SAFETY
6 Elements that affect lifting and rigging safety Lifting and rigging operations are a critical part of every industry. They allow the loads to be moved from one place to another, without much human effort. Heavy cranes and hoist structures are used in shipping, factories, construction and virtually every other sectors of industry. Improper rigging methods, use of wrong equipment or other factors affecting the operations can cause serious injuries to the workers using the equipment as well as those in close proximity. Serious injuries, burns, cuts, physical impairments and fatalities can be caused due to improper use of rigging equipment (Lifting Tackle). The process of rigging and lifting uses cranes and other large pieces of lifting equipment to lift and move loads. Though this practice is regulated by OHS Act, each year many workers are killed in rigging operations and crane accidents and others are left seriously injured. It is important that the operators involved in rigging operations are sufficiently trained and when lifting operations become critical as a result of risk factors the skills of qualified Riggers becomes essential. Qualified Riggers are competent to understand how to apply rigging equipment to lifting 22
Lifting Africa - Jul/Aug 2020
and rigging operations.
angle.
Following are six major factors that can compromise the safety of the lifting and rigging equipment:
It is important to remember never to exceed the given manufactures working load limit.
1. Work Load Limit
2. Weather Condition
Don’t assume. It is important that you determine the actual work load limit of the equipment. You can determine the weight of the load by checking the shipping papers, catalogue, manufacturer’s specifications and other reliable sources. The size and weight of all the equipment used in the hoisting operation should be determined including the beams, slings, wire ropes, load and the crane boom.
Weather conditions are also important elements that affect rigging safety. These need to be considered while planning and executing lifting or hoisting operations. Poor visibility, darkness, dust etc. should be considered while planning a lift.
If the ideal work load weight is not provided, you have to calculate the weight using the standard weight and apply appropriate formulas using area and volume.
In extreme cold conditions avoid shock-loading or applying sudden jerk to rigging equipment and hardware, which can break the already brittle parts. Also keep in mind that at freezing temperatures, loads are likely to be frozen to the ground or the structures they might be resting on.
Generally, hoisting and rigging applications will require you to calculate the resistive forces applied. Skates and rollers on ground will also add some resistance and that must be included in the calculation considering friction coefficient and
In windy conditions, a great deal of judgment is required to carry out lifting operations. Most cranes have some specifications concerning the maximum wind speed they can tolerate. While no such specification is generally available in the load charts, it is important that