ASME B30.26-2015 (R2020): Rigging Hardware
When it comes to rigging operations, safety is not just a best practice—it is a necessity. Rigging safety standards exist to protect lives and property during overhead lifting operations. These standards contain critical specifications designed to reduce the risk of accidents and equipment failure. ASME B30.26-2015 (R2020): Rigging Hardware sets requirements for the construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of detachable rigging hardware used in load-handling operations.
What Are ASME B30 Standards? Safety Guidelines for Cranes, Hoists, and Slings
Developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the ASME B30 standards are a set of safety provisions for lifting and rigging equipment. They cover specifications for the design, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of cranes, hoists, slings, and other lifting and rigging equipment. Here are some standards in the series that you can learn more about:
- ASME B30.2-2022: Overhead and Gantry Cranes
- ASME B30.5-2021: Mobile and Locomotive Cranes
- ASME B30.9-2021: Slings
- ASME B30.10-2019: Hooks Safety Standard
- ASME B30.25-2018: Scrap and Material Handlers
You can learn more about the ASME B30 Series in our blog post: ASME B30 – All Volumes of the Safety Standard.
What Is Rigging Hardware?
Rigging hardware is a set of tools used to hold and distribute heavy loads in the moving process. It consists of components like eye bolts, shackles, chains, and slings that safely connect a load to lifting equipment, such as a crane or hoist.
Importance of Rigging Safety Standards
Rigging hardware is vital in construction because it enables the safe and controlled movement of extremely heavy materials and equipment. By ensuring that loads are properly attached and distributed, rigging hardware reduces accidents, prevents falls, and allows for precise placement of large components.
Simply put, rigging safety is the foundation of every secure lifting operation, and ASME B30.26 is the safety standard for rigging hardware.
What Is ASME B30.26-2015 (R2020)?
ASME B30.26 is the Safety Standard for Rigging Hardware, a document published by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This standard applies to the construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of detachable rigging hardware used for load handling activities in conjunction with equipment described in other volumes of the B30 Standard.
Types of Hardware ASME B30.26-2015 (R2020) Covers
- Shackles
- Links
- Rings
- Swivels
- Turnbuckles
- Eyebolts
- Hoist rings
- Wire rope clips
- Wedge sockets
- Rigging blocks
- Load indication devices.
Detachable hardware used in applications other than those detailed in ASME B30.26 should only be used in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer or a qualified person.
Where to Find ASME B30.26-2015 (R2020)
To assure the safe construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of rigging hardware (e.g., shackles, links, and slings), manufacturers, contractors, the users of this equipment— including crane operators, riggers, site supervisors, and safety managers—adhere to ASME B30.26.
ASME B30.26-2015 (R2020): Rigging Hardware is available on the ANSI Webstore as well as in the following Standards Packages:
- ASME B30. Construction Package
- ASME B30.20 / ASME B30.26 / ASME B30.10 – Below the Hook and Rigging Hardware Package
- ASME B30.5 / ASME B30.22 / ASME B30.26 – Cranes Package
- ASME B30.9 / ASME B30.16 / ASME B30.20 / ASME B30.26 – Slings Hoists and Hooks Package
Please direct any technical questions relating to this American National Standard to the developer. You can find the contact information for all standard developing organizations (SDOs) here: Who to Contact for Standards Related Questions.
