Below-the-hook lifting devices are the specialized attachments that connect a crane hook to a load. They include spreader beams, lifting beams, below-hook manipulators, and custom lifting fixtures. Because these devices carry the full weight of every lift, a failure can be catastrophic. That is why below-the-hook lifting devices inspection is not optional. It is a structured, regulated process with clear requirements under ASME B30.20 and OSHA standards.

If you work in rigging, crane operation, or lift planning in North Carolina, you need to know exactly what to inspect, how often, and who is qualified to do it. This guide breaks down every requirement so you can build a compliant inspection program and keep workers safe on every lift.

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What Counts as a Below-the-Hook Lifting Device

A below-the-hook (BTH) lifting device is any engineered attachment used between the crane hook and the load. It is distinct from rigging hardware like slings, shackles, and hooks. BTH devices are purpose-built to handle loads that cannot be lifted safely with standard rigging alone.

Common BTH devices include:

• Lifting beams: Rigid beams that distribute load across multiple lift points
• Spreader beams: Beams that push attachment legs outward to control sling angles
• Below-hook manipulators: Devices that rotate, tilt, or reposition a load mid-lift
• Lifting clamps: Mechanical devices that grip structural steel or plate by compression
• Vacuum lifters: Suction-based attachments used for glass, metal sheet, or smooth surfaces
• Coil and reel lifters: Specialized frames for cylindrical loads

Each device type has unique inspection criteria based on its design and load path. Knowing which device you are using is the first step toward running a proper BTH inspection.

The Governing Standards for BTH Device Inspection

OSHA’s crane and derrick standard at 29 CFR 1926.1416 requires that rigging equipment and lifting devices be inspected before use on each shift, and after any event that may have affected integrity. For construction sites, this regulation applies directly. For general industry, 29 CFR 1910.184 covers rigging hardware but defers to ASME B30.20 for engineered BTH devices.

ASME B30.20 is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard written specifically for below-the-hook lifting devices. It defines three formal inspection types:

The service class of a device, ranging from Class A (standby service) to Class F (continuous heavy service), determines how often periodic inspections must occur. A device used daily in a fabrication yard will need more frequent periodic review than one used occasionally in a maintenance bay.

Frequent Inspection: What to Check Before Every Lift

The frequent BTH inspection happens before each use or at the start of every shift. It is a visual and functional check performed by a designated person, meaning someone with knowledge, training, and experience specific to the device. This is not a casual walk-around. It is a deliberate review of every critical component.

Structural Components to Examine

• Welds: Look for cracks, porosity, undercutting, or incomplete fusion along all load-bearing welds
• Base metal: Check for cracks, corrosion, gouges, or deformation on beams, frames, and brackets
• Fasteners: Confirm bolts, pins, and locking hardware are present, tight, and undamaged
• Load-bearing pins: Inspect for wear, bending, or missing retaining hardware

Mechanical and Operational Components

• Hooks and shackles attached to the device: Check for twist, cracks, or throat opening beyond 15% of original dimension
• Moving parts: Verify smooth operation with no binding, unusual noise, or seized mechanisms
• Locking and latching systems: Test each latch and positive-lock feature under hand pressure
• Vacuum cups or magnetic pads (if applicable): Inspect for cracks, tears, or loss of sealing surface

Markings and Identification

Every BTH device must display its rated load, manufacturer identification, and serial number. These markings must be legible. If a marking is missing or unreadable, the device must be removed from service until it is re-identified by the manufacturer or a qualified engineer.

Periodic Inspection Requirements Under ASME B30.20

The periodic inspection goes deeper than the frequent check. A qualified person, someone with recognized degree, certificate, or extensive experience in the discipline, must perform a thorough examination of the entire device. This includes checks that may require partial disassembly or non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.

NDT, meaning testing techniques that find defects without damaging the part, may include magnetic particle testing, dye penetrant testing, or ultrasonic testing. The choice of method depends on the device material and the suspected defect type. Records of every periodic inspection must be kept and made available for review.

Key items for periodic inspection include:

• All structural welds, including internal and hidden joints
• Wear on bearing surfaces, pivots, and load pins
• Corrosion or pitting that exceeds allowable limits set by the manufacturer
• Evidence of overload, such as permanent deformation or stretched components
• Review of load test records and previous inspection documentation

OSHA Enforcement and Removal-from-Service Criteria

OSHA inspectors cite employers for BTH device violations under both 29 CFR 1926.1416 and the general duty clause when devices do not meet ASME B30.20 requirements. The most common citations involve missing load markings, no documented inspection records, and continued use of visibly damaged devices.

