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Tricks to Help You Prevent Hazards During Your Next Rigging Assignment

rigging company

Rigging is a common process on job sites, but it can be dangerous if not done correctly. To help you out, here are basic rules meant to assist you in preventing hazards during your next rigging assignment:

Work with the right weight load

The first stage in the safe rigging process is to determine the weight of the load that you will be rigging and raising. Knowing the weight of the load is essential for comparing it to the rated capacities of the lifting and rigging equipment you’re using.

In some circumstances, it may be clear that the load is insufficient to surpass equipment capacity. Other times, it may be unclear if the load can be raised safely.

In these instances, you will need to determine the weight of the load and compare it to the rated capacities of the lifting or rigging equipment.

Thankfully, product features, including weight, are often provided or can be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier. Certain products may require you to perform simple calculations to ascertain their weight.

You shouldn’t just start the rigging without knowing the maximum weight you can lift. If you can’t find the information on the equipment, get in touch with the rigging services providers that rent you the equipment.

Use the right hitch

There are three primary types of hitches you can use when rigging: vertical, choker, and basket. Selecting the appropriate hitch to sustain the load is an important aspect of safe rigging. For example, a single choker hitch cannot entirely hold a stack of unfastened pipes.

When the lift starts, the sling tightens around the sides and bottom of the stack but remains slack on top, allowing pipes on top of the stack to fall.

A 2-sling double-wrap choker hitch or a 2-sling double-wrap basket hitch would be a much safer option because it would snugly secure all of the pipe during lifting.

The type of hitch you go with will depend on the load that you are lifting. As a rule of thumb, do background checks to determine that you are using the right hitch for your load and weight.

Again, if you aren’t sure about the right one to go with, get the input of a professional.

Choose the right sling.

When deciding on the best sling type for your load, there are several aspects to consider. Will the sling hold the load securely and steadily?

Is the sling compatible with the rigging hardware and hitch you’ve chosen? Is the sling fitting’s rated capacity sufficient to support the load?

Slings come in a variety of styles, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, as well as rated capacities. Some of the most commonly utilized types are synthetic web slings, synthetic round slings, wire rope slings, and steel chain slings.

Understanding which sling is ideal for your load type will go a long way towards ensuring top-notch rigging safety. Do your research and find the right one.

Use the right hardware.

Choosing the appropriate hardware for each rigging application is just as critical as selecting the right hitches and slings. There are several types of hardware, but some, such as hooks, shackles, and eyebolts, require the right choice.

That’s because these are rated for in-line loading. However, keep in mind that the rated capacity varies depending on the angle.

When choosing gear for a certain rigging application, ask yourself: Could this hardware damage the equipment being lifted?

Is this hardware compatible with the sling? Is this hardware sturdy enough to do the job safely and lift the load securely?

As a rule of thumb, always use the right hardware for the load that you are looking to lift.

Pay attention to detail.

There are several measures that you must put into place prior to and during a lift to guarantee that the process proceeds safely and successfully.

Some of these measures include:

Use taglines to prevent the load from swinging out of control during the lift. To handle the load securely, use as many taglines and experienced tagline operators as necessary.

Check for obstacles in the path of a moving cargo. Consider where the load needs to be transported in relation to where it is being lifted, and look for any obstacles that could impede the moving weight. If you detect a potential blockage, speak with your operator to ensure they are aware of it and have chosen a safe path for the cargo to follow.

Clear the area of workers who are not associated with the lift. Set up a signal for workers in the area so they know when the lift is about to happen.

Make sure they understand that they must stay away from the lift location and path of travel until the lift is complete.

Start communicating with your operator. Make sure the rigger and operator can communicate and are comfortable using the same verbal and physical gestures in case important information needs to be transmitted quickly during the lift.

Test the load. After you’ve secured the area and done the necessary rigging, instruct your operator to slowly elevate the load a few inches at a time.

During this test, you can see how the rigging equipment is operating and whether it is properly positioned in the load’s center of gravity. If you see any problems or are doubtful if the weight can be safely lifted, instruct the operator to lower the load and re-rig it before trying again.

Parting shot

These are some of the measures you can take to reduce the chances of hazards in your next rigging project.

When doing all of this, also remember to rent the right rigging equipment. For example, when you are in the crane rental services VA, rent a crane that is large enough for the load you are looking to lift.

You should also ensure that the equipment is properly maintained. As a rule of thumb, always ask for the maintenance records before deciding whether to rent it.

