5 Rules You Should Know About Rigging Safety

Rigging hardware is a common operation on many job sites, but it can also be a dangerous job if not done properly. That's why we've dedicated this blog post to rigging safety. This will not cover everything you need to know about rigging and is not a substitute for proper training. However, below, you'll find five basic rules designed to help you reduce hazards on your next rigging project.

The first step in safe rigging practice is to determine the weight of the load to be rigged and lifted. It is important to know the weight of the load so you can compare it to the rated capacity of the lifting and rigging equipment you are using.

In some cases, it becomes apparent that the load is too light to exceed the capacity of the equipment. Other times, it may be questionable whether it is safe to lift a load. It is at these times that you need to determine the weight of your load so you can compare it to the rated capacity of your lifting or rigging equipment. Product specifications, including weight, are usually provided or can be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier. Some products may require you to perform simple calculations to determine weight.

There are three basic types of hooks: vertical, throttle, and basket. Selecting the correct hook to support the load is a critical part of safety rigging. For example, a single choke hook cannot fully support a pile of loose pipes. When the lift begins, the slings tighten at the sides and bottom of the stack but remain loose at the top, making it possible for pipes at the top of the stack to fall. A 2 sling double wrap hook or a 2 sling double wrap basket hook would be a safer choice as it holds all the pipe tightly for lifting.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right type of sling for your load. Can the sling keep the load safe and stable? Is the sling compatible with your choice of rigging hardware and hitch? Is the sling rated for the weight of the load? There are several types of slings, each with its pros and cons and different rated capacities. Some of the most commonly used are synthetic mesh slings, synthetic round slings, wire rope slings, and steel chain slings. Knowing which sling is best for your type of load is another important part of rigging safety.

Choosing the right hardware for each specific rigging application is just as important as choosing the right hook and sling. There are many types of hardware, but the selection process is the same for some, including hooks, shackles, and eyebolts. That's because these are rated based on online loading.

Note, however, that the rated capacity changes when angles are involved. When selecting hardware for a particular rigging application, ask yourself: Will this hardware damage the equipment being lifted? Is this hardware compatible with a sling? Is the hardware designed to be strong enough to safely perform the work and lift the load safely?

Before and during a lift, there are several steps that require special attention to detail to ensure that the lift can be completed safely.

a. Connect the tab wire to the load to prevent it from swinging uncontrollably during lifting. Use as many taglines as needed with a trained tagline operator to safely control the load.

b. Check for obstacles in the path of the moving load. Consider where the load needs to be transported in relation to the lifting location, then look for any obstructions that might prevent moving the load. If you spot a possible obstruction, communicate with your operators to make sure they are aware of it and have chosen a safe path for the load.

c. Clean up the worker area not related to the elevator. Establish signals for workers in the area so they know when lifts are about to occur. Make sure they know to stay away from the lift area and travel the path until the lift is complete.

d. Establish contact with your carrier. Make sure a form of communication is established between the fitter and the operator. Make sure they are all familiar with the same verbal and hand signals in case important information needs to be communicated quickly during the lift.

e. Test load. After securing the area and completing the necessary rigging, have your operator slowly lift the load a few inches at a time. During this test, you can observe the operation of the rigging equipment and whether the rigging is properly placed at the center of gravity of the load. If you notice any problems or are unsure whether the load can be lifted safely, notify the operator to replace the load and reinstall it before testing.

The above briefly describes the tips related to rigging safety. If you want to buy rigging hardware, please contact us.

Terada Hardware is a professional custom rigging accessories manufacturer. We provide a full range of hardware. Our accessories are widely used in sunshade structure, tensile structures, fabric tension, steel wire railing, railing system, railing system, shipbuilding, lifting and other industries