Rigging and Slinging
Rigging and Slinging
Trainees Handout
Course Contents
1. Introduction
2. Legal Overview
3. Sling and types of slings
4. Some other common lifting accessories
5. Types of Hitches
6. General Hazards
7. Sling Inspection
8. Sling angle factor
9. Centre of gravity
10. Seven Steps to safe lifting
11. Siting of mobile crane
12. Hand signals
13. Manual lifting procedures
Definitions:
During the course participants will gain a basic level of understanding and awareness of safe
rigging and slinging various types of loads and safe working practices when involved in lifting
operations.
Each employer shall provide appropriate safety measures to protect workers against the
hazards of occupational injuries and diseases that may occur during the work and also against
fire and other hazards that may result from the use of machines and other work tools. He shall
also adopt all other safety measures prescribed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Responsibilities of Employees
Every worker shall use the protective gear and the clothing supplied to him for this purpose,
shall comply with all instructions given by the employer to protect him against hazards, and
shall refrain from taking any action that might obstruct the enforcement of such instructions.
Article 3: Training
Every employer or person on his behalf shall brief employees about labor hazards before giving
them assignments, such as dangers of fire, machines, falling, occupational diseases and others if
applicable.
The following shall be noted regarding lifting and pulling machines and tools:
a. Cranes and lifts for men and materials shall be of sound construction and manufacture,
regularly maintained and checked by a qualified technician at least once every 12
months.
b.
b. The areas where lifts are fitted shall be fenced in such a way as to prevent access or egress
whilst moving. Doors should not be able to be opened whilst in motion.
Following any training or certification provided for the use of lifting equipment;
Following information provided by the employer regarding general health and safety
rules governing the use of lifting equipment and lifting accessories;
Observing exclusion zones provided by the employer where lifting operations are being
carried out;
Reporting any unsafe practices that they may observe in relation to lifting operations;
Reporting any damage or defect noted or suspected in any item of lifting equipment or
lifting accessory; and
Taking reasonable care to ensure that neither lifting equipment nor lifting accessories
are overloaded or used incorrectly.
3.6.6 ‘e’ states “In all cases employers shall ensure that lifting operations cease when the
recorded wind speed reaches or gusts in excess of 38 km/h (20.5 knots)”
Sling
A weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a stone is whirled and then let fly. A device
for hurling stones or other missiles that consists, typically, of a short strap with a long string at
each end and that is operated by placing the missile in the strap, and, holding the ends of the
strings in one hand, whirling the instrument around in a circle and releasing one of the strings
to discharge the missile.
In lifting, Sling is the accessory which is used to connect loads with the Lifting Appliance and/or
Machine.
Types of slings
Chains are generally the most versatile type of sling, as well as being the most robust.
General purpose slings usually have one, two, three or four legs.
Note: The allowable load is reduced when not using all legs.
Chain slings provide excellent performance in harsh environments. When using chain for
overhead lifting, an alloy grade, either grade 80 or 100, is recommended. Both are
manufactured from special alloy steel and engineered for a superior combination of strength
and durability. Other grade chain and components can be appropriate for specific applications
Chain sling
Soft Eye
Hard Eye
Wire rope slings are a basic material handling tool and are the most frequently used
type of sling in industry today. They offer a strong, dependable and economical option for most
lifting applications.
They cannot be bent round sharp corners, however, and should be used primarily where
shackles are used to attach the sling to the load.
Webbing Slings
Round slings and webbing slings are used for easily damaged loads, and for their
lightness and ease of handling when long lengths are required. However; they are susceptible
to damage and must be protected from sharp edges and from sliding along the load if used at
an angle. Refer to manufactures literature for color coding and further information.
Shackles
Eye Bolts
Spreader beam
Plate Clamps
Types of Hitches:
Vertical: A single leg vertical pull is known as Vertical Hitch. It requires a strong lifting point.
Basket Hitch: - A sling configuration formed from a grommet that is used to form a cradle for
the load. Basket hitches are typically used in pairs. The SWL of basket hitch shall be twice the
SWL in vertical hitch.
Choker Hitch: - A noose of wire rope or chain that is wrapped around a log and then
attached to a means of conveyance in order to bring the log to a landing. The SWL in choker
hitch shall be 80% the SWL in vertical hitch.
Bridle Hitch: - A two-part wire rope sling attached to a single part line. The legs of the sling
are spread to divide and equalize the load Cylindrical Drum - Hoisting drum of uniform
diameter.
