On the topic of rigging safety, winter usually gets the most attention. Cold temperatures can make materials brittle, increase wear, and change how lifting equipment performs. However, summer weather also brings a unique set of challenges, and they deserve just as much attention.
High heat, direct sunlight, humidity, and longer days on jobsites all put extra stress on lifting gear. These conditions can lead to hidden damages that can shorten equipment life or even cause failure if not caught in time.
Just as winter requires attention and management of seasonal elements, summer too, calls for its own rigging safety best practices. Understanding how warm-weather conditions affect your equipment helps prevent unexpected failures, reduce downtime, and keep crews safe.
Key Takeaways:
- Summer weather affects the condition of rigging gear.
- Heat and moisture can slowly wear away at equipment; sometimes from the inside out, making it difficult to spot at first.
- Regular inspections throughout the summer months are key to making sure everything is in safe working condition.
- It’s crucial to properly store gear in cool, dry places away from moisture, sun exposure, or other elements that could cause harm.
How Heat Affects Rigging Materials
Synthetic web and round slings
Synthetic web and round slings are sensitive to elevated temperatures. Most synthetic slings made from nylon or polyester have manufacturer temperature limits that should never be exceeded. While normal summer air temperatures are usually not a problem, equipment left on hot steel decks, near welding operations, or around furnaces can cause issues. This type of excessive heat weakens fibers, reducing sling strength.
Wire rope
High temperatures can cause lubricants to dry out quickly, which affects wire rope. Without proper lubrication, internal wires experience more friction, increasing wear that may not be visible from the outside. A dry wire rope wears much faster than one that is properly maintained.
Chain slings
Chain slings generally perform well in warm environments, but prolonged exposure to high heat can affect the material over time. If chain slings are regularly used around foundries, steel mills, or other high-temperature applications, they should be inspected according to the manufacturer's recommendations and removed from service if heat damage is suspected.
Hardware
Heat does not usually damage hardware during normal summer use, but exposure to extreme heat sources can affect strength and change material properties. Always inspect hardware such as hooks, shackles, and master links for distortion, discoloration, or other signs of overheating before putting hardware back into service.
What Does UV Exposure Do?
Heat is only part of the summer equation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun slowly break down synthetic materials, even when damage is not immediately obvious.
Synthetic slings that spend weeks or months exposed to direct sunlight may begin losing flexibility and strength. Colors fade, fibers can become stiff, and the surface becomes dry or fuzzy.
When performing a lifting equipment inspection, look for:
- Faded or bleached webbing
- Frayed or fuzzy fibers
- Cuts, snags, or broken stitching
- Stiff or brittle material
- Damaged or unreadable identification tags
Humidity, Sweat, and Corrosion
The summer months often bring rain, but other forms of moisture can cause issues for equipment, too. High humidity, morning condensation, and even sweat from daily use all contribute to corrosion over time.
Wire rope becomes vulnerable if moisture works its way inside the strands. Internal corrosion may develop long before significant rust appears on the outside. Chain slings can also develop corrosion if they are repeatedly exposed to moisture and then stored without drying. Surface rust may seem minor, but corrosion eventually weakens components and makes inspections more difficult.
Improper storage causes these problems to get worse. When equipment is repeatedly left outside overnight or stored in a damp environment, it is exposed to unnecessary moisture over and over again. Dry, well-ventilated storage areas help reduce corrosion and extend equipment life.
Inspection Checkpoints That Matter More in Summer
Summer often means longer workdays, heavier production schedules, and more frequent lifting. Higher usage alone increases wear, even before weather conditions are considered. This is why it’s important to review lifting safety and perform inspections more frequently.
During summer inspections, pay close attention to:
- Signs of damaged wire rope, including broken wires, crushed strands, kinks, birdcaging, corrosion, or dry, unlubricated sections
- Wear, elongation, cracks, or corrosion found during chain sling inspection
- Synthetic slings showing fading, stiffness, cuts, abrasion, or damaged stitching
- Hooks, shackles, and fittings that show bending, cracks, excessive wear, or heat discoloration
- Missing or unreadable identification tags that prevent equipment from being properly verified
Storage and Handling Best Practices
How equipment is stored between jobs can have just as much impact as how it is used. Whenever possible, store rigging equipment and any gear made of metal or wire indoors or in shaded areas that stay dry and well ventilated. Keep synthetic slings out of direct sunlight to reduce unnecessary UV exposure.
Coil wire rope correctly to prevent kinks, hang chain slings instead of piling them on the floor, and avoid dragging synthetic slings across rough surfaces. Small handling habits can add months or years to the life of lifting equipment.
Stay Safe Through Every Season
Following seasonal rigging safety best practices helps crews identify problems early, prevent equipment failures, and keep jobs moving safely. Inspection is never a one-time task. It is an ongoing process that should reflect the environment where your equipment is being used.
If your team needs an inspection, no matter the season, the experts at Olsen Chain & Cable are here to help. Our team can help you make informed decisions that improve jobsite safety and extend equipment life. Contact us to learn more about our inspection process and other services.