A BTH device must be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions exist:

• Missing or illegible rated load markings
• Cracks in welds or base metal at any load-bearing location
• Deformation of any structural member beyond manufacturer tolerances
• Bent, worn, or missing load pins or retaining hardware
• Non-functional locking or latching mechanisms
• Evidence of heat damage, including discoloration or warping
• Any modification not authorized in writing by a qualified engineer

Removing a device from service is not the end of the process. The device must be tagged out of service, segregated from usable equipment, and either repaired by qualified personnel or destroyed to prevent accidental reuse.

Documented Inspection Records and Traceability

ASME B30.20 and OSHA both require that inspection records be kept for BTH devices. At minimum, records must include the device identifier, the date of inspection, the name of the inspector, any findings, and the corrective action taken. These records create a traceable service history for every device in your fleet.

Good documentation practices include:

• Assigning a unique serial number or asset tag to every BTH device
• Using a standardized inspection form that matches ASME B30.20 criteria
• Storing records in a location accessible to supervisors and OSHA during inspections
• Logging any repairs, modifications, or load tests alongside inspection records

In Cary, North Carolina and across the state, employers in construction and manufacturing have faced citations specifically because inspection records could not be produced. Documentation is as important as the inspection itself.

Qualified Person Requirements for BTH Inspection

Not everyone can perform every level of BTH inspection. ASME B30.20 defines a designated person as someone selected or assigned by the employer as having the knowledge, training, and experience to perform specific duties. A qualified person holds a higher standard, requiring recognized credentials, professional training, or extensive hands-on experience in the specific discipline.

For frequent inspections, a trained rigger with documented BTH device knowledge typically qualifies as a designated person. For periodic inspections, especially those involving NDT or structural evaluation, a qualified engineer or certified inspector is typically required. Rigger Level I and Level II training programs provide the foundational knowledge riggers need to conduct competent frequent inspections and recognize conditions that require escalation to a qualified person.

Investing in proper training is not just a compliance move. It builds a workforce that can catch defects early, before a failure occurs on a jobsite.

Final Thoughts on Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices Inspection

Below-the-hook lifting devices inspection is a multi-layered process built on ASME B30.20 and enforced by OSHA. You need three levels of inspection: an initial check before first use, a frequent visual check before every shift or lift, and a thorough periodic inspection by a qualified person on a schedule tied to service class. Each level requires trained personnel and documented records.

Getting this process right protects workers, keeps your operation compliant, and builds a culture of rigging safety that extends well beyond any single lift. If your team needs guidance on inspection programs, training, or compliance support across North Carolina, the right resources are available to help you build a safe and documented program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices Inspection

What is the difference between a BTH device and standard rigging hardware?

Standard rigging hardware includes slings, hooks, and shackles used to connect loads to a crane. A BTH device is an engineered attachment designed to handle loads that standard rigging alone cannot safely manage, such as long beams, fragile loads, or items requiring repositioning during the lift. BTH devices are governed by ASME B30.20, while general rigging hardware falls under ASME B30.9 and related standards.

How often must a below-the-hook device receive a periodic inspection?

The frequency depends on the device’s service class. A Class A device used rarely may only need an annual periodic inspection. A Class F device in continuous heavy service may require monthly periodic inspections. The employer and a qualified person must determine the correct service class based on the manufacturer’s documentation and actual usage patterns.

Can a rigger perform a BTH device inspection, or does it require an engineer?

A trained rigger who qualifies as a designated person under ASME B30.20 can perform the frequent inspection before each use. Periodic inspections, especially those requiring NDT methods or structural evaluation, must be performed by a qualified person with the credentials and experience to make engineering judgments. If there is doubt about the device’s condition, a qualified engineer should be consulted.

What must be marked on a below-the-hook lifting device?

Every BTH device must display the rated load, the manufacturer’s name or trademark, and the serial number or other unique identifier. These markings must be permanent and legible. A device with missing or unreadable markings must be removed from service until the information is verified and re-marked by the manufacturer or a qualified engineer.

What happens if a BTH device fails an inspection?

The device must be immediately removed from service and tagged out to prevent accidental use. It must be physically separated from serviceable equipment. The device may then be repaired by qualified personnel following manufacturer specifications, or it must be destroyed. After any repair, a new initial inspection is required before the device returns to service.