How to Properly Rig Your Load

crane rigging

In the world of construction, the tools and materials required to complete the job are frequently too large or bulky to carry by hand. As a result, if you need something moved from point A to point B, a crane will usually be your first port of call.

Besides hiring a properly maintained crane from crane services, the other thing you should do is to ensure that you properly rig the load. To help you out, here are tips on how to go about it.

Be cautious of the weight.

The first thing to think about before trying a lift is the weight of the load. Equipment should be labeled with their weight. If no such marking is visible, contact the manufacturer.

When lifting building materials, make sure to account for both the number and weight of the units being transported. The weight of the load will determine the type of sling you will use during the lift.

Lookout for the sling

Make sure your sling is up to the task. This includes choosing a sling that is appropriate for the load. Fabric slings made of nylon and polyester are easy to handle, but user-friendliness should not come at the expense of safety.

Keep in mind that knots and cuts considerably weaken fabric slings, making them more susceptible to heat and friction than their metallic counterparts. Wire or chain slings are often the best solution for carrying big or abrasive goods.

Before you do any lifting, always double-check the sling and ensure that it’s in perfect shape. The last thing you should do is to use a sling that is in the blink of getting damaged, and you put your machine and the people working on the site at risk of getting hurt.

Hitch the load correctly.

Take the time to ensure that your sling is attached to the most appropriate section of the load. Never hitch to sections like guard rails that may come free during the lift.

Always tie the sling to the most secure component of the load to reduce the possibility of detachment or yielding during transit.

Loose hooks and slings are a major cause of load slippage and crane overturns. If a load is not correctly secured and reinforced to the jib and hook, it may become disconnected in the middle. These mishaps are extremely dangerous, particularly if they occur in the air.

Hitch the weight while ensuring that the hooks are tight, properly positioned, and exactly between the center of gravity.

Before you start the lifting, always double-check and confirm that everything is in perfect working order.

The right hitch lifts the load without tilting, spinning, or slipping. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) recommends that you use these types of hitches:

Vertical hitch: The weight hangs straight from the crane via a vertical sling. A bridle hitch is a variation on this in which the weight is held by many slings at different angles rather than just one vertical sling.

Choker hitch: The sling rotates around the load, one end attached to the sling and the other to the crane.

Basket hitch: The sling surrounds the weight with this hitch, but both ends are attached to the crane hook.

You should note that even little damage affects a sling’s loading capability, so before you use it, you should thoroughly inspect it along its length. Inspect it for welding marks, deformations, cracks, and other signs of damage. If you notice any problem, don’t use the sling.

Have good communication

If a load is properly fixed, the possibilities of injury during the lift are reduced. Those operating on the ground, however, must still take responsibility for their own and their colleagues’ safety.

With this in mind, clear communication is essential. There should be a designated signaler who communicates with both the crane operator and his or her ground crew. Furthermore, each member of the rigging team should be free of pinch points and any load sway before the signaler gives the crane operator the go-ahead. Obviously, never stray beneath a loaded truck.

Be cautious during the lowering.

Before the operator begins lowering the load, make sure your surroundings are capable of supporting the burden.

If you need to steer the weight, use a tagline; if you’re walking with it, keep it near the ground. Remove all surrounding items and keep your feet clear. Stay on your toes and avoid getting stuck between the load and a stationary object.

Never leave a suspended load unattended.

Even with suitable rigging and a sufficiently large crane, leaving a hanging load unattended poses various concerns. For example, the weather can change fast, and a strong blast of wind might have a significant impact on hanging cargo. In this scenario, the entire crane may become unstable and collapse.

To avoid this, you should never have an unattended load hanging on your crane. You should always put the load down before you do anything.

In many cases, you will have a suspended load when the site isn’t ready. As you can tell, this is often due to poor preparation. Before you even lift the load, you should know where you will place it. The last thing you should do is to lift the load and then start thinking about where to place it.

Use a quality crane.

It goes that you should use a quality crane to do the lifting. When you are hiring the machine, always do a double check and confirm that its properly maintained and in perfect working condition.

This calls for you to ask for the maintenance records. If the crane rental services VA provider is dodgy on the maintenance of the crane, you should stay away from it.

Even when you get the crane, don’t just start working. Inspect it and confirm that it’s working optimally. A good way to go about it is to inspect the crane before you do any lifting.

