Rigging Safety Dos and Don’ts | Slinging Guide EHS

Rigging Safety Dos and Don’ts

Rigging Safety Dos and Don’ts | Slinging Guide - EHS

Rigging is the process of setting up and anchoring the load with tools and tackle, including wire slings, chain with lifting hooks, lifting clamp, connecting links, D-shackles, chain pulley blocks, webbing slings, etc.

This work is specialized work and is carried out by certified riggers, they are responsible for the alignment, anchoring and control of the movement of the load and the safety of the rigging process.

Responsibilities of the rigger

1. Here are the brief responsibilities of the rigger
2. Must plan the rigging process, inspect and prepare the load to be lifted.
3. Must follow the lifting plan and adjust, align, balance and level the lifting machine.
4. Must select adequate and appropriate rigging tools and hoists.
5. Must prepare rigging equipment, including beams, pulleys, clamps and bolts.
6. Once the connections are complete, the rigging should be inspected before lifting or moving the load.
7. Must watch the rigging.
8. Disconnection of rigging tools and hoists and inspections after rigging.

Rigging safety Dos and Don’ts

Here are the basic safety Dos and Don’ts for slinging or rigging work.

Dos

1. Make sure the staff involved are well trained and experienced.
2. Use only certified tools, hoists, equipment and inspect them before each use.
3. Determine the breaking strength of the used slings or rope before use.
4. Determine the weight of the load to be lifted.
5. Determine the center of gravity of the load to be lifted and attach the sling.
6. Make sure the center of gravity is directly below the lifting hook.
7. Determine the appropriate lifting hooks, plates, shackles or hitch for the type of load.
8. Use a spreader beam to avoid horizontal forces as they damage the load by compression and buckling.
9. Use padding and pack the load to avoid cuts or tears.
10. Check the safety latch in all hooks.
11. Check the swing area, barricade it, and warn people nearby.
12. Determine the safe hooking angle (lower the angle between sling and load, increase sling tension) and sling tension.
13. Use at least two taglines to control the movement of the lifted load.
14. Determine the correct sling based on the load.
15. Ensure good communication between the rigger and the operator.
16. Perform maintenance work only at specified locations.
17. Always use appropriate PPE.

Don’ts

1. Don’t overload the sling beyond its rated capacity.
2. Don’t attach the sling to the lowest point of the center of gravity of this load.
3. Don’t shorten slings with knots, bolts, or other makeshift devices.
4. Don’t use distorted ropes or arrangement with kink, un-strand, bird cage, crush and core protrusion.
5. Don’t perform any work such as cleaning while the crane is in operation.
6. Don’t keep fingers between load and sling.
7. Don’t keep any loose material on the load to be lifted.
8. Don’t work or allow people to pass under a suspended load.
9. Don’t leave the suspended load unattended
10. Don’t lower the load until the area is clear
11. Don’t pull or push the load under the hoist
12. Don’t ride on the lifted load.
13. Don’t lift if the wind speed exceeds 35 km / h
14. Don’t pull on a sling when the load is on the sling.

Summary

Rigging is specialized work and should only be done by a certified rigger. Before starting the rigging work, a method statement, a lifting plan, and a job safety analysis should be checked. Rigging Safety Dos and Don'ts should be shared with all those involved in lifting and rigging operations so that they understand the associated hazards and safety precautions to prevent accidents.

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