crane rigging - literature

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Crane Rigging

Slide Show Notes

• Cranes are old devices—the ancient Greeks and Romans designedcranes to lift and move heavy objects. Buildings such as the Roman

Colosseum and the medieval cathedrals of Europe were built using

cranes, as were the skyscrapers of cities today.

• These days, most industries such as construction, manufacturing,

shipping, energy—and nearly all others—use cranes routinely tohandle and move materials.

• But although we’ve used cranes for centuries, and use them just about

everywhere today, cranes can still be dangerous. If not probably

balanced, they can topple over when lifting a load, and if a load is too

heavy, the load line or crane hook can snap, dropping the load onanything, or anyone, below.

• Safe crane operations depend on effective use of technology by trained

and careful workers. While the professional crane operator may seem

to play the leading role in crane operations, the work of the rigger is

just as essential. Without effective rigging, no load can be liftedsafely, and an improperly rigged load can slip from its sling, or break

the sling, and fall, killing or seriously injuring workers or members of

the public. That’s why this training session focuses on safe rigging for

crane operations.

Note that this training session is intended for employees with crane riggingresponsibilities. Other employees may also benefit from understanding therigger’s duties.

Discuss the use of cranes in your industry.

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© Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 0903

Understand the basics of crane operations

Choose the correct sling or rigginghardware

Inspect rigging hardware

Rig a load correctly

Session Objectives

Slide Show Notes

So what do you need to know to be an effective rigger?

• Experienced, reliable riggers know that they are part of a team that’sperforming a difficult job. While they may not be trained craneoperators, riggers should know the basics of crane operations, includingthe limits of the equipment. Often, accidents involving cranes occurbecause the personnel involved asked a crane to do something it wasnever designed to do.

• Choosing the right sling or other hardware takes judgment born ofexperience. But you can learn the basics now, including carefullychecking the load limits of any hardware you use.

• Slings or other hardware can break, often at the worst time, when underthe stress of a load being lifted. That’s why it is essential that youinspect your equipment with care, using established criteria. We’lldiscuss the basics of sling inspection today.

• Finally, you need to know how to rig a load correctly. Again, there isplenty to learn, and your exact method of rigging will vary with thesituation, equipment, and load, but this session will provide the basics.

As you probably are hearing, becoming an experienced, safe crane rigger

requires continued learning. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek

further knowledge, both during this session and on the job.

Discuss any further objectives you have for the session.

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• 29 CFR 1910.179,1910.180, 1910.184,1926.550

• ANSI/AMSE

• API RP 2D

• 29 CFR 1910.179,1910.180, 1910.184,1926.550

• ANSI/AMSE

• API RP 2D

Crane Standards

Slide Show Notes

• Because crane operations can be hazardous, and complicated, OSHA

has adopted rules about safe crane regulations, including proper

rigging.

• However, concern about crane safety does not end with

governmental regulations. The American National Standards

Institute, ANSI, in conjunction with the American Society of

Mechanical Engineers, or ASME, have issued a series of standards

for crane operations that are often used in construction and other

industries.

• Other professional organizations have issued standards governing

crane organizations in certain industries. For instance, the American

Petroleum Institute, the API, lists their crane standards for the

energy industry, in API Recommended Practice 2D.

Make sure you are familiar with the regulations, standards, or

recommended practices for crane operations or rigging in your industry.

Modify this slide to include standards or recommended practices from

your industry.

Hand out copies of relevant standards and talk about how these are used

at your workplace.

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Types of Cranes• Mobile

• Telescopic

• Tower

• Gantry/Overhead

• Vessel

Slide Show Notes

So, let’s begin by learning a little more about cranes and crane operations.

Modern day cranes come in a variety of forms and sizes, designed for

different situations or uses.

• The most basic type of mobile crane consists of a truss or boom mountedon a mobile platform. The boom is hinged at the bottom and can be raisedand lowered by cables or by hydraulic cylinders. Truck-mounted cranesare mobile cranes mounted in the bed of a truck, whereas all-terrain craneshave a base or wheel bed much like that of an all-terrain vehicle.