As a rule of thumb, always ensure that the crane operator you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is the operator causing problems that aren’t supposed to be there.

Way in Which a Crane Rigging Training Can Benefit Your Crane Project

Before launching your crane rigging project, it’s highly recommended that you undertake proper crane training. This is because the training comes with plenty of benefits. They include:

Increases safety

Rigging training ensures that crane operators and other rigging employees understand proper safety measures, which lowers the likelihood of accidents and injuries occurring on the site.

When you undertake proper training, your workers know how to select and inspect rigging equipment, ensuring the appropriate equipment is used for each project. Using the right equipment reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

The workers also correctly calculate the weight of the load and determine the appropriate rigging equipment and techniques to use, making the project proceed fast and safely.

The workers keep everyone on the site safe by ensuring that the load is balanced and steady when lifting. Remember that improper load location can induce swinging and sometimes even falling, which can be catastrophic.

Communication is usually a large part of the training. Through the training, the crane operator and other workers on the site easily communicate, ensuring that everyone is aware of the plan and the dangers involved. This eliminates confusion and errors.

Through the training, the workers understand the regulations and standards that govern crane operation and rigging.

By following the rules, they make the site safe and reduce the risk of fines and penalties.

It increases efficiency

As you can tell, when everyone is properly trained, the personnel can choose, examine, and use rigging equipment correctly.

This leads to faster and more efficient rigging procedures, lowering project completion time and enhancing production.

The personnel can also communicate better, which comes in handy in increasing efficiency.

You might be wondering how better communication enhances project efficiency, but it has been shown that when everyone on the site speaks the same language, the project is bound to proceed fast.

Reduces equipment damage

When your personnel knows what is going on and how to load the equipment properly, they are less likely to damage the rigging equipment.

This is because the training assists individuals in comprehending rigging principles such as load capacity, weight distribution, and center of gravity. This helps the workers make more informed decisions when using rigging equipment.

Adequately trained personnel know how to care for the various equipment, so you always have equipment in top shape.

When you work with untrained personnel, there is the risk of them failing to properly rig the load, which, as you can tell, increases the risk of damage to both the load and equipment.

Ensures that you comply with the regulations.

Every jurisdiction requires that every worker be properly trained on proper handling of the rigging equipment and machines, so by properly training your personnel, you comply with these regulations, which comes in handy in ensuring that you are safe.

You give your personnel confidence in their work.

Nothing beats uncertainty, especially with hanging loads and heavy rigging equipment.

Exposing the personnel to the various cranes and letting them practice and have fun with them gives them plenty of confidence in their work as they know they have already practiced with them. They are sure that what they are doing is the right thing.

Furthermore, training will assist your entire team in mastering the movements and capabilities of your cranes and other equipment, providing them with greater confidence in using these tools to finish the project fast.

You promote teamwork

Since your workers go for training together, it significantly helps build a bond which comes in handy in helping them to keep an eye out for each other.

A good rigging safety program will teach your workers how to stay safe on the job site and communicate with each other better, ensuring that everyone has an easy time working together.

You prevent accidents

This is an obvious one since your employees are properly trained on proper handling of cranes and machines, they tend to be extremely cautious when working, which comes in handy in ensuring that there are no accidents at the work site.

You give your personnel long-term knowledge.

Safety rules for cranes are always subject to change, but the basic ideas stay the same. By learning how to maintain the crane, you can help your team work well together for a long time and pass this knowledge on to new workers.

You save money

You might think you waste money when you enroll your employees in training, but this isn’t the case. While you might spend money on the training, these programs work to your advantage in the long run.

For example, when your employees are properly trained, accidents are less likely. This means you don’t worry about accidents and damaged equipment that can deplete your budget, primarily if you work with large machinery and expensive materials.

When your crew works efficiently, you will save time, improving your bottom line.

There are also fewer chances of your equipment getting damaged, so you don’t have to spend money on repairs now and then.

You give your employees better job opportunities.

Rigging is a highly sought-after specialized skill in the construction, manufacturing, and entertainment industries. Employers frequently seek candidates with rigging experience, and training in rigging can make your employees more desirable candidates.

Rigging will help your employees develop a broader range of rigging-related skills and knowledge, enabling them to assume greater responsibilities in their line of work.

As you can tell, this leads to more opportunities for career advancement and promotion.

Parting shot

These are some of the perks of taking your employees for training. You must enroll your employees in professional training to stand out and have peace of mind that the project is being handled professionally.

