Best Lifting and Rigging Practices
Overhead lifting includes many types of equipment. The hardware makes it easy to move, position, load, unload and stage materials for many industries, including construction, manufacturing and shipping.
When you need to complete a project with lifting and rigging procedures, following safety practices is best. Using the proper steps for innovative solutions protects your equipment, workers and the surrounding environment. Achieve your goals on an efficient timeline when you follow these guidelines.
Understanding Rigging Hardware and Components
Completing rigging and slinging techniques requires the appropriate hardware. Here are some essential components used in safe and practical applications:
- Shackles: A shackle is a U-shaped, load-bearing device that connects different slings, chains or ropes to an object or each other.
- Slings: A sling consists of chain, cable, rope or webbing and moves large loads with a lift or crane.
- Hooks: A hook comes equipped with a secure latch and is used to grab and lift loads with a hoist or crane.
- Hoists: A hoist is a device that uses a pully system to raise/lower objects upward.
Proper Rigging Techniques for Safe and Efficient Material/Equipment Handling
Do you need to install oversized equipment or want to transport heavy materials? To complete any project, you must follow these lifting and rigging procedures.
1. Pre-Lift Planning and Inspection
Before any action begins, a leader must make a game plan revolving around the weight load, center of gravity, equipment utilized and factors for safe lifting. Evaluating who’s qualified, designated, certified and competent to handle each task or equipment can ensure the team operations run smoothly.
Each piece of hardware must undergo an inspection to ensure it’s free of damage. Catching signs such as deformation, stretches, cracks, nicks or gouges early on can keep the job site safe and prevent downtime.
2. Safe Practices for Connecting and Attaching Loads
Performing a work site analysis ensures the surrounding area is clear of obstructions. Once any potential hazards are identified, controlled or eliminated, workers can begin to secure and adequately support the load.
To determine the sling angle, workers must check the rig chart to understand the sling capacity used at any given angle. The load’s center of gravity, or where the load balances, should exist below the load hook and the connection to the load. The right connecting devices can ensure a secure connection between the rigging hardware and loads.
3. Communication and Signal Systems
Operators and rigging crew members should communicate a plan for safe lifting before the operation begins. While in operation, a signal person should stay in the operator’s line of vision and use hand signals.
Each signal person should be fluent in standard and international signals published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Properly displaying hand signal charts can keep everyone on the same page.
4. Rigging Equipment Maintenance and Inspection
Using protection such as sleeves, guards and corner pads for slings and storing them correctly can help keep them ideal. To ensure all the hardware and equipment stays in top shape over time, invest in a routine maintenance program, inspect each piece and complete any necessary repairs or replacements.
Choose Riggers, Inc. for Your Projects
If you need lifting and rigging services, trust the specialists at Riggers, Inc. We have the specialized equipment, training and professionals to complete every job correctly and efficiently.
Our team is proud to serve companies across the Mid-Atlantic region in states such as Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina & West Virginia. Browse our heavy rigging services and list of equipment you can rent to learn more.
To get started, request a quote today!