Safe Rigging Practices

OVERVIEW
Rigging Selection Fundamentals of rigging
Basic Rules Rigging Devices/Attachments Sling angle Rope

General use guidelines

Rigging
The art of lifting heavy objects The process of lifting and moving heavy loads with ropes, chains, and mechanical devices.

TRAINED, QUALIFIED OPERATORS

SAFE LIFTING
EFFECTIVE, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE THE SAFETY TRIANGLE PROPER EQUIPMENT DESIGN

Rigging Selection
The rigging capacity and the material to be lifted must match. Using too small capacity rigging or components is just asking for an accident to happen.

1. Who is responsible (competent/qualified) for the rigging?

a. Communications Established?
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Rigging Selection
2. Is the Equipment in Acceptable Condition? a. Appropriate Type?

b.
C.

Proper Identification?
Properly Inspected?

Rigging Selection
1. Are the Working Load Limits Adequate? a. What is the weight of the load?

b. Where is the center of gravity?

c. What is the sling angle?

d. Will there be side loading?

e. Capacity of the gear?
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Rigging Selection
4. Will the Load be Under Control?

a.
b.

Tag Line available?

Is there any possibility of fouling?

c.

Clear of Personnel?

Rigging Selection
1. Are there any Unusual Loading or Environmental Conditions? a. Wind?

b. Temperature?
c. Surfaces?(Ice, Suction, Water)

d. Unstable Object(s)?
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Rigging Basics
Weight of the object Capacity of rigging device Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which a load will balance - and that point must be directly below the hook or principal lifting point.
Fa Fh

Fb

Fh

Center of gravity Total Weight = W

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Rigging Devices/Attachments
Shackles Hooks Wire Rope Clips Wedge Sockets Eyebolts Spreader Beams Turnbuckle Slings

SHACKLES
Anchor Shackles
Has a rounded eye which makes it suitable for attaching one or more lifting devices, such as hooks or slings.

Chain Shackles
Has a straight eye designed for connecting to a single lifting device

Shackle size is determined by the diameter of the bow or body.

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SHACKLES
Shackles
synthetic web slings connected to shackles of sufficient size to not cause bunching or pinching of the sling

Use wide shackles to prevent pinching or bunching

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SHACKLES
Do not pull shackle at an angle - the legs may open up or cause distortion at maximum loads.

Pack the pin with washers to centralize the shackle.

Avoid eccentric loads

SHACKLES

Proper chocking of shackles.

Bad

Good

SHACKLES
1. Never replace the shackle pin with a Bolt 2. Shackles shall not be used if the pin cannot be completely seated. The pin need be only hand tight for lifting. Use only shackles with screw pin. Round pin with cotter should not be used

3. Screw pin shackles shall not be used if the pin can roll under load and unscrew

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SHACKLES
FREQUENT (PRE-USE) INSPECTION

1) Check pin to see if it seats completely. 2) Check to see that pin threads easily by and into and out of the shackle. 3) The pin shall show no signs of deformation. 4) Check for excessive thread exposure when pin is seated completely. 5) Check for opening of shackle throat. 6) Check for excessive wear, cracks, and corrosion.

Hooks

1.The safe working load (SWL) for a rigging hook shall be equal to or exceed the rated load of the chain wire rope, or other suspension member to which it is attached . The designed SWL applies only when the load is applied in the saddle of the hook. 18

Hooks
1. It is a good practice to use a shackle when two or more sling eyes are used on a hook . This allows the load to be centralized on the hook for full capacity. Never tip load a hook 1. The load hook should be the weakest member of the lifting equipment, so it will bend if overloaded before any other piece of equipment fails. 1. Hook tips should point out and away from the load, to assure when slack is taken up, the hook will not tip load

Hands, fingers, and body shall be kept away from between the hook and load.

