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This guide will discuss: what rigging equipment is, how it works, and how riggers can implement proper safety protocols for its usage.
Published 5 May 2023
Rigging equipment is a set of tools used to hold and distribute heavy loads in the moving process. It securely connects the load to the lifting machines to move objects from one point to another. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and event staging often utilize rigging equipment for their operations.
Lifting and rigging often go hand in hand for a successful heavy construction operation. These two perform slightly different functions on-site. This section discusses how these two differ (and complement) one another.
As mentioned earlier, these two differ in terms of function. Think of them as a continuum. Rigging is responsible for setting things up, while lifting takes care of the hoisting process itself.
In the former portion, riggers set up the equipment needed to assist with lifting heavy loads. They secure the load using different tools and ensure they don’t fall off during the process. After preparing the object, it’s ready to be transported. This part is where lifting comes in. It involves moving and placing materials and people around the site.
Given this, it also means that lifting and rigging require different sets of equipment. For example, rigging equipment includes wire ropes, jacks, bolts, and turnbuckles used with cranes and other hoisting equipment. On the other hand, lifting equipment involves any machine used to hoist and lower loads such as forklifts, boom lifts, overhead cranes, and more.
Rigging operations require different sets of tools with varying functions. Knowing what they are and how they function is crucial in ensuring a safe lifting process.
Here are the main types of rigging equipment and their examples:
A rigging hook or shackle connects chains, ropes, slings, and other rigging equipment during the moving process. Having a secure hold on heavy loads prevents them from slipping while suspended in the air.
It typically consists of two parts: loop-shaped steel connected to a chain and a safety pin to close it off. Some of the most used rigging hooks include choker hooks, eye hooks, clevis grabs, and sorting hooks.