This means that besides budgeting for the cranes from the crane rentals VA, always budget for proper training. You might think all training is the same, but this isn’t the case.

Take your time to find the right one.

You might be attracted to cheap training but don’t take this as it will most likely lead to problems.

Tips to Control Load During Rigging

crane rigging

When undertaking crane rigging or any other type of rigging, one of the most important things to pay attention to is load control. When you control the load, you complete your project quickly and keep the other people on the site safe.

To help you out, here are load control measures you should take into account to ensure that your rigging is safe and fast:

Know the weight you are lifting.

One of the most important parts of keeping load control is ensuring the load is rigged and lifted correctly for its weight.

Often, the weight of the load will be written on it. Or, if it’s a load you lift regularly, you’ll already know how much it weighs.

If you don’t know the weight of the load or it isn’t written on the load, there are several ways to figure it out. These ways include:

Look at the bill of lading or other shipping paperwork
Engineered prints or design plans
Use an industrial scale
Check the specifications or catalog data from the manufacturer.
Use load cells or dynamometers

Mark the center of gravity

You need to find the load’s center of gravity before lifting it safely (COG). One easy way to do this is to set up the load and slowly lift it a few inches off the ground while watching where the weight shifts.

Once you’ve found the COG, set up the load so that:

The center of gravity should be right below the load hook.

The load’s connections should be above the COG.

You should note that if the load is connected below the COG, the load could flip over, which could cause shock loading and cause the lift to fail.

If the load hook is not above the COG, it will shift or swing toward it when lifted. If the load is moved too quickly toward the COG, it can fall over.

If the load is not rigged correctly according to the COG, you can lose control of the load, which could hurt the load, nearby structures, or even workers on the job site.

Use the right rigging and lifting equipment.

You need to use the right equipment to keep your load balanced. Some of the equipment you need include:

No touch tools: You use hand tools when a load has pinch points that are too dangerous to touch or move with your hands. With these tools, the load can be moved and handled without touching it, which keeps you safe.

Rigging Hardware: These include hoist rings, swivels, shackles, and other pieces of rigging hardware that you can use with lifting slings. The hardware can connect slings to the hook on the load or the crane or even to other slings. Hardware for rigging can also connect the load directly to the hoist or crane hook.

Devices for lifting below the hook: A below-the-hook lifting device can help when a load is broad, too big, or has a strange shape. Because these tools are made to order, they can control and support loads better than standard rigging. You can change below-the-hook lifting devices to lift metal coils, furnaces, pallets, and more.

Use the right sling hitch.

Like the lifting equipment, you need to use the right sling hitch. Three main types of hitches are ideal for different applications:

Vertical hitch: The load is most likely to twist and sway with a vertical hitch, so you may need to use tag lines to keep the load from swinging into a nearby building. You shouldn’t use vertical hitches to move long, loose items like a bundle of pipes that could fall over when moved.

Choker hitch: Do not use a choker hitch to move loose or uneven loads. You can use the hitch to pull loose or unbalanced loads if wrapped around the load twice.

Basket hitch: You shouldn’t use basket hitches on loads that are hard to balance. These hitches work best on evenly balanced loads.

When none of the three basic hitch types is the best way to rig the load, work with an experienced industrial rigging MD rigger who can use a sling assembly with more than two legs. With these assemblies, the rigger can connect the load in more than one place, making it more stable and easy to control.

Tips To Having A Safe Rigging Project

rigging

Rigging projects are marred with accidents. Luckily, you can reduce the chances of accidents resulting in your site by doing a number of things. Which are these things? Here they are as given by rigging services providers:

Lift the right weight

Rigging equipments have different load limits; you need to be observant of this as you are doing your rigging.

As a rule of thumb, ensure that your rigging equipment can handle the load you want to lift.

Before you start your project, go over your load weight and determine whether your equipment can lift. If you are having a problem telling whether the equipment can get the work done, get the input of a professional.

Use the right hitch for your load type.

You can use many types of rigging hitches that significantly determine the results you get. For the best outcome, use the right hitch for your project. Some of the options you can go with include:

Choker hitch: Here, the sling passes through one end around the load, while the other end is placed on the hook. You control the load by having one sling rigged in a hitch.

As you are using this hitch, remember that you will never get 360-degree contact. You will need to use a double wrap choke hitch for full contact. Here the choke point should be on the sling body, not on the fitting, sling eye, tag, splice, or base of the eye.

