RSP Rigging Procedures & Equipment 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of sling is MOST susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time?
- Wire rope slings
- Alloy chain slings
- Synthetic web slings (Correct answer)
- Metal mesh slings
Correct answer: Synthetic web slings
Synthetic web slings made of nylon, polyester, or polypropylene degrade when exposed to prolonged UV radiation, weakening the fibers and reducing capacity.
Question 2: A rigger is preparing to lift a load in an area where the temperature is 400°F (204°C). Which sling type is BEST suited for this application?
- Nylon web sling
- Polyester web sling
- Alloy steel chain sling (Correct answer)
- Polypropylene web sling
Correct answer: Alloy steel chain sling
Alloy steel chain slings (Grade 80 or 100) are rated for use at elevated temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) with appropriate derating, unlike synthetic slings which fail at much lower temperatures.
Question 3: What does a 'proof load test' determine for rigging hardware?
- The maximum load the hardware can lift in normal service
- That the hardware can withstand a specified overload without permanent deformation (Correct answer)
- The breaking strength of the hardware
- The fatigue limit after repeated loading cycles
Correct answer: That the hardware can withstand a specified overload without permanent deformation
A proof load test applies a load greater than the rated capacity (typically twice the WLL) to verify there is no permanent deformation, confirming structural integrity.
Question 4: When rigging a cylindrical load such as a pipe using a choker hitch, where should the choke point be located?
- At the exact center of the cylinder
- Above the horizontal centerline, on the upper third of the cylinder (Correct answer)
- Below the horizontal centerline, where the cylinder rests on the ground
- At the end of the cylinder, around the circumference
Correct answer: Above the horizontal centerline, on the upper third of the cylinder
The choke should grip above the centerline so the load hangs stably beneath the hook; too low allows the load to tip and slip out of the choker.
Question 5: The 'design factor' (also called safety factor) for alloy steel chain slings per ASME B30.9 is:
- 2:1
- 3:1
- 4:1 (Correct answer)
- 5:1
Correct answer: 4:1
ASME B30.9 specifies a minimum design factor of 4:1 for alloy steel chain slings, meaning the minimum breaking force is at least four times the working load limit.
Question 6: Which inspection must be performed on rigging equipment BEFORE each use?
- Proof load test at 125% of WLL
- Magnetic particle inspection for cracks
- Visual inspection for damage, wear, and proper identification (Correct answer)
- Ultrasonic thickness measurement
Correct answer: Visual inspection for damage, wear, and proper identification
OSHA 1926.251 and ASME B30.9 require a visual inspection before each use to check for damage, wear, deformation, and legible WLL markings.
Question 7: A rigger must make a vertical lift using wire rope. The rope has 6 parts of line. If the load weighs 12,000 lbs, what is the approximate load on each part of line (ignoring friction)?
- 12,000 lbs
- 6,000 lbs
- 2,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 72,000 lbs
Correct answer: 2,000 lbs
With 6 parts of line supporting 12,000 lbs, each part carries approximately 2,000 lbs (12,000 ÷ 6), assuming ideal conditions without friction.
RSP Rigging Procedures & Equipment 5
Which type of sling is MOST susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time?