exposure
Slings are often made from synthetic materials which UV can damage. UV can reduce the operating high density strength of slings by up to 50 percent.
Use a rigging storage rack
Rigging storage racks are essential for the proper customized storage of rigging. Rigging storage racks prevent rigging from being damaged by the elements. They keep rigging clear of any other hazards that might compromise its integrity. Ideally, rigging racks should allow for the vertical storage of rigging. However different configurations are possible.
Avoid mechanical damage
Synthetic slings can easily suffer mechanical damage. Storing them in a dry, cool, location away from moving machinery which could present a hazard would be ideal.
Store rigging at the correct temperature
A rigging storage container should keep rigging within the temperature range specified by the manufacturer. Temperature ranges for rigging equipment can vary. For example, synthetic webs must be kept at temperatures below 93 degrees Celsius, around 200 Fahrenheit.
Do not leave rigging on the floor
Although it might be tempting to leave rigging material on the floor for convenience, this can lead to permanent damage. Rigging left on the floor can be damaged in all sorts of ways.
- Forklifts: Forklift truck drivers may not see rigging and drive over it, causing uneven wear to the materials and fatigue. Equipment left lying around and not in rigging baskets presents a hazard of any moving vehicles in the environment.
- Weld Splatter: Rigging needs to be protected from the byproducts of welding. Molten droplets of metal in the splatter can stick to rigging materials, leading to damage and the risk of additional wear and tear.
- Foot Traffic: Not everyone in your organization may know about the importance of being careful with rigging materials. Foot traffic could lead to damage, especially in wet conditions.
- Grinder Spray: Grinder spray may lead to additional corrosion.
Rigging Storage Solutions That Count!
Rigging storage means everything for the life of your rigging supplies. Especially for the safety of your employees. Get these and other great tips on rigging and wire rope with rigging training from our staff at Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging. Contact us today and we can help you find your best rigging and rigging storage solutions!