Vertical hitch: Here, one end is on the hook, while the other is attached directly to the load. To prevent load rotation, use a tagline.

Basket hitch: In this hitch, the sling cradles the load while both the hitch eyes are attached overhead. Like with the choker hitch, you might need more than one sling to maintain load control.

You should always choose the right hitch type to ensure that you have enough support for your load.

Use the right sling for your load.

Besides using the right hitch, you should also use the right sling to prevent accidents.

Like hitches, there are many slings you can choose from depending on the load you are looking to lift.

The most common slings in the market include: wire rope, synthetic web, synthetic round, and alloy steel chain.

To choose the right sling for your project, consider a number of factors that include:

Condition of the sling
Compatibility of the sling with the hinge you are using
Compatibility of the sling and rigging hardware
Design and composition of the sling. Of course, you need a sturdy sling to lift your load safely.
Ease of the sling getting damaged when lifting the load

Always inspect the rigging equipment before you use it

Even if you have rented all the right units, don’t commence your project without first inspecting all areas of your rigging project.

As you are doing the inspection, look at the identification markings on the hardware. If the identification information is illegible or missing, don’t use the hardware, as it significantly increases the chances of accidents.

Carefully inspect all the hardware for gouges, cuts, rust, and corrosion. If you notice any of these, it’s best to avoid the hardware.

Check the hardware pieces, including the pins. If the threads appear stripped or damaged, or the pin doesn’t have threads or doesn’t sit properly, it’s definitely defective, and you should stay away from it.

Maintain proper communication

Ensure that everyone on the site can effectively communicate to ensure that things are running optimally.

To avoid problems, maintain the same level of communication. For example, if you choose to communicate verbally, ensure that everyone on the site knows the right signals to use

The operator can be confused when they receive instructions from multiple people, so you should have a designated person for this. Ensure that the operator and the person you designate have a good relationship.

You don’t want to choose enemies, as this can lead to a serious problem in your crane rigging VA project.

5 Rigging Best Practices

crane services

When you are thinking about undertaking rigging, there are plenty of best practices you need to consider. Which are these practices?

Use the right hitch

Rigging services providers report that many people mistake using the wrong hitch for their rigging projects, which increases the chances of accidents happening. To prevent accidents, you have to use the right hitch.

The mechanical contractors association of America (MCAA) categorizes hitches into three groups:

Choker hitch: Here, the sling circles around the load, with one end attached to the sling and the other attached to the crane.

Vertical hitch: Using a vertical sling, the load hangs directly from the crane.

Basket hitch: The sling circles the load in this hitch, but both ends attach to the crane hook.

Before you do any lifting, undertake a thorough inspection of the sling you will be using in the lift. Remember that even minor damage significantly reduces the sling’s ability to carry the weight, so don’t risk it—get rid of any slings, regardless of how minor the damage is.

During the inspection, look out for marks, cracks, deformations, and any other signs of damage.

Ensure that the load hook and suspension are in a straight line

Besides using properly maintained slings, you need to ensure that the load hook and suspension are in a straight line. This is because the rated capacities of slings and rigging hardware only apply when aligned well.

For the best outcome, ensure that they connect at an angle, such as loading capacities and bridle hitch are dated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You also need to ensure that you apply the load to the center of hooks and other hardware, failure to which, the capacity will be reduced.

Keep the load balanced.

An unbalanced load can easily tip or rotate upon lifting from the ground, making it difficult to control. An unstable load is also likely to fall, not to mention the risk of the crane collapsing.

You should note that the crane only applies tension to the load when you are lifting. This means that if the load is swinging or rotating, it will be destabilized.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, align the load to its center of gravity.

Never have an unattended suspended load.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to leave your suspended load unattended. This is because it significantly increases the chances of accidents happening.

When you leave any load unattended, the chances are high that wind will exert a large force on it, which increases the chances of the load falling and hurting the people underneath and increases the chances of the crane becoming unstable and collapsing.

To be on the safe side, work with haste and move any load where it needs to be. In the event you experience hiccups, such as you can’t agree on the best place to put the load, don’t talk about it with the load still suspended—first, bring it down.

Don’t lift people with a hoist.

You must have visited construction sites and found people lifted using cranes or other machines. As much as this is convenient, you should avoid doing it as there are extremely high chances of accidents happening.

Remember that any people working on the site should only be lifted with mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP) or any other devices designed for the purpose.