Appointed person
The competent person appointed to have overall control of all lifting operations on site. His
responsibilities will include:
Slinger /Signaler
The person responsible for:
Always practice:
Ensure that only authorized slingers/signaler s attach or detach loads or signal the crane
operator.
Discuss operations with the crane operator.
Ensure capacity of crane is sufficient to land load before lifting.
Include the weight of the slings etc in the load on the lifting hook.
Seek expert advice when using eyebolts, plate clamps, bull dog grips, chain blocks etc.
Obtain confirmation that pre-fabricated rebar assemblies such as pad foundations and
beams have been fabricated to allow safe lifting.
Ensure that scaffold towers you are asked to move are designed to be lifted safely.
Never do:
Technical expectations
• Inspect all rigging equipment prior to starting any and all jobs
• Reports directly to the operator while in the field
• Attach slings to loads which must be winched or boomed on and off flatbed trailers
• Operate a tag line when positioning loads
• Signals the driver during loading and backing up operations
• Puts on and takes off tire chains as roads dictate
• Loading and unloading drill pipe which may involve rolling pipe down ramps onto pipe racks or
assist Boom Truck Operator by hooking up slings to the ends of the tubular joints
• Is prepared to work on leases that could range from dry to icy to a foot or more of mud
• Operates boomers in securement of loads
• In general, the rigger does the majority of work required outside of the truck cab. The
rigger is in effect, a second set of eyes for the driver. The tasks are labor intensive.
Marked with the capacity and proof tested to 125 percent of that capacity.
Load should not be left suspended or unattended
General hazards
1. Capacity of Crane
2. Capacity of Lifting Accessories
3. Ground Stability
4. Defective shackles
5. Damaged slings , Ropes
6. Broken / Without latches
7. Size and Position of the load
8. Wrong selection of sling.
9. Falling Material
10. Overhead hazards, Power Line, Cantilever Scaffold, Loading Platform, Steel Structure
11. Other operation near the vicinity / workers / Barricading.
12. Jerking
13. Suspended Load
14. Without Tag Line
15. Poor maintenance & Inspection Rigging Equipments
16. Bad Environmental Conditions
17. Operator / Rigger / Signaler Competency
18. Poor Communication
19. Carelessness
20. Collision between crane
The exclusion zone should be clearly identified and appropriate signs should be in place to close
off the area entirely. When this is not possible, the area shall be designated a “Hard-Hat” area
and a designated individual e.g. a ground rigger shall prevent others from entering the
exclusion zone.
Sling Inspection
Inspections should be carried out by a person who has learned through special training or
practical experience what to look for and who knows how to judge the importance of any
abnormal conditions they may discover. It is the inspector's responsibility to obtain and follow
the proper inspection criteria for each application inspected.
Inspect what:
Three randomly distributed broken wires in one strand, in one rope lay.
Wear or scraping of 1/3 the original diameter of outside individual wires.
Kinking, crushing or any damage resulting in distortion of the wire rope.
End attachments that are cracked, worn or deformed.
Corrosion of the rope or end attachments.
Birdcage damage
Crushed
• Cracks or breaks
• Excessive wear, nicks or gouges
• Evidence of heat damage
• Excessive pitting or corrosion
• Weld splatter
• Chain or components do not hinge freely
• Stretched, bent, twisted or deformed chain links or components
• Missing or illegible sling identification
• Cracks, stretches, severe nicks, gouges, welding splattered or deformed master links,
coupling links, chains or other components.
• One leg of a double or triple chain sling is longer than the others.
• Hooks have been opened more than 25% of the normal throat opening measured at the
narrowest point or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.
• Chain size at any point of any link is less than stated in the chart on the next slide, the
sling shall be removed.
CENTER OF GRAVITY
• A load is stable when:
– The hook is directly above the center of gravity of the load
• Estimate the center of gravity
• Lift the load just enough to clear the ground
• If the hook is not over the center of gravity the hook will travel to the center of gravity
• If necessary, set the load down and adjust the rigging
• If the load tips more than 3°, the rigging should be adjusted
• The longer the sling legs, the more stable the load will be
In certain circumstances, hand/ tag lines should be attached to the load to prevent the load
swinging or spinning, and to help in landing it in the right place.
