Crane Rigging - Literature

1
Crane Rigging
Slide Show Notes
Cranes are old devicesthe ancient Greeks and Romans designed
cranes 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, energyand nearly all othersuse cranes routinely to
handle and move materials.
But although weve 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 on
anything, 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 lifted
safely, 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. Thats why this training session focuses on safe rigging for
crane operations.
Note that this training session is intended for employees with crane rigging
responsibilities. Other employees may also benefit from understanding the
riggers 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 rigging
hardware
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 thats
performing a difficult job. While they may not be trained crane
operators, riggers should know the basics of crane operations, including
the limits of the equipment. Often, accidents involving cranes occur
because the personnel involved asked a crane to do something it was
never designed to do.
Choosing the right sling or other hardware takes judgment born of
experience. But you can learn the basics now, including carefully
checking the load limits of any hardware you use.
Slings or other hardware can break, often at the worst time, when under
the stress of a load being lifted. Thats why it is essential that you
inspect your equipment with care, using established criteria. Well
discuss the basics of sling inspection today.
Finally, you need to know how to rig a load correctly. Again, there is
plenty to learn, and your exact method of rigging will vary with the
situation, 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, dont 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.
3
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.
4
Types of Cranes
Mobile
Telescopic
Tower
Gantry/Overhead
Vessel
Slide Show Notes
So, lets 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 mounted
on a mobile platform. The boom is hinged at the bottom and can be raised
and lowered by cables or by hydraulic cylinders. Truck-mounted cranes
are mobile cranes mounted in the bed of a truck, whereas all-terrain cranes
have 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 one
inside the other. A powered mechanism extends or retracts the tubes to
increase or decrease the total length of the boom.
The tower crane is fixed to the ground or "jacked up" and supported by a
structure, such as a building under construction. These cranes can be tall
with a high lifting capacity; theyre the cranes that are often seen standing
next 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 are
often used in ports and railroad yards to unload large cargo containers and
move them from place to place. A close relative of the gantry crane is the
overhead or suspended crane, with a hoist that moves along two or more
beams.
Finally, vessel, deck, or offshore cranes are used in cargo operations in the
maritime 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.
5
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 cranes 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 cant 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 of
the 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 lift
line?
Are there any sharp surfaces or corners in the rigging that could
cause 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, or
heat need to be considered?
As you can see, there are many factors to keep in mind. Thats why it is
smart to discuss each job with everyone involved and make doubly sure
you are making the right decisions.
Discuss any special conditions that riggers need to consider at your
workplace.
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Why Not J ust Wing It?
Slide Show Notes
That seems like a long list of questions that need to be answered.
Why cant 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 slings 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 lets discuss some of these considerations, beginning with material
composition and design.
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Strong
Fit shape of load
Tolerate high
temperatures
Damaged by shocks
Watch for damage
Strong
Fit shape of load
Tolerate high
temperatures
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
1000F; 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 strands
of wire rope
May have fiber core
Can experience
cracking or kinking
Composed of strands
of wire rope
May have fiber core
Can experience
cracking 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. Lets 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 several
characteristics to consider: strength; flexibility, or the ability to bend without
distortion; and durability, or the ability to withstand wear and abuse.
The strength of a wire rope is a function of its size, grade, and
construction. As a sling deteriorates from use, its strength and lifting
capacity are reduced. A sling loaded beyond its strength will fail. For this
reason, older slings must be inspected thoroughly before use.
Generally, more flexible ropes are selected when smaller radius bending
is required. Smaller wires bend more readily and therefore offer greater
flexibility. However, less flexible ropes should be used when the rope
must move through or over abrasive materials, as they are less likely to
be damaged.
Durability should also be considered when selecting a wire rope sling.
Padding is often applied to increase the radius of the bend, reducing
fatigue. Misuse and abuse also cause deterioration.
Its important to take good care of your slings and make sure the ways you
use, inspect, and store them always follow the manufacturers
recommendations. Wire rope slings are subject to damage resulting from
contact with sharp edges of the loads being lifted. These edges can be
blocked or padded to minimize damage to the sling. In addition, standard
practice is to hang the slings when not in use, not lay them down.
Discuss criteria for wire rope selection and the causes of wire rope
deterioration at your workplace. Discuss any accidents or incidents that
resulted from improper selection of wire rope or the use of a deteriorated
rope.
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Similar to chain mail
Fits shape of load
For basket or
choke hitches
Fits shape of load
For basket or
choke 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 surface
of load
Susceptible to
deterioration
Stretch when wet
Must be inspected
thoroughly
For lighter loads
Protect surface
of load
Susceptible to
deterioration
Stretch when wet
Must be inspected
thoroughly
For lighter loads
Protect surface
of load
Susceptible to
deterioration
Stretch when wet
Must be inspected
thoroughly
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. Lets 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 resistant
to degradation
Nylon, Dacron,
or polyester
Contour to fit the load
Durable and resistant
to 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
Slide Show Notes
Before we move on to the rest of this session, lets 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. Chainfor heavy or hot loads
2. Wire Ropelay is important
3. Metal Meshsimilar to chain mail
4. Fiber Ropefor light loads only
5. Synthetic Webunlikely to biodegrade
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Questions?
Basic crane operations
Rated capacity and load charts
Slings and sling selection
Slide Show Notes
Weve covered a lot of ground already, so lets 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
Lets 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 in
good condition. Thats 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. This
signals 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 their
fibers.
If you have any doubt about the safety of a sling or its ability to lift a load,
dont use the sling. Never take chances during crane or rigging operations.
Review the criteria used to inspect slings at your workplace. Hand out
checklists 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 lets 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. Thats why its 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.
25
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 manufacturers
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 equipment
with parts malfunctioning
or missing
Inspect with care
Never use equipment
with parts malfunctioning
or 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. Its 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 riggers 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 lengththis will compromise its load-bearing capacity.
Youll 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.
29
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 hooks 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, lets 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 one
signalman
Work under a
suspended load
Turn your back on a lift
The Nevers(cont.)
Never
Slide Show Notes
And thats 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 the
crane hook is a _____ ____.
An essential part of the crane hook that keeps
the sling from sliding off is a ____ or ___.
A term for describing the pattern of wires in
a wire rope is ___.
The maximum weight a crane or sling will
support is _____ _______.
What Is?
(Fill in the blanks)
bridle hitch
clip
lay
rated capacity
latch
12/8-Animated
Slide Show Notes
Weve discussed quite a few new terms today. Lets 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
Weve 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; thats 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. Thats 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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