• A telescopic crane has a boom that consists of a number of tubes fitted oneinside the other. A powered mechanism extends or retracts the tubes toincrease or decrease the total length of the boom.

• The tower crane is fixed to the ground or "jacked up" and supported by astructure, such as a building under construction. These cranes can be tallwith a high lifting capacity; they’re the cranes that are often seen standingnext to a tall building under construction in the center of a city.

• A gantry crane has a hoist that runs along gantry rails. These cranes areoften used in ports and railroad yards to unload large cargo containers andmove them from place to place. A close relative of the gantry crane is theoverhead or suspended crane, with a hoist that moves along two or morebeams.

• Finally, vessel, deck, or offshore cranes are used in cargo operations in themaritime or offshore oil and gas industries.

Be sure you know the basic type of cranes used at your workplace.

Modify the slide to include the types of cranes used at the workplace.

Discuss the types of cranes used at the workplace.

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• Weight of Load

• Rated Capacity

• Boom Height/Length/Angle

• Load Chart and Lift Radius


Essential Data

Slide Show Notes

No matter what type of crane is being used, certain pieces of

information are essential for a safe lift.

• First, you need to know the weight of the load. This may be found n

the container, or in shipping papers or another document.

• Second, you must know the rated capacity of the crane. This is the

maximum amount of weight a crane can safely lift. The rated

capacity is marked directly on the crane.

• Depending on the type of equipment and the nature of the lift, other

factors may also be important, and lifesaving. For instance, a boom

extended too far or a lift performed at the wrong angle may result in

a crane becoming unbalanced or tipping over.

• Finally, the crane’s load chart is used to determine if a lift can be

done safely, in consideration of factors such as load weight, boom

length and angle, and lift radius.

A lift should never be attempted if it is not within the capabilities of the

equipment or if safety cannot be ensured.

Review the rated capacities and load limits of cranes at the facility.

Hand out copies of load charts, if possible.

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• Sling or hardware rating

• Reduced angle means less capacity

• Crane hardware rating

Rigging Hardware Data

• Sling or hardware rating

• Reduced angle means less capacity

• Crane hardware rating

Slide Show Notes

In many cases, a professionally, trained and certified crane operator uses

data such as rated capacity and the load chart to decide if a lift can be

made safely. However, riggers often need to check additional data

involving rigging hardware.

• For instance, rigging hardware such as slings or shackles also have

rated capacities or load limits that cannot be exceeded. Always

check these carefully. They are just as important as the rated

capacity of the crane.

• The sling angle will affect the capacity, with capacity lowered as the

angle is reduced. A sling at a 30° angle may have only half the

lifting capacity of a sling that is at 90°, vertical to the lift line.

Either the crane operator or the rigger should check, and double check,

the load limit or rated capacity of the crane hook. Check, too, to be sure

that the positive latching mechanism on the hook is in good working

order.

• Ratings of crane rigging hardware usually are not hard to find: Most

often, they are stamped into the hardware or attached on a label.

Never use a piece of hardware if you can’t verify its rated capacity

or load limit.

As you can see, it is essential that the crane, load line, hook, and all

components of the rigging be designed for the load you plan to lift.

Discuss or show the rated capacities of the rigging components used

most often at the workplace.

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• Sling angle

• Center of gravity

• Sharp corners

• Load under control

• Tag line

• Obstructions

• Personnel out of the way

• Weather

• Sling angle

• Center of gravity

• Sharp corners

• Load under control

• Tag line

• Obstructions

• Personnel out of the way

• Weather

Serious Questions

Slide Show Notes

Even when you know that your equipment is suitable for the weight ofthe load, there are still some serious questions you need to consider:

• Will the angle of the sling take away any of its capacity?

• Have you rigged the load to the center of gravity of the crane and liftline?

• Are there any sharp surfaces or corners in the rigging that couldcause a sling to tear? Should padding be used to protect the sling?

• Will the load be under control along the entire path of the lift?