Before Lifting:-
Only authorized slingers/signalers are to sling loads. After slinging, but before lifting, the
following must be considered:
Step 1-Check weight Capacity of the crane, load, lifting accessories must be known
Step 2-Choose right sling Correct sling must be used for load to be lifted.(Choose
the right slings)
Inspect the lifting gears thoroughly before putting in
service
Lifting accessories include slings, shackles, eye bolts, spreader beams etc.
All types of lifting accessories are highly stressed in service, and their condition must be
monitored to ensure that they will not fall when loaded. All lifting accessories must be
thoroughly examined by a competent person every six months, and a record issued. This will be
arranged by the appointed person or crane supervisor. A visual inspection must be carried out
by the slinger/signaler at least daily. If any damage is seen, then the item should not be used
until examined by a competent person.
Webbing sling, or any sling made from synthetic fibers, should be examined before and after
every lift as they are extremely vulnerable to being cut by sharp edges. If there is any sign of a
cut or fraying in the fabric, they should be taken out of use and examined by a competent
person.
Do not allow any item of lifting accessories to be used for towing or pulling.
Rigger MUST wear certain equipment to protect them from injury. It is the responsibility
of your employer to provide the necessary personal protective equipment. It is your
responsibility to wear and use the equipment as directed by your employer or as site
conditions demand.
When working at height, it is also MANDATORY to wear a full body harness and use
safety lines and nets. These items of equipment are dealt with in separate sections of
‘Tool and Equipment’. Return to the index to access them. (Refer to OSHAD-CoP 2.0 )
Permit To Work certificate is issued to ensure safe work practice, for :- You, Your Team, Other
workmen around & Equipments.
Use of shackles:
General
In siting a mobile crane for operation, particular attention should be paid to two factors:
a. The crane standing or support conditions
b. The presence of proximity hazards
Consideration should also be given to the projection of the mobile crane beyond the site
boundary to avoid potential hazards to the public including those in private areas and public
areas.
When operating close to the edge of a soil slope or an unsupported soil excavation, a mobile
crane may collapse as the load bearing capacity there is much lower than those away from the
edge. A safety distance at least 4 times the width of the foundation (the mat or timber blcking
of the outrigger or the crawler) should therefore be maintained between the foundation and
the edge.
The distance between the foundation and the toe of the slope or excavation should also be at
least 2 times the depth of the slope or excavation.
Outrigger safety
Outriggers are hinged or sliding beams that are usually secured with locking pins or
check valves. They must be secured when they are retracted.
Outriggers should be packed to keep the crane level and stable when in use, especially
when the crane is on uneven ground.
Ensure that all persons, including you, are clear of outriggers when they are being
extended or retracted
Unsafe Practices
Hand Signals
Generally, signals will be given to the crane operator either by radio or by hand signals. This will
be decided by the appointed person.
If radios are chosen, then the following method of use must be followed. All instructions must
be repeated continuously, for example “LOWER, LOWER. LOWER…….” Until the movement is
complete. If the instructions stop getting through to the crane operator; he should immediately
bring the load to a HALT. This will guard against failure of the radio system.
If there is more than one crane on site, and more than one slinger/signaler/crane operator
team using radios, then the appointed person must devise a safe system of work to ensure that
there are no problems such as one crane operator following the instructions being given to
another.
If hand signal are chosen, then the signals shown on the following pages are to be used as the
standard to direct the crane operator. Ensure that:
There is always a line of sight between the signaler and the crane operator
The signaler faces the crane operator whenever signaling
Visit crane operators understand the standard hand signals overleaf
Emergency Stop
Stop
Assess the load to be lifted. Come closer to the load to be Bend your knees.
Do not lift more than individual’s lifted. Keep your back straight (but not
capacity. Avoid over reaching or vertical).
Avoid lifting if you are medically stretching. Keep chin tucked into the body.
unfit or sick. Position your feet properly in
As per DM Code of Construction the direction of load to be
Man should lift load not more moved.
than 50 kgs. & Woman should lift
load not more than 20 kgs.
Wherever possible make use of
mechanical lifting aids.
Take a firm grip by using the If lifting from ground make Make sure you can see where you
palms of the hands and roots of maximum use of legs. are going.
fingers. Lift the load smoothly. Avoid Avoid twisting the body, move
Take care of the sharp edges. giving jerk. your feet instead.
Use appropriate PPE such as Never lift the load using your Keep control of the load.
gloves, safety shoes etc. back. Keep your back straight at all
times.
Take care that your fingers are not
trapped below the load.
Check & remove tripping hazards if
any.
Ensure adequate lighting levels are
maintained.