Thomas writes:
Under what conditions can concrete reinforcing steel be used safely as lifting devices?
NPCA Technical Services engineers answered:
Use of rebar as lifting devices is not recommended. Lifting inserts used in precast concrete products must be verified for capacity and must have an adequate factor of safety for lifting and handling products. Safety factors include the various forces acting on the device, including form release suction, impact and the various positions of the product during handling. The capacity of commercial lifting devices must be marked on the devices or posted in production areas.
Lifting inserts, which are embedded or otherwise attached to precast concrete members, must be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted through them, as required in OSHA 29 CFR 1926.704 (c).
Lifting hardware such as slings, lift bars, chains, hooks, etc., must be verified for capacity and must have an adequate factor of safety for lifting and handling products. Lifting hardware must be capable of supporting at least five times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it, as required in OSHA 29 CFR 1926.704 (d).
Non-commercial lifting inserts and hardware must be proof-tested by a certified testing lab for the rated working load limit. OSHA requirements for lifting devices and apparatuses are documented in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.