• Should a tag line be used to guide the load?

• Are there any obstructions along the lift path that must be cleared?Can they be moved out of the way?

• Will the suspended load be clear of all personnel?

• Do unusual environmental conditions such as high winds, rain, orheat need to be considered?

As you can see, there are many factors to keep in mind. That’s why it issmart to discuss each job with everyone involved and make doubly sureyou are making the right decisions.

Discuss any special conditions that riggers need to consider at yourworkplace.

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Why Not Just Wing It?

Slide Show Notes

• That seems like a long list of questions that need to be answered.

Why can’t you just size up the load, slap on some rigging, and hoist

away? Chances are, nothing will go wrong.

• The problem is, crane operations are simply too hazardous to leave

to chance. So, the more factors that need to be considered, the more

important it is to slow down and make the right decisions.

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Sling Selection

• Rated capacity

• Material composition

• Size, design,and configuration

• Condition

• Tags


Slide Show Notes

• You can begin by choosing the correct rigging hardware, using the

rated capacity. At most workplaces, slings are commonly used in

rigging. A sling that has been well selected and is properly

functioning will keep the load stable and secure during the course of

the lift. However, using the wrong sling may lead to a load that

sways, slips out of the sling, or causes the sling to snap or otherwise

fail under stress.

• While a sling’s rated capacity is essential in choosing the correct

sling, other factors are also important, including the material

composition of the sling;

• Its size, design, and configuration are important;

• Its condition; and

• Each sling should have a tag that states the rated capacity, the date it

was put into service, and its length.

So let’s discuss some of these considerations, beginning with material

composition and design.

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• Strong

• Fit shape of load

• Tolerate hightemperatures

• Damaged by shocks

• Watch for damage

• Strong

• Fit shape of load

• Tolerate hightemperatures

• Damaged by shocks

• Watch for damage

Chain Slings

Slide Show Notes

• Chain slings are commonly used because of their strength.

• Chain slings are able to adapt to the shape of the load.

• Chain slings are often the best choice for lifting materials that are

very hot, because these slings can be heated to temperatures of up to

1000°F; however, when alloy chain slings are consistently exposed

to service temperatures in excess of 600° F, the working load limits

must be lowered in accordance with the manufacturer's

recommendations.

• Care should be taken, however, when using alloy chain slings,

because they are subject to damage by sudden shocks or jolts.

• Also, when inspecting alloy steel chain slings, pay special attention

to any stretching, cracks, elongated links, and nicks and gouges.

These are all indications that the sling may be unsafe and should be

removed from service.

Discuss the use of chain slings at the workplace.

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• Composed of strandsof wire rope

• May have fiber core

• Can experiencecracking or kinking

• Composed of strandsof wire rope

• May have fiber core

• Can experiencecracking or kinking

Wire Rope Slings

Slide Show Notes

The second type of sling is wire rope slings.

• Wire rope slings are composed of individual wires that have been

twisted to form strands.

• The strands are then wound to form a wire rope. When wire rope has

a fiber core, it is usually more flexible but is less resistant to

environmental damage. A core that is made of a wire rope strand

tends to have greater strength and is more resistant to heat damage.

• These types of slings can experience cracking of individual strands

and kinking, which distorts their geometry.

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Rope Lay

• Right lay

• Left lay

Slide Show Notes

Wire rope is often referred to as right lay or left lay. Let’s review these

terms.

• Right Lay:

– A right lay rope is one in which the strands are wound around the core

in a right-hand direction like a conventional screw thread.

• Left Lay:

– A left lay rope is just the opposite. The strands in a left lay rope form a

left-hand helix similar to the threads of a left-hand screw thread. Left

lay rope has its greatest usage in contexts where the rotation of right

lay would loosen couplings. The rotation of a left lay rope tightens a

standard coupling.

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Rope Lay (cont.)

• Regular lay

• Lang lay

Slide Show Notes

Lay also refers to the direction the wires are wound in the strands in

relation to the direction of the strands around the core.