One of the prime reasons you shouldn’t lift people with a crane or hoist is that the weight distribution always fluctuates as people move, which significantly increases the chances of the crane tipping over.

Have a qualified spotter on the site

A spotter is a person that keeps their eye out on the crane and load. Their purpose is to ensure that everything is running smoothly and there is no danger.

Experienced spotters can easily identify threats before they happen, putting the lives of the people working on the site in danger. Some of the threats they can easily identify include: unstable loads, rigging errors, and others.

To be on the safe side, hire a spotter from the crane rigging MD company you are hiring the crane. This way, you are sure that the spotter is experienced and will prevent an accident from happening.

How to Choose Rigging Equipment for your Next Project

When undertaking crane rigging, you need the right crane equipment for the work. How do you ensure that you have the right equipment? Consider these tips:

Understand the job size and load limit

There is no way to buy or rent rigging equipment if you don’t know or understand the size of work you want to do and the amount of load you will be carrying with the rigging tools.

Thankfully, you can tell the load weight by looking at the load you will be lifting. If not sure about the weight limit, get the input of a professional about how to go about it.

After determining the weight limit of the load you will be lifting, ensure that the rigging equipment will handle the weight. Every rigging equipment, be it wire ropes or hoist hooks come with a specific working load limit that you should pay close attention to when in the store.

Spend most of your time determining the weight of the load and even consult a professional before you begin the project. This is because if you get it wrong, you will be putting yourself and other people at a great safety risk in the event the rigging equipment snaps off due to the excess weight.

Understand the load that you will be lifting

What is the nature of the load that you will be lifting? What’s its shape, size, or type? You should know all of this before heading to the store looking for the rigging equipment. This is because different rigging equipment is ideal for different types of loads.

For example, if your load has sharp edges, you should stay away from synthetic slings as the sharp edges can easily cut through the lifting slings increasing the safety risk.

If the load is delicate, it would be absurd to lift it using wire ropes as they will cause damage. In such a case, synthetic slings make the most sense.

The last thing you should do is get the rigging equipment then realize that you can’t use it due to the nature of your load.

To know what you are doing, physically inspect the load. Besides considering the shape and size of the load, also pay attention to its center of gravity and the available space for lifting.

Consider the weather

The weather might seem like the last thing you should think about when doing the rigging, but it’s one of the critical things to consider.

Of major importance, consider the temperature of your area. If you live in extreme temperatures, avoid metallic core wire rope slings as they won’t operate properly. Instead, go for uncoated metal mesh slings.

To avoid surprises and the slings failing, find out the temperature you will be dealing with, then check with the rigging equipment manufacturer whether the equipment can withstand the temperature.

Another factor to consider is the humidity or the water condition in the area. If the site you are doing the lifting has plenty of saltwater, there is an increased risk of corrosion, and in such a situation, you should go for stainless steel rigging tools.

If you will be doing rigging in any extreme environment, it’s wise that you consult your manufacturer and ensure that the rigging equipment you go with will withstand the environment.

Go for quality rigging equipment.

It’s tempting to go with cheap rigging equipment, especially when doing only one lift or movement. While you will be saving some money by going for the cheap equipment, you will be putting yourself at great risk.

Even if you are doing only one lift, go for quality lifting equipment. The upfront costs might be a little higher, but they will give you peace of mind as you don’t have to worry about the rigging equipment failing and the load injuring you and other people at the site.

Wrapping up

These are some of the things you should consider when choosing rigging equipment for your next rigging project. To have peace of mind that you are getting genuine, high-quality equipment, get it from a reputable rigging services DC provider.

Remember that getting the right rigging equipment isn’t enough—you have to use it properly. This calls for you to lift the load size indicated by the manufacturer and use it in the right environment.

7 Industrial Rigging Safety Tips That Will Save The Day

industrial rigging

When undertaking industrial rigging or any other form of rigging, safety is of paramount importance as it means the difference between life and death. How can you ensure you are safe when doing the rigging? Here are tips to pay attention to:

Check for damaged cables

If you use any cables in your project, pay attention to their condition and ensure they aren’t damaged. The beauty of the practice is that it takes only a few minutes, which can save your life.

Before you do any lifting, carefully go through the cables and confirm they aren’t damaged in any way. There should be no kinks, electrical burns, or other forms of damage.

