Subpart G
You must inspect employer-provided rigging and materials-handling gear before each shift and again whenever necessary during use to make sure it is safe. See the inspection requirement in 1915.111(a) which states inspections are required “before each shift and when necessary, at intervals during its use.”
Defective rigging gear must be removed from service and either repaired or replaced before it is used again. The standard plainly requires that “Defective gear shall be removed and repaired or replaced before further use.” See 1915.111(a).
No — you must never exceed the safe working load for rigging gear as set by the applicable requirements. Section 1915.111(b) states that the safe working load specified in 1915.112 and 1915.113 shall not be exceeded.
The rigging and materials-handling inspection rule in Part 1915 applies to ship repairing, shipbuilding, and shipbreaking (shipyard employment). The preface to the section explains it applies to those shipyard activities; see Part 1915, Subpart G and 1915.111.
The rule applies to gear and equipment provided by the employer for rigging and materials handling. 1915.111(a) specifically refers to “All gear and equipment provided by the employer,” so employee-owned gear is not covered by this sentence unless the employer provides it or makes it part of the employer's equipment.
The standard requires inspections that ensure the gear is safe, but it does not prescribe a single checklist or method; the inspection before each shift must be adequate to determine safety. 1915.111(a) says gear must be “inspected before each shift ... to ensure that it is safe.” A competent person can determine the scope of inspection needed for the equipment and task (see OSHA’s interpretation on the role of a competent person at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18).
The employer is responsible for providing the gear and ensuring it is inspected as required. 1915.111(a) places the duty on the employer by referring to gear “provided by the employer.” OSHA has also explained that responsibilities placed on a competent person are ultimately the employer’s responsibility (see OSHA’s competent person interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18).
You must inspect gear at intervals during use when needed to ensure continued safety; the timing depends on how the gear is used, how it wears, and job hazards. 1915.111(a) requires inspection “when necessary, at intervals during its use.” A competent person can evaluate conditions and specify appropriate inspection intervals (see OSHA’s competent person interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18).
Yes — defective gear may be repaired and returned to service, but only after it has been repaired so that it is safe for use. 1915.111(a) states defective gear shall be removed and repaired or replaced before further use, which allows for repair provided the gear is made safe before reuse.
The standard in 1915.111(b) tells you not to exceed safe working loads and points you to the specific safe load rules in 1915.112 and 1915.113. Consult those sections for the rules and numbers that govern the safe working loads.
No — 1915.111(a) requires that gear be inspected before each shift and as necessary during use to ensure safety, but it does not mandate keeping a written record of those inspections. The text of 1915.111(a) does not require documentation, though employers may choose to document inspections to manage safety or satisfy other requirements.
Yes — if the employer provides rented or loaned rigging gear for use, that gear is covered by the inspection requirement. 1915.111(a) applies to all gear and equipment provided by the employer for rigging and materials handling, regardless of ownership.
The employer must ensure inspections find and remove defective gear; while 1915.111 does not name a specific inspector title, a person qualified as a competent person can evaluate and specify protective measures and precautions. See 1915.111(a) and OSHA’s Letter of Interpretation explaining the duties and capability of a competent person in shipyard operations at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18.
Yes — any gear and equipment the employer provides for rigging and materials handling, including slings, must be inspected before each shift to ensure they are safe. See the requirement in 1915.111(a).
You must not exceed the safe working load; if the safe working load is not known or marked, you must determine it before use by following the rules in 1915.112 and 1915.113 or by consulting the manufacturer or a qualified person so that the load is not exceeded. 1915.111(b) prohibits exceeding the specified safe working load.
The standard assigns inspection responsibility to gear and equipment provided by the employer, so the employer must ensure inspections and that defective gear is repaired or replaced before reuse. 1915.111(a) places the duty on employer-provided equipment; OSHA’s competent person interpretation (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18) reinforces that responsibilities placed on a competent person are the employer’s responsibilities.
Yes — if an inspection finds a defect, the gear must be removed from service and repaired or replaced before it is used again. 1915.111(a) requires defective gear to be removed until it is repaired or replaced.
Yes — while 1915.111 requires inspections, it does not detail specific intervals beyond “before each shift” and “when necessary.” A competent person can evaluate conditions and specify appropriate inspection intervals and procedures. OSHA’s Letter of Interpretation explains that a competent person is capable of recognizing hazards and specifying necessary protections and precautions in shipyard operations (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2016-04-18) and inspection duties are required by 1915.111(a).