• Regular lay:

– In regular lay rope, the wires in the strands are laid in one direction

while the strands in the rope are laid in the opposite direction. Regular

lay ropes have good resistance to kinking and twisting and are easy to

handle. They are also able to withstand considerable crushing and

distortion due to the short length of exposed wires. This type of rope

has the widest range of applications.

• Regular lay:

– In lang lay rope, the wires are twisted in the same direction as the

strands. Lang lay ropes are more flexible and have greater wearing

surface per wire than regular lay ropes. In addition, since the outside

wires in lang lay ropes lie at an angle to the rope axis, internal stress

due to uses such as bending over sheaves and drums is reduced. This

means lang lay ropes can be more resistant to bending fatigue. Lang

lay rope is recommended for many excavating, construction, and

mining applications, including draglines, hoist lines, and dredge lines.

Discuss the lay of the wires typically used in slings and for other uses at

your workplace.

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• Strength

• Flexibility

• Durability

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Durability

Wire Rope Sling Selection

Slide Show Notes

When selecting a wire rope sling to give the best service, there are severalcharacteristics to consider: strength; flexibility, or the ability to bend withoutdistortion; and durability, or the ability to withstand wear and abuse.

• The strength of a wire rope is a function of its size, grade, andconstruction. As a sling deteriorates from use, its strength and liftingcapacity are reduced. A sling loaded beyond its strength will fail. For thisreason, older slings must be inspected thoroughly before use.

• Generally, more flexible ropes are selected when smaller radius bendingis required. Smaller wires bend more readily and therefore offer greaterflexibility. However, less flexible ropes should be used when the ropemust move through or over abrasive materials, as they are less likely tobe damaged.

• Durability should also be considered when selecting a wire rope sling.Padding is often applied to increase the radius of the bend, reducingfatigue. Misuse and abuse also cause deterioration.

It’s important to take good care of your slings and make sure the ways youuse, inspect, and store them always follow the manufacturer’srecommendations. Wire rope slings are subject to damage resulting fromcontact with sharp edges of the loads being lifted. These edges can beblocked or padded to minimize damage to the sling. In addition, standardpractice is to hang the slings when not in use, not lay them down.

Discuss criteria for wire rope selection and the causes of wire ropedeterioration at your workplace. Discuss any accidents or incidents thatresulted from improper selection of wire rope or the use of a deterioratedrope.

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• Similar to chain mail

• Fits shape of load

• For basket orchoke hitches

• Similar to chain mail

• Fits shape of load

• For basket orchoke hitches

Wire or Metal Mesh Slings

Slide Show Notes

• Another type of sling is a wire or metal mesh sling. These slings are

much like chain mail in composition.

• They conform to the shape and contours of a load and are strong and

durable.

• And, wire or metal mesh slings are often used in basket or choker

hitches, as well as vertical hitches.

When inspecting these slings, be sure to look for any broken welds,

cracking or broken brazed joints along the side of the sling, or distortion

of the handles. These are signs of a weakened sling.

Discuss the use of wire or metal mesh slings at your facility.

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• For lighter loads

• Protect surfaceof load

• Susceptible todeterioration

• Stretch when wet

• Must be inspectedthoroughly











Fiber Rope Slings

Slide Show Notes

Fiber rope and synthetic web slings are used primarily for temporary

work, such as construction and painting jobs, and in marine operations.

They are also the best choice for use on expensive loads, highly finished

parts, fragile parts, and delicate equipment. Let’s talk about fiber rope

slings first.

• Fiber rope slings are flexible, pliant, they grip the load well, and do

not mar the surface of the load.

• They should be used only on lighter loads, however, and should not

be used if there is a danger that they will cut on sharp edges, or be

damaged by abrasive material.

• They also can weaken in high temperatures and may be ruined by

exposure to certain chemicals, such as strong acids. The choice of

fiber rope type and size depends upon the nature of the load, its

weight, and the sling angle.

• Remember that these slings can stretch extensively when wet.