You might argue that the cables are in good shape, especially when they are new, but this isn’t guaranteed. A good rule of thumb is to assume that they could be a hazard, and the last thing you want is for there to be an accident.

Ensure the slings are in good shape

Like the cables, you need to ensure that your slings are in top shape before you do any rigging. Although they are tough, slings are susceptible to being rubbed the wrong way so take time to inspect them before and after lifting.

Are there scuff marks on the slings? Don’t attempt to use them as they are already damaged. If you can see the core material during the inspection, it means that the sling is in awful shape, and it’s time to retire it.

Ensure the rigging attachments are compatible with their capacities

This is ultra important as it has a significant impact on the durability of the slings. As a rule of thumb, use the right product for the intended purpose. For example, use a beam clamp instead of a wire rope sling to tighten the beam.

While two materials can perform the task, it doesn’t mean that you should use them for the application. As a rule of thumb, take time to understand the project at hand and the capabilities of the tools you are using for the work and ensure that they are compatible.

Understand the project

This should, in fact, be the first thing to do. Before you do any rigging, you need to understand the project you are looking to undertake fully. You should know the capabilities of your crane, the highest amount of weight your crane can lift, the type of hitches you need, the number of legs required, and other details.

You also should know about any material or equipment you need and where it will go.

If this is the first time, you are doing the rigging, work closely with an experienced professional to guide you on the equipment you need and properly use them.

Rig properly

You might have the best rigging equipment, but it will be worthless if you don’t know how to do proper rigging. Ensure that the upper suspension and the load hook are on a straight line for the best outcome. Also, ensure that the chain and hoist body don’t contact the load.

Remember that any unbalanced load could cause your entire crane to tip over, so be cautious of the load’s center of gravity.

Again, for the best outcome, work closely with an experienced professional who will guide you on how to go about it.

Use the clove hitches.

While there are many hitches you can use in your project, you are better off with clove hitches. These hitches make it easy to clip into your rigging point, even with one hand.

There is no risk of the rope getting pinched between the hook and shackle when using this hitch.

To prevent roll-out, back up the clove hitch with a half hitch.

Work with an experienced professional

As we have been saying, you need to work with experienced professionals that know what they are doing. Experienced professionals understand the laws of crane rigging DC, so there are few chances of accidents happening.

Even if the professionals are experienced, still take them to a refresher course before they begin the project to have peace of mind that they will follow the rigging procedures and anticipate problems before they happen.

How Do You Plan For Crane Rigging?

When you are looking to have a rigging project, you need to prepare for it. How do you plan for crane rigging? If you are wondering this, you should know that there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:

Find the right crane

You can’t undertake crane rigging without a crane, can you? So this is the first place to start. If this is the first time you are doing the rigging, you should know that there are many types of cranes you can rent. The popular ones being:

Tower crane: You use tower cranes to build tall buildings and other large structures. The cranes are usually fixed to the ground and attached to the side of the structure. Due to their construction, you use them to carry huge loads.

Self-erecting: These have a small footprint that makes them a perfect addition to any city project. The crane lifts the load vertically then places it horizontally. You place the crane close to the building, and the crane is usually operated using a remote control. You can also operate the crane by fitting it with a cab if you want.

Hammerhead cranes: They look like an upside-down “L,” and they feature a jib that rotates 360 degrees horizontally at a fixed level around a mast. This movement is unique to hammerhead cranes, and it’s called racking.

Mobile cranes: They are usually cable-controlled and have a telescopic boom that makes them easy to move around. Mobile cranes are also easy to set up and are less expensive than static cranes.

Crawler: These are usually attached to a vehicle with large tracks. They are often extremely heavy and tend to move slowly, making them difficult to transport to the worksite. While this is the case, the good side is they can travel over any surface, so regardless of the nature of your worksite, they will get there and get the work done.

Floating: A floating crane is a regular crane attached to a vessel that keeps the crane from falling into the water. Floating cranes are used in areas where water impedes construction, such as bridges and ports. These cranes are also used to move loads to and from ships or recover sunken ships.

Telescopic: Telescopic cranes have a boom with a hydraulic cylinder that changes length. Since these cranes have booms that collapse and compact, they are perfect for a short-term construction job. They are also popular in rescue missions.

Set up the crane properly

Renting the right crane isn’t enough—you need to properly set it up to undertake proper rigging. Unless you are using a mobile crane, you should begin with clearing the area you will be working on then set it up. The way you do the setup begins with the nature of the crane.