Hooks
FREQUENT (PRE-USE) INSPECTION 1. Look for distortions such as bending, or twisting exceeding 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook. 2. Check for an increase in throat opening exceeding 15% of original throat opening. 3. Check for wear in the saddle area of the hook. Wear exceeding 10% of the original dimension is sufficient enough to take the hook out of service. 4. Check for cracks, severe nicks, and gouges. Transverse cracks are more critical to a hook's performance than longitudinal cracks. 5. Check the hook attachment and securing means for defects. 6. Rigging hooks shall be inspected as a part of the slings to which they are attached.

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Wire Rope Clips

The most common use of wire rope clips on cranes is at wedge and socket-end fittings. The clip does not provide strength to the wedge and socket connection. It is there to prevent the wedge from accidentally being released. CLIPS FREQUENT (PRE-US E) INSPECTlON 1. Before use, clips shall be visually inspected for damage, corrosion, wear, and cracks.

Clips should not be reused as they may not torque properly on the second application.

Installing Wire Rope Clips

Installed properly as to number, direction, spacing and torque.

Operation Practices 1. Assure clips are orientated correctly 2. When using single grip clips, be sure to put the saddle on the live end of the rope. 3.Be sure to torque clips to proper specification. 4. Check torque after use and re torque after use if necessary. 5. Follow the proper procedure when installing clips A. Apply first clip one base width from dad end of wire rope. Tighten nuts evenly to recommended torque. B. Apply second clip nearest the loop. Turn evenly but do not tighten. C. Apply all other clips spaced equally in between the first two. Apply tension and tighten all nuts to recommended torque. D. Recheck torque after use.

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EYE BOLTS
Eye bolts
use only forged eye bolts rated for lifting never use if damaged, bent, elongated never use regular eye bolts for angular lifts always seat shoulder against the load

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EYE BOLTS
Eye bolts
always shim eye bolts to seat shoulder in-line for angular loading for angular lifts reduce working load
45 degrees 30% of rated working load 90 degrees 25% of rated working load

Angle of pull

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EYE BOLTS
Eye bolt - rigging

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SPREADER BEAM
Spreader beam - A belowthe-hook lifting device that utilizes two or more hooks (attaching devices) located along a beam and the spreader beam attaches to the hoist by means of a bail. The spreader beam is used to handle long or wide load and serves to "spread" the load over more than one lifting point. Often used in conjunction with slings.
Note: a common misconception of spreader beams is that they equalize the loading along the beam. They do not! Spreaders only eliminate horizontal forces from affecting the load being hoisted.

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Rigging Attachments
Spreader beam
1/2 L 1/2 L

Spreader Beam

L Fa

With the CG off center of the hook as shown, the vertical force at Fa will be 75% of the load weight and the vertical force at Fb will be 25% of the total load weight. No horizontal forces will be exerted on the load.

Fb

Load

Center of gravity Total Weight = W

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SPREADER BEAM
Spreader beam
1/2 L 1/2 L

Spreader Beam

L Fa

With the CG off center of the hook as shown, the vertical force at Fa will be 75% of the load weight and the vertical force at Fb will be 25% of the total load weight. No horizontal forces will be exerted on the load.

Fb

Load

As shown, will the load be level during hoisting?

Center of gravity Total Weight = W

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SPREADER BEAM
Spreader beam

The load will tilt until the center of gravity aligns with the hook.

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SPREADER BEAM
Spreader beam

L Fa Fh

Without the use of a spreader beam, the vertical forces remain the same, however, the sling load is a function of the sling angle and the sling load will be higher than the sling between the spreader and the load. There will, in this case, be horizontal forces exerted upon the load, dependent upon the sling angle.

Fb Fh

Center of gravity Total Weight = W

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TURNBUCKLES
Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles can be used to adjust sling length. Be sure to use only load rated components

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Types of Slings
1) Wire Rope Slings 1) Chain Slings
1) Synthetic Web Slings

Wire Rope
Components of Wire Rope 1. Core 2. Wire 3. Strand

Wire Rope
There are three types of cores:
Fiber - synthetic or sisal, which is the weakest, Strand - the core is a wire strand, just like the other strands of the rope.

