Rigging gear should be inspected:

• A. Prior to each lift and at intervals during use
• B. Only at the start of the shift
• C. Only after a failure occurs
• D. Only for new gear

Answer: (A)

Rigging gear must be inspected before each lift and periodically during use because damage and wear can develop during handling and operation that isn’t always visible until under load. A pre-lift check verifies the gear is fit for the immediate task, while checks during use catch progressive wear, deformation, cracks, corrosion, or misalignment that could lead to a failure. If anything is found defective, the gear should be removed from service and repaired or disposed of. Relying only on new gear or on inspections after a failure isn’t enough to keep lifting operations safe.