When it comes to the setup, ensure that the work is done by experienced professionals that know what they are doing. The last thing you want is to hire someone that doesn’t know what they are doing, and they end up putting your life and that of other people working on the site at risk.

After the setup, run a thorough inspection to ensure that everything is done correctly and safely. You can do the inspection or hire a professional to help.

Inspect all areas, including the operator’s cabin, and ensure it’s properly set up and clean. While at it, take a look at the surrounding areas and ensure that no distractions might put the operator in trouble.

Inspect the load you will be lifting.

Although you would have already inspected the load to tell the right crane to rent, you should inspect the load one last time before you do the rigging. Check the load weight, nature of the load, and plenty of other things that will help you understand the load better.

Parting shot

It’s vital that you properly prepare for rigging. Rent the right crane, thoroughly inspect the working site and ensure that the load is of the right weight. You can do all this by yourself, but work closely with rigging services DC providers for the best outcome.

Crane Rigging: Basic Tools for Rigging You Should Know About

crane rigging

When you are undertaking crane rigging, one of the vital things to consider is the rigging equipment. As a rule of thumb, you should have the basic tools for rigging. Some of the tools you should have include:

Rigging hooks

You can’t lift heavy equipment without hooks, so these are a must-have. Ideal rigging hooks should be made from steel and designed in such a way there is little risk of slippage as much as possible. Rigging hooks come in different sizes and designs and made to lift various types of loads.

When buying the hooks, pay attention to the hook opening (also called the throat) and ensure it’s large enough to fit your load. To minimize the chances of accidents happening on the site, undertake a thorough inspection of the hook before you start using it.

You should avoid using the hook if:

There is missing or illegible manufacturer identification.
There is damage from heat or any other material.
There are twists from the plane of unbent hook.
There is any form of wear exceeding 10% of the original dimension.

For added safety, the hook should be equipped with a latch, or the throat opening should be closed off with a mouse.

Shackles

These are the primary connecting links that allow you to easily connect and disconnect the various rigging components. It’s recommended you use shackles when lifting loads more than 6000 pounds. Since the pins are removable, you use shackles to make connections to ropes, slings, cables, and other pieces.

Before you use them, inspect them for any flaws. A good quality shackle should be in perfect shape, and the body should have cast, forged, or die-stamped markings by the manufacturer showing the name or trademark of the manufacturer, size of the shackle, and load capacity.

You should avoid using the shackle if:

There are indications of heat damage including arc strikes or weld spatter
Excessive nicks or gouges
The shackle body has spread as a result of a bend, distortion, stretch, crack, elongation, or break.
There are excessive nicks or gouges
Excessive thread damage
Evidence of unauthorized welding

Eyebolts

Eyebolts act as anchor points in rigging configurations and are best used for ropes or looping cables. Like other rigging equipment, eye bolts come in various sizes and made from different materials. Two of the most popular eye bolts are shoulder and straight eye bolts.

You use shoulder eyebolts with angular connections, while straight eye bolts are ideal for straight-line applications. Other eye bolts you will come across in the market include: screw eye bolts, U-bolts, and lag eye screw bolts.

You should always use high quality, properly maintained eye bolts. Before you use them, confirm they are forged, cast, or die-stamped with the name or trademark of the manufacturer. Before use, inspect the eye bolts and avoid using them if:

They have nicks, gouges, bet or distorted eye, or shank.
There is obvious wear.
They have worn, corroded, or distorted threads.
There are indications of heat damage including arc strikes or weld spatter

When it comes to use, ensure the shoulder eye bolts are positioned to take the load in the plan of the eye. The bolt should also be loaded at angles below 30 degrees.

If using non-shoulder eye bolts, remember they are only designed for vertical loads. If you load the bolts at an angle, they are likely to bend or even break, putting you and the people working on the site at great risk.

Hoist rings

From their name, these are rings you use to hoist your heavy equipment. To get the most from them and reduce the chances of an accident happening, you should consider several tips:

When using retention nuts, ensure the nuts have full thread engagement.
You should use spacers between the bushing flange and the mounting surface.
The contact should be flush and in full contact with the bushing mating, hoisting ring, and the surface
If there are drilled holes, ensure they are the correct diameter.

Like the other rigging equipment, carefully inspect the hoist rings to avoid hurting the rigging services DC providers or even your property. If you notice serious issues such as a bend or twist, stay away from the equipment.