Independent Wire Rope (IWRC) -this is a separate wire rope. It is the strongest of the three types. The core provides 7-1/2% strength of the wire rope. This is the core used in the wire rope slings provided on site.
Most wire is high carbon steel

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Left Lay

Right Lay

Crushing

Because of loose winding on drum, rope was pulled in between underlying wraps and crushed out of shape.

Birdcaging The sudden release of a load cause birdcaging .Here individual strands open away from each other, displacing the core.

Locking of strands

Premature breakage of wires resulted from "locking" of strands, which was caused by insufficient lubrication.

Abrasion

Neglect of periodical inspection left this rope in service too long, resulting in considerable abrasion.

Kinking

Kink or "dog leg was caused by improper handling and/or installation. A kink causes excessive localized or spot abrasion.

Reverse bending

Running this rope over one sheave and under another caused fatigue breaks in wires.

Pitting Too much exposure combined with surface wear and loss of lubrication caused corrosion and pitting.

Wear Too long in service. Repeated winding and overwinding of this rope on a drum while it was under heavy stress caused the unusually severe wear.

Wire Rope
Wire Rope Sling Identification
Rated Load (rated capacity) Load test date Manufacturers name Periodic inspection due date Broken wires (10 in one lay or 5 in one strand) Severe corrosion

Localized wear
Reduction in outer wire Damaged end fittings Distortion, kinking, etc

Before Lifting any load check for hazards

The sling must not be attached to the load at a point lower than the loads center of gravity Exception to this rule when lifting loads on pallets or skids Then apex of sling must be above the center of gravity

Horizontal Force
When a sling angle is 300 the total force is twice that of the load Sling Angles of 450 are not recommended

Wire Rope Slings

single-rope legs

Wire Rope Slings

sling with single-rope legs, Torpedo loop-locks and choker hook

Rigging Basics - Hitches

Vertical having the load suspended vertically on a single part or leg of the sling.
Characteristics: Load capacity is 100 % that of a single part Taglines should be used if the load tends to rotate as rotation can damage the sling. Use on items with lifting eye bolts or shackles or when a second sling is used in a spreader bar application Do NOT use when lifting loose or lengthy material, anything difficult to balance

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Rigging Basics - Hitches

Basket - loading with the sling passed under the load and both ends on the hook, master link, or lifting device.

Characteristics: Effectively doubles the capacity of a single vertical sling Stress on each leg tends to be equalized Use on straight lifts when the load is shaped so that the sling (or slings) will not slide over the surface. Do NOT use on loads that are difficult to balance and could tilt or slip out of the sling(s). When terminating to a common point (like a hook), sling angle can reduce sling capacity.

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Rigging Basics - Hitches

Choker loading with the sling passed through one eye or choker hook and suspended by the other end.

Characteristics: Choker hitch is easy to attach & forms a noose that tightens as the load is lifted Rated capacity is 75% of the single part*. Use to turn a load (if possible use a double choker hitch) or when handling bundles of bars or pipes Do NOT use on loads difficult to balance or which may slip out the choke
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* based on wire rope and chain slings, 120 degree angle of choke

Rigging Basics - Hitches

Choke angle the angle formed between the load line and the noose

Angel of Choke Rated Capacity Factor* 120 - 180 = 100% 90 - 119 = 87% 60 - 89 = 74% 30 - 59 = 62% 0 - 29 = 49%

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*based on wire rope slings

Rigging Basics - Hitches

Do not confuse choke angle with angle of inclination of the load

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Rigging Basics - Hitches

Choker hitches are not suited to long loose bundles

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Rigging Basics - Hitches

Double Wrap Basket Hitch
adjustment of slings is required while taking up slack to avoid overloading one side of the sling (this applies to all basket hitches)

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Rigging Basics Sling Angle

Sling angle has a dramatic effect on the actual load on the sling. Take a sling that has a 1000 pound vertical lifting capacity in a basket hitch:

Sling with 500# vertical hitch capacity

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Rigging Basics Sling Angle

As angle decreases - tension on each leg increases - increasing the strain on each leg

Copyright Pro Crane Services Sling with 500# vertical hitch capacity

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Rigging Basics Sling Angle

A different look, with the same load and sling, changing the angle has a similar dramatic effect

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Rigging Basics Sling Angle

A different look, with the same load and sling, changing the angle has a similar dramatic effect

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Rigging Basics Sling Angle

The sling angle factor equals H divided by L, the inverse, L/H, can also be used to calculate sling load

L/H is useful to calculate sling load when the vertical force is known. L/H for common angles is approximately: 60 - 1.2; 45 - 1.4; 30 - 2

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Rigging Basics

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General Use Guidelines

Pre-use and periodic inspection is required on all sling and rigging components

OSHA 1926.251, 1910.184

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Periodic inspection frequency/records

OSHA 1910.184(e)(3) at least annually with records ASME: normal annually; severe service monthly to quarterly with records

Periodic inspection performed by ?

Frequent inspection frequency/records

OSHA before use (1910.184(d) w/o records ASME: normal monthly; severe service daily to weekly w/o records

Label*

Chain slings

OSHA competent person ASME - competent person

OSHA size, grade, rated cap., & reach ASME: mfgr., grade, size, no. of legs, reach, rated load for hitches

Wire rope slings

OSHA none ASME based on service, at least annually with records

OSHA no periodic ASME competent person

OSHA before use (1910.184(d) ASME daily w/o records

OSHA none ASME mfgr., size, rated load for type of hitch & angle

Synthetic web slings

OSHA none ASME recommended at least annually based on service, records recommended

OSHA no periodic ASME - competent person

OSHA before use (1910.184(d) ASME - daily w/o records

OSHA rating @ each type of hitch, type of material ASME mfgr., mfgr. Stock no., rated load for each type of hitch, material type & construction

Metal mesh slings

OSHA none ASME - based on service, at least annually; records recommended

OSHA no periodic ASME - competent person

OSHA before use (1910.184(d) ASME daily w/o records

OSHA rated @ vertical and choker hitch loading ASME mfgr., rated load for hitch & angle, width and gauge

* Sling I.D., per ASME B30.9, shall be maintained to be legible for the life of the sling

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General Use Guidelines

Rigging equipment shall not be loaded beyond its recommended working load limit (WLL)

OSHA 1926.251

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General Use Guidelines

When not in use, rigging shall be removed from work area and properly stored

OSHA 1926.251

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General Use Guidelines

During lifting, personnel shall be alert for possible snagging

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Slings should be long enough so that rated load is adequate

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Multiple leg slings shall be selected so as not to introduce into the leg, a load greater than permitted
Note: select multiple leg slings based on two legs supporting the entire weight of the load and the other leg(s) balancing the load.

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Shock loading should be avoided

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

The load shall be applied to the center of the hook (unless the hook is designed for point loading)

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

When used in a choker hitch, prevent the load on any portion of the sling from exceeding the rated load

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Slings shall not be shortened by knotting or twisting

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Slings should not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Slings should not be dragged on the floor

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Sharp corners in contact with the sling should be padded

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

The following slide is not for the faint of heart. If you are are bothered by accident scenes, do not look at the screen until the All Clear signal is given.

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General Use Guidelines

Do not place body, fingers, etc. between the sling and load or hook

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Personnel shall not ride the sling (or load)

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

Personnel should stand clear of suspended load.

ASME B30.9

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General Use Guidelines

And not Be the suspended load!!

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No Homemade Slings

WARNING
No wire rope sling shall be fabricated using wire rope clips!!

Preferred sling construction is to use a Flemish eye splice with a mechanical sleeve (turn back construction is not recommendable)

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Barricades
During rigging and lifting activities, areas in a construction zone must be barricaded or blocked off from the public as well as construction workers to maximize safety precautions. The route the rigger takes to move an object through the air must be clear to eliminate the danger of the object dropping onto someone below.

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Questions?

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