Below is a clear, practical pre‑use inspection process you can follow for most rigging gear (slings, wire rope, synthetic rope, chain, hooks, shackles, hoists, etc.). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable site, company, or regulatory requirements in addition to this.

Pre-use inspection — general steps

1. Know the gear’s rated capacity and purpose. Verify the rigging item is the correct type and capacity for the planned lift. Check identification tags/markings (capacity, size, serial number).
2. Review records/tags. Confirm date of last inspection, proof test, or scheduled inspection interval. Ensure item is not expired, out of test, or tagged out of service.
3. Visual inspection (whole item): look for obvious damage, deformation, corrosion, heat discoloration, foreign objects, contamination (chemicals, oil, paint), and signs of improper repair.
4. Hands-on check (tactile/functional):
   • Feel for broken wires, flat spots, burrs, or stiff areas on wire rope.
   • Feel for soft spots, melt/heat damage, abrasion on synthetic ropes/slings.
   • Manipulate moving parts (shackle pins, hook latches, swivel): check for smooth operation, play/looseness, and correct fit.
5. Detail checks by component type (see below).
6. Operational check: for hoists, winches, and mechanical devices — operate unloaded through basic functions (raise/lower, brakes engage/release, limit switches) only if trained and authorized.
7. Tagging/documenting: If any defect or doubt exists, remove the item from service, tag it “Do Not Use,” and record the defect for repair or discard. Note inspector, date, and reason.
8. Frequency: do a brief pre-use inspection every shift/use and follow scheduled thorough inspections per manufacturer/site practice.

Component-specific inspection points

Wire rope

• Broken wires: any single broken wire may be OK, but multiple broken wires in one lay or concentrated area is cause to remove. Look for visible broken wires, birdcaging, core protrusion.
• Corrosion and pitting: significant rust, pitting, or slackened strands degrade strength.
• Wear: measure diameter—if rope diameter is reduced beyond acceptable limits (manufacturer limit), remove from service.
• Deformation: kinks, loops, loops that do not recover, crushing, flattening, or birdcaging = discard.
• End terminations: check thimbles, ferrules, swages, clips; look for slippage, loose clips, cracks.
• Heat/chemical damage: heat discoloration, brittle strands, or chemical attack = remove.

Wire rope sling hooks & fittings

• Hook throat opening: check for permanent distortion or stretching; hooks with opened throats should be removed.
• Latches: must operate and secure properly.
• Cracks, gouges, corrosion, bending, flattened areas: remove.

Synthetic rope and web slings (nylon, polyester, HMPE, etc.)

• Cuts, snags, pulls, broken fibers, stitches: any cuts that expose core or patch large enough to weaken = remove.
• Abrasion and fraying: severe abrasion that reduces diameter or integrity = remove.
• Chemical/heat damage: melting, charring, discoloration, hardness change = remove.
• End fittings/terminals: check splices, eyes, thimbles for slippage or damage.
• Water/contamination: note that some chemicals reduce strength even if no visible damage—refer to manufacturer.

Chain slings and shorteners

• Wear: measure link thickness; excessive wear or elongation = remove.
• Deformation: bent, twisted, gouged, cracked, or heat‑damaged links = remove.
• Pins and connecting components: check secure fit and wear.
• Identification tag: chain grade, size, and rated capacity must be readable.

Shackles, hooks, and hardware (including eyebolts)

• Identification: rated capacity and grade visible.
• Deformation: bent or stretched bows/pins; threads should engage full length.
• Wear at bearing points: check inside surfaces where rope or chain bears; if worn beyond manufacturer limit remove.
• Cracks/corrosion: remove.
• Correct type: shoulder vs. non‑shoulder eyebolts used correctly (shoulder for angular lifts, etc.).

Hoists, winches, and mechanical lifting devices

• Controls & emergency stop: function check.
• Brakes: test no‑load holding ability.
• Limit switches: verify operation.
• Wire rope or chain on drum: check spooling, birdcaging, crushing, excessive wear.
• Safety devices: check indicators, load limiter if present (do not rely solely on a missing or malfunctioning limiter).

Hook latch and safety devices

• Latches must close and lock; missing or altered latches may be cause for removal.
• Never repair by welding/modifying hooks unless performed by qualified manufacturer or authorized repair shop.

Common signs that require removal from service (examples)

• Any crack, bend, twist, or other permanent deformation.
• Excessive corrosion, pitting, or perforation.
• For chain/links: stretch, elongation, or wear beyond manufacturer limit.
• For wire rope: birdcage, kinks, core protrusion, multiple broken wires, excessive corrosion.
• For synthetic slings: melted or charred fibers, severe abrasion/fiber loss, broken stitches.
• Missing or illegible identification/tag that prevents verifying rated capacity/inspection history.
• Any heat or chemical damage, or any condition that raises doubt about integrity.

Documentation & tagging

• Use a standard tag system: current/inspection date, inspector initials, rated capacity, next inspection due (if applicable).
• Keep inspection records with serial numbers and any corrective action.
• Maintain a register of out‑of‑service items until repaired and proof‑tested or permanently discarded.

Best practices and reminders

• Inspect before each use and perform more detailed periodic inspections (daily/weekly/monthly/annually as required by use, environment, and manufacturer).
• Follow manufacturer inspection criteria and limits whenever provided; those take precedence over general guidance.
• Keep rigging clean and dry when possible; store off the ground and out of sunlight/chemicals.
• Never attempt temporary field repairs (welding links, tying off damaged slings) unless authorized and done per manufacturer or qualified repair facility.
• Train all users to recognize defects and to remove suspicious gear immediately.
• When in doubt, remove from service — do not risk a lift with questionable gear.

If you’d like, I can:

• Provide a printable pre‑use checklist tailored for wire rope, chain, or synthetic slings; or
• Summarize typical defect acceptance limits (e.g., percent wear, number of broken wires) — note those limits vary by manufacturer and standard, so indicate whether you want generic guidance or references to specific standards.