Scout's Toolbox Talks

ChatGPT said:

Here’s the next detailed toolbox talk in the Rigging Hardware Inspection subcategory:

Toolbox Talk 5: Never Use Bent or Deformed Hardware

Bent = Broken. If any piece of rigging hardware is bent, stretched, or out of shape — it’s failed. Tag it out immediately.

Why It Matters:

Hardware that’s deformed has already been overloaded. Even if it “seems fine,” internal damage may have occurred. Continuing to use damaged hardware risks sudden failure under load, putting lives at risk.

Key Points:

• Bent shackles, hooks, or links have exceeded safe limits. Deformation means the metal has yielded — it will never regain full strength.
• Check for elongation. Any stretching of the eye, throat opening, or load-bearing section is grounds for removal.
• Compare to undamaged hardware. If you’re unsure, compare to a known good part. If dimensions differ — don’t use it.
• Tag and remove damaged parts. Don’t toss them aside or put them back in the gang box.
• Report all damaged hardware. Someone else may unknowingly use it if it’s not documented and removed from service.

✅ If it’s bent, it’s broken — no exceptions.

Ask the Crew:

• Have we found any bent or deformed rigging hardware lately?
• What’s our process for removing and replacing failed equipment?
• Are damaged parts ever returned to service by mistake?

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