Who should inspect hardware that is to be used?

• A. A competent person
• B. A qualified rigger
• C. Any trained employee
• D. The operator

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that routine checks of rigging hardware before use must be done by someone who has training to recognize defects. When a piece of hardware is going to be used, a worker who has received proper instruction knows what to look for—cracks, deformation, wear, corrosion, burrs, and any other damage that could compromise strength or safety. This training equips them to perform a basic pre-use inspection and to remove any suspect gear from service or escalate it according to the safety procedure.

A competent person or a qualified rigger has authority or specialized expertise for more complex evaluations or for approving lifts that involve higher risk, while the operator might not have the necessary training to reliably identify defects. Therefore, trained employees are the appropriate group to conduct everyday inspections of hardware prior to use.