To:All Shop/Field Employees

SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRICAL CO., INC.

NOVEMBER, 2008

FROM:MANAGER

TO:ALL SHOP/FIELD EMPLOYEES

SUBJECT:SLING/WIRE ROPE INSPECTION PROCEDURE

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this procedure is to establish a procedure for inspecting all slings and wire rope. The procedure will ensure that all wirerope and slings are in compliance and safe to use.

SLING INSPECTION:

Each sling should be numbered, sling number can be stamped on the metal end or a small metal tag can be attached.

New wire rope slings should have a "carbon” copy of the "LAY", and use the carbon copy when inspecting the sling. (lay carbon paper on top of new wire rope face up then white paper on top of carbon paper, use something smooth to make a copy of the new wire rope.

Diameter of wire rope should be recorded on new cable and each inspection.

Record any broken wires and include the location (example x feet from end)

HOOKS:

Check for hook opening

Bent Hooks

Stamp or tag hooks

Any problem found with a sling or hook should be recorded on the form. If it requires more than one space use more lines. When a sling or hook is taken out of service record this information on the sheet corresponding with the number. Retain all inspection sheets and any information from the manufacturer. Latches will be in place on all hooks, eliminating the hook throat opening.

INSPECTIONS:

Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings shall be immediately removed from service.

SLINGS/HOOK INSPECTION

ID # SIZE(examp 6x19) INSPECTION DATE PUT LENGTH IN SERVICE

Dia. of Wire rope VISUAL/MEASUREMENT SERVICE

______

PROCEDURE:

All slings and wirerope will be inspected daily, when used.

All rigging equipment will be removed from the immediate job site when not in use.

If nylon, polyster or polypropylene web slings are used employees are prohibited using themIn areas where fumes, vapors, spray, mists or liquid of caustic are present.

HOOKS:

The manufacturer’s recommendations shall be followed in determining the safe working loads of various sizes and types of specific and identifiable hooks. All hooks for which not applicable manufacturer’s recommendations are available shall be tested to twice the intended safe working load before they are initially put into use. The employer shall maintain and keep readily available a certification record which includes the date of such tests, the signature of the person who performed the test and an identifier (a stamp on hook or other permanent means) for hook which was tested.

Loads shall be applied to the throat of the hook since loading the point overstresses ad bends or springs the hook.

Hooks shall be inspected periodically to see that they have not been bent by overloading. Bent or sprung hooks shall be taken out of service immediately, and marked to prevent the use of the damaged hook.

CHAIN FALLS:

Chain falls and pull-lifts shall be clearly marked to show the capacity.

Chain falls shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they are safe, particular attention being given to the lift chain, pinion, sheaves and hooks for distortion and wear. Pull-lifts shall be regularly inspected ensure that they are safe, particular attention being given to the ratchet, pawl, chain and hooks for distortion and wear.

Straps, shackles, and the beam or overhead structure to which a chain fall or pull-lift is secured shall be of adequate strength to support the weight of load plus gear. The upper hook shall be housed or otherwise secured against coming free of its support

TAG LINES SHALL BE PROVIDED ON LOADS LIKELY TO SWING OR TO NEED GUIDANCE.

When slings are secured to eye-bolts, the slings shall be so arranged, using spreader if necessary, that the pull is within 20 degrees of the axis of the bolt.

Sling shall be padded by means of wood blocks or other suitable material where they Passover sharp edges or corners of loads so as to prevent cutting or kinking.

Skips shall be rigged to be handled by not less than 3 legged bridles, and all legs shall always be used. When open end skips are used, means shall be taken to prevent the contents from falling.

Loose ends of idle legs of slings in use shall be hung on the hook.

EMPLOYEES SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RIDE THE HOOK OR THE LOAD.

Loads (tools, equipment or other materials) shall not be swung or suspended over the heads of employees.

An individual who is familiar with the signal code in use shall be assigned to act as a signalman when the hoist operator cannot see the load being handled. Communication shall be made by means of clear and distinct visual or auditory signals except that verbal signals shall not be permitted.

A section of hatch through which materials or equipment are being raised, lowered, moved or otherwise shifted manually or by a crane, winch, hoist, or derrick, shall be completely opened. The beam or pontoon left in place adjacent to an opening shall be sufficiently lashed, locked or otherwise secured to prevent it from being unshipped so that it cannot be displaced by accident. Hatches shall not be open or closed while employees are in the square of the hatch below.

Before load or empty lifting gear are raided, lowered, or swung, clear and sufficient advance warning shall be given to employees in the vicinity or such operations.

At no time shall an employee be permitted to place himself in a hazardous position between a swinging load and a fixed object.

TRAINING:

Employees who are assigned the job of rigger must be trained and have sufficient experience to be a competent person. The competent person shall determine that the gear is properly rigged, and is in safe condition, and that it will not be overloaded by the size and weight of the lift.

Training will include the following:

*Rigging

*Hardwae

*Slings

*Safety Issues

*Lift Planning

The training will be classroom, hands-on and written test. The hands-on training will include proper inspection, use, selection and maintenance of all lifting equipment. The employee will be taught how to inspect slings, shackles, hooks, wirerope, etc.

Only qualified competent riggers are permitted to attach or detach lifting equipment to loads for loading or un-loading materials or equipment.

No minor under eighteen (18) years of age shall be employed in occupations involving the operations of any power-driven hoisting apparatus or assisting in such operations by work such as hooking on, loading slings, rigging gear, etc.

Training will be documented and on file at the office.

SYNTHETIC WEB PROCEDURE

Safe operating temperatures.

Synthetic web slings of polyester and nylon shall not be used at temperatures in excess of 180 deg. F.

Polypropylene web slings shall not be used at temperatures in excess of 200 deg. F.

Repairs.

Synthetic web slings which are repaired shall not be used unless repaired by a sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.

Each repaired sling shall be proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity to twice the rated capacity prior to its return to service. The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test and make it available for examination.

Slings, including webbing and fittings, which have been repaired in a temporary manner shall not be used.

Removal from service.

Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

*Acid or caustic burns;

*Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface;

*Snags, punctures, tears or cuts;

*Broken or worn stitches; or

*Distortion of fittings.

SWECO POLICY#__20__11/2008