• Always inspect fiber rope slings thoroughly before use. Keep in

mind that they generally deteriorate more rapidly than chains or wire

rope slings.

Discuss the use of fiber rope slings at the facility.

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• Nylon, Dacron,or polyester

• Contour to fit the load

• Durable and resistantto degradation

• Nylon, Dacron,or polyester

• Contour to fit the load

• Durable and resistantto degradation

Synthetic Web Slings

Slide Show Notes

Synthetic web slings are used for many of the same applications as fiber

rope slings and have similar qualities: For instance, both types of slings

should not mar the surface of a load. However, they can be much

stronger and capable of lifting heavy loads and are more resistant to

abrasion and, often, chemicals.

• Synthetic web slings are usually made of nylon, Dacron, or

polyester. Each material has slightly different properties. For

instance, Dacron is resistant to acids, but can degrade if exposed to

bases. Polyester should be used when it is important that stretching

of the sling is kept to a minimum.

• Synthetic web slings flexibly conform to any shape and contour with

the load to keep it tightly gripped.

• Besides resisting abrasion and some chemicals, they also are

generally unaffected by mildew and will not rot or biodegrade.

They can be used at high temperatures.

Discuss the use of synthetic web slings at your workplace.

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Which Sling Is It?Match the sling name to the description

Chain

Wire Rope

Metal Mesh

Fiber Rope

Synthetic Web

Lay is important

For heavy or hot loads

Unlikely to biodegrade

For light loads only

Similar to chain mail

Slide Show Notes

Before we move on to the rest of this session, let’s review this

information on sling materials and types with a short exercise. Match

the type of sling at left with the descriptor at right.

Allow trainees to complete the exercise and discuss the answers with

them.

Answers:

1. Chain—for heavy or hot loads

2. Wire Rope—lay is important

3. Metal Mesh—similar to chain mail

4. Fiber Rope—for light loads only

5. Synthetic Web—unlikely to biodegrade

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Questions?• Basic crane operations

• Rated capacity and load charts

• Slings and sling selection

Slide Show Notes

We’ve covered a lot of ground already, so let’s regroup. Who has

questions about:

• The basic operations of a crane;

• Concepts such as rated capacity and the use of a load chart; or

• Slings and sling selection?

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Check for:

Excessive wear

Distortion or stretching

Corrosion

Heat stress

Chemical damage

Check for:

Excessive wear

Distortion or stretching

Corrosion

Heat stress

Chemical damage

Sling Inspection

Slide Show Notes

Let’s move on to sling inspection. Keep in mind that even if you select the

right kind of sling, you may still be headed for trouble if the sling is not ingood condition. That’s why all slings must be visually inspected before each

use. Even if you have just used a sling, you need to inspect it before using it

again, as damage may have occurred during the last lift.

While exact criteria for inspection will vary with the type of sling and its

material composition, some general rules remain. When inspecting any sling:

• Look for excessive wear, including cracks and pitting, which may be

demonstrated by worn places; unraveling of the fibers or wires that make

up the sling; and places where abrasion has degraded or weakened the

sling.

• Slings can also lose their shape and become distorted or stretched. Thissignals a weakened condition.

• Metal slings or components of slings can corrode. While light rust may

be acceptable, excessive corrosion can lead to a broken sling.

• Heat stress or scorching can weaken a sling, or cause it to lose its form or

become brittle.

• And finally, certain chemicals can eat away at slings or break down theirfibers.

If you have any doubt about the safety of a sling or its ability to lift a load,

don’t use the sling. Never take chances during crane or rigging operations.

Review the criteria used to inspect slings at your workplace. Hand outchecklists or procedures used for inspection.

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Chain Sling Inspection

• Check inside ends and outside edges

• Excessive stretching is unsafe

• Watch for binding


Slide Show Notes

Now let’s discuss some inspection criteria for some of the major types

of slings.

