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Shipyard Employment eTool: Shipbreaking
General Requirements Shipbuilding Ship Repair Shipbreaking Barge Cleaning

Material Handling » Shackles and Hooks
 
Shackles and hooks are rigging components used to attach loads and slings to lifting devices. These items along with ropes, chains, and slings make up the "rigging gear." Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Shipbreaking: Confined/Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard. Shackles and hooks used with wire-rope slings to attach vessel section to crane hook
Figure 1: Shackles and hooks used with wire-rope slings to attach vessel section to crane hook.

Shackles and Hooks 
Potential Hazards:  

Failure of shackles or hooks while loads are being lifted or moved may cause serious injuries.

 Requirements and Example Solutions:
  • The safe working load of shackles and hooks must not be exceeded. [1915.113(a)(1)]
  • Hooks without applicable manufacturer's recommendations available, must be tested to twice the intended safe working load. Employers must maintain documentation. [1915.113(b)(1)]
  • Loads must be applied to the throat of the hook. [1915.113(b)(2)] See Figure 2.
  • Hooks must be inspected periodically. [1915.113(b)(3)]
  • Bent or sprung hooks must not be used. [1915.113(b)(3)]
 		 Shackles used to attach wire-rope slings to chain slings and to secure smaller horizontal stabilizing sling
Figure 2: Shackles used to attach wire-rope slings to chain slings and to secure smaller horizontal stabilizing sling.

Load properly applied to throat of hook, but hook has defective safety gate
Figure 3: Load properly applied to throat of hook, but hook has defective safety gate.
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