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 and rigging operations. Following are six major factors that can compromise the safety of the lifting and rigging equipment:

1. Work Load Limit

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. 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. 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 angle. It is important to remember never to exceed the given manufactures working load limit.

2. Weather Condition

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. 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. 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

the crane manufacturer should be consulted to know the maximum permissible wind speed.

3. Proper Rigging Method

Every rigging operation has a definite rigging method that should be followed in order to ensure safe working conditions. Using improper rigging methods can reduce the efficiency of the load to be lifted and can also cause fatal injuries if the load security loosens up and the (COG) centre of gravity moves out of control. You need to ensure that all rigging equipment are placed and rigged properly to the load as well as to the lifting machine. It is important to determine proper sling methods in order to increase the efficiency of the lift and reduce the amount of excessive forces applied. It is also important to secure or remove all unused slings before lifting the load. Determine the (COG) centre of gravity of the load as well as the crane in order to prevent the load swing. Avoid dragging slings from under the load. Also make sure the sling angles are properly maintained to reduce risks of load imbalance. Avoid sudden snatching, swinging, and stopping of suspended loads. Rapid acceleration and deceleration also increases these dynamic forces. Failure to maintain the load capacity is one of the main reasons of rigging failure.

4. Proper Rigging Equipment

Choosing the right equipment for your rigging operation is the first step to ensuring safety. It is important that a competent person with the necessary knowledge and/or qualifications (qualified Rigger for critical lifts) is consulted while choosing the right rigging

equipment. That’s because you must know the purpose of the equipment and also the load weight which is to be rigged to the equipment. You need to understand the characteristics of various rigging equipment and their nature. Also while predetermining their use try and understand what should be kept in mind while storing or inspecting such equipment. For example, there are various kinds of lifting tackle like synthetic polyester webbing slings, chain and wire rope slings, shackles, etc. that can used for various purposes. Choosing the right rigging equipment/lifting tackle will protect the workers and property from any harm and the operation can be carried out easily. An experienced qualified rigger will have the best knowledge about selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific lift. Some of the main aspects to consider are strength, diameter, grade, and the type of construction.

5. Inspection and Maintenance of Rigging equipment (Lifting Tackle)

All machinery and rigging hardware should undergo regular inspection. Understanding the nature of the material and its properties will allow you to identify the types of wear and abrasion it can face. Inspection and maintenance are generally equipment specific. There are generally three types of inspection that every piece of lifting tackle (Rigging Equipment) should go through: • pre-use visual Inspection • OHS Act Periodic examination • Post visual Inspection Proper storage and appropriate lubrication will help increase the service life of the lifting tackle. Another aspect of maintenance is that you must store lifting tackle in a cool dry room away from dust and chemicals. Avoid leaving these lying on the open ground, use a pallet.

6. Responsible Lifting and Rigging Operator

Responsible competent lifting and rigging operators are a necessity in every industry. Operators must be competent enough to carry out rigging operations safely and must be trained and/or qualified (qualified Rigger for critical lifts) and licenced to operate certain machines like cranes, forklifts, and certain technical devices. Being an operator also means they should be able to supervise the workforce that is under their control. Proper knowledge and understanding in their field will allow them to take accurate decisions when required. When on duty they should be alert enough to report any type of foreseen and unforeseen danger. Also, the management must give rigging operators the authority to stop an operation if he finds it risky. As a competent lifting and rigging operator they should understand the importance of conducting a safe hoist operation. They should understand how to lift and when to lower the load safely. An operator who leaves a load suspended and unattended should be subject to strict action, which may include suspending his or her appointment to operate the crane pending possible further training and supervision. Keeping these six elements in mind while performing a lifting or rigging operations will ensure safety at the work on site and reduce the risks of injury to yourself and your fellow workers.