• When inspecting a chain sling, it is important to inspect the total

length of the sling, as any place may be the proverbial “weak link in

the chain.” However, it is especially important to inspect the inside

ends of each link, as these bear the weight of the load. You can see

this part of the chain by pushing links together so that the inside

surface becomes clearly visible. Wear may also occur on the outside

of links when the chain is dragged along abrasive surfaces or pulled

out from under heavy loads.

• Check for excessive wear, nicks and gouges, and stretching. Links

that are noticeably elongated or show cracking are always suspect.

According to OSHA rules, a sling that has stretched so that it is now

more than 3 percent longer than it was when new is unsafe and must

be taken out of service.

• Finally, binding is another warning sign of a weakened sling.

Binding is the term used to describe the condition that exists when a

sling has become deformed to the extent that its individual links

cannot move within each other freely.

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Wire Rope Sling Inspection

• Cracking and pitting

• Kinking

• Deformation

• Rust

• Heat stress

• Broken wires

• Damaged fittings


Slide Show Notes

Many operating conditions affect wire rope life, including bending,

stresses, loading conditions, jerking, abrasion, corrosion, sling design,

materials handled, environmental conditions, and the history of previous

usage. That’s why it’s essential to inspect wire rope slings before each

use. Check for:

• Cracking and pitting;

• Excessive wear and kinking;

• Deformation;

• Corrosion or rust;

• Heat stress, which may result in a discoloration of the metal or a

drying of internal lubrication;

• Twists or lay of the sling. If 10 randomly distributed wires in one lay

are broken, or 5 wires in one strand of a rope lay are damaged, the

sling must not be used; and

• Finally, end fittings and other components, which should also be

inspected for any damage that could make the sling unsafe.

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Fiber Rope Sling Inspection

• Dry, discolored fibers

• Powder or dust from internal wear

• Fibers that come apart

Slide Show Notes

When inspecting a fiber rope sling before use, start by examining its

surface.

• Look for dry, brittle, scorched, or discolored fibers. If any of these

conditions are found, the sling should not be used.

• Next, check the interior of the sling. It should be fairly clean. The

presence of powder or dust on the inside of the fiber rope may

demonstrate excessive internal wear; the sling may be unsafe.

• Finally, scratch the fibers with a fingernail. If the fibers come apart

easily, the fiber sling probably has suffered chemical damage and

must be discarded.

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• Holes, snags, tears

• Broken or worn stitching

• Heat stress and burns

Synthetic Web Sling Inspection


Slide Show Notes

Inspecting slings is an important step in making sure they operate safely.

• Synthetic slings and round slings are prone to acid or caustic burns,

holes, wear, cuts, tears, snags, broken stitches, worn stitches,

excessive abrasion, embedded particles, and knots. These problem

signs are cause for the slings to be removed from service.

• Also, check for broken or worn stitching in the cover that exposes

the core fibers and web slings that have visible signs of red threads

protruding.

• Finally, heat damage causes the webbing to harden and stiffen, and

the sling will often show signs of melting, bubbling, or charring.

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Sling Maintenance• Keep it clean

• Repair may be possible

• Lubricate wire rope slings

• Store safely

Slide Show Notes

You can extend the life of a sling considerably with proper maintenance.

• One relatively simple step is to clean the sling. This will remove

material that may be abrasive or produce snags, or that could

degrade the sling through a chemical reaction.

• Some damaged slings may be repaired. For instance, nicks or gouges

in a chain sling can be filed smooth, but it is essential not

to reduce the diameter of a link below the manufacturer’s

recommendations. If repairing a sling may render it unsafe, the sling

should be discarded.

• Wire rope slings need occasional lubrication. The heavier the loads,

the greater the number of bends, or the more adverse the conditions

under which the sling operates, the more frequently lubrication will

be required.

• Finally, slings should be stored in a well ventilated, dry storage area.

Do not store slings on the ground or allow them to be exposed to the

elements when not in use. A storage rack is generally used.

Once you are done using a sling, check it for damage, and if none is

found, return it to storage.

Review sling maintenance and storage requirements at your facility.

Hand out copies of applicable procedures.

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• Inspect with care

• Never use equipmentwith parts malfunctioningor missing

• Inspect with care

• Never use equipmentwith parts malfunctioningor missing

Shackles, Clips, Eyes,

and Other Hardware

Slide Show Notes

• Rigging hardware such as shackles, links, wire rope clips, and end

fittings must also be inspected thoroughly and treated with care.

Retire hardware if signs of wear or deformation such as cracks,

nicks, or gouges are found. Remove the equipment from service if

excessive wear of more than 5 percent is detected in the throat or eye

of a shackle or more than 10 percent wear is found in other areas.

• Malfunctioning, missing, or improperly installed hardware is also

grounds for removal from service. Check latches, swivels, bearings,

locking devices, and the installation of wire rope clips and wedge

sockets. It’s also essential to retire hardware that has been altered on

the job, such as by cutting or welding.

Review procedures for inspection of rigging hardware and hand out

applicable written procedures.

27


• A safety latch is essential

• Bent hooks must be retired

• A safety latch is essential

• Bent hooks must be retired

Hooks

Slide Show Notes

The crane hook is a sturdy device capable of enduring great stress, but

it, too, must be inspected.

• Hooks must have a safety latch or clip. This prevents the hook from

twisting out of the ring or another device they are attached to. If a

hook does not have a safety clip or latch, or if the clip is broken,

replace the hook or have the safety clip repaired.

• And, hooks may crack, bend, or distort. A hook opened more than

15 percent of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest

point or twisted more than 10° from the plane of the unbent hook

must be removed from service. Many times, the hook requires non-

destructive testing to ensure there are no stress cracks.

Review the hook inspection procedure in place at your facility.

28


Hitches

• Single vertical

• Bridal hitch

• Basket hitch

• Choker hitch

Learn with experience!

Slide Show Notes

Part of the art of the rigger’s work is to employ the proper hitch for a

lift. Many types of hitches may be used, depending on factors such as

the weight and shape of the load and the sling or slings being used. A

few hitches commonly used are:

• The single vertical hitch, where a single sling is used for a vertical

lift;

• The bridal hitch, in which two or more slings meet at the crane

hook;

• The basket hitch, in which a sling wraps around the load or a part of

the load to support it;

• And, the choker hitch, where the hitch tightens around the load as it

is lifted.

• If you are unsure about which type of hitch is best for a particular

lift, talk to the people who know, such as your supervisor, the crane

operator, or a more experienced rigger. Never twist a chain or sling

to adjust its length—this will compromise its load-bearing capacity.

You’ll learn much more about how to hitch particular loads and

when to use certain hitches as you gain experience.

Discuss the use of various hitches at your workplace.

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Preparing the Lift• Personal protective equipment

(PPE)

• Hook and line over load

• Lines not kinked or twisted


Slide Show Notes

• As you get ready to prepare a load for a lift, protect yourself by

donning all required PPE. This may include a hard hat, safety shoes,

and work gloves.

• Before lifting the load, make sure the hook and hoist line are directly

over the load. If they are not, the load will move or swing,

potentially causing an injury to someone or damaging facilities or

equipment.

• Also, check to be sure that the hoist chain or line and the slings are

not kinked or twisted around each other. This could cause the load to

twist, rotate, or flip once it is lifted.

30


Preparing the Lift (cont.)

• “Rig up the load”

• Hook latch closed

• Path clear

• Lift tested


Slide Show Notes

• Always attach the sling to the load first, then attach it to the hook.

This is called “rigging up the load.” Hooks are designed to carry the

load in the center of the hook, which is the thickest part. Never pick

up a load with the hook’s tip. A load attached this way can easily

slip and the safety clip cannot be utilized. Also, the tip itself will

also open up and weaken.

• The hook latch must be closed to secure loose slings. Check once

more to make doubly sure that all rigging components and any

safety devices are in place and that the load is free of any restraint.

• Also, check again to be sure that the path of the lift is clear.

• And finally, the lift and hitch should be tested by lifting the load a

few inches, at first, to make sure it is well secured and balanced.

The load should be lifted as close to the floor or ground as possible

when traveling. If anything should happen, the load does not have far to

fall before reaching the ground.

A tag line may be used to guide a load if necessary, but if operating the

line, use extreme caution and stay out from under the load.

Review all relevant crane rigging work procedures, including PPE

requirements.

31


Crane Signals

Slide Show Notes

• Throughout lifting operations, it is essential that the crane operator

remain in contact with the crew on the loading floor or deck. Hand

signals are commonly used.

• Only one member of the crew should give signals to the operator,

unless someone else sees an unsafe condition. Then, an emergency

stop signal can be given.

• The rigger is often the person appointed to give signals. However, it

is essential that everyone on the loading floor recognize the signals

and understand where the load is headed. Getting in the way of a

load, or standing under it, have gotten many people killed over the

years.

• After checking to make sure everyone is clear of the area, the

signalman tells the crane operator to hoist the load, by rotating an

extended index finger.

Review or demonstrate additional crane signals. Hand out a signal

chart, if available.

32


The “Nevers”

• Use a twisted line

• Lift by the block hook

• Use unsafe equipment

• Allow an unsafe lift

Never

Slide Show Notes

Now that the load is safely under way, let’s review a list of “nevers”

involving crane operations. Accidents and injuries tend to occur when

people do something they never should have!

• Never use a hoist chain or load line that is twisted or kinked. Never

use the hoist chain or line as a sling by wrapping it around the load.

This can damage, cut, or kink the chain or line.

• Do not attempt to lift the load by the block hook. Attach the load to

the block hook with appropriate slings or other approved devices.

• Never use a sling or piece of rigging hardware that is not in good

condition.

• Never allow a load to be lifted if you are unsure about safety.

33


• Use more than onesignalman

• Work under asuspended load

• Turn your back on a lift

The “Nevers” (cont.)

Never

Slide Show Notes

And that’s not all. Here are a few more “nevers.”

• Never allow more than one person to control a lift or give signals

to a crane or hoist operator except to warn of a hazardous situation.

• Never work or stand under a suspended load or allow anyone

else to.

• And, never turn your back or walk away until a load is completed.

Watch the load and rigging with care and be prepared to stop the job

is you see an unsafe condition.

Discuss additional “nevers.”

34


A type of hitch in which two slings meet at thecrane hook is a _____ ____.

An essential part of the crane hook that keepsthe sling from sliding off is a ____ or ___.

A term for describing the pattern of wires ina wire rope is ___.

The maximum weight a crane or sling willsupport is _____ _______.

What Is?(Fill in the blanks)

bridle hitch

clip

lay

rated capacity

latch

12/8-Animated

Slide Show Notes

We’ve discussed quite a few new terms today. Let’s see if you

remember some of them. Provide the term described in each of the

items.

Allow time for trainees to answer, and discuss the answers with them.

Answers:

1. Bridle hitch

2. Latch or clip

3. Lay

4. Rated capacity

35


Questions or Comments?

Slide Show Notes

• We’ve covered a lot of material, from the basic types of cranes, to

sling selection and inspection, to rigging a load. What questions do

you have?

36


Key Points to Remember!

Takes years of practice

Is always interesting

Learn all you can

Be cautious; think safety

Routine lifts can be deadly

Slide Show Notes

• There is certainly a lot to learn about rigging a crane; that’s why

crane rigging is often referred to as an art, and it takes years of

practice to be a true expert.

• Because lifts often present new situations that require thought and

sound decisions, you should never be bored at work!

• It is important that you continue to learn and find out all you can

about the practice of rigging cranes.

• As you learn, keep in mind that you need to be cautious at all times,

and think safety. It is up to you to never allow a lift that you even

suspect could be unsafe.

• Finally, while unusual lifts may require special thought, even routine

lifts can be deadly if a sling fails or if the rigger forgets to fasten the

crane hook. That’s why it is essential that you follow all procedures

every time, and think safety.

Talk to trainees about any additional learning opportunities, including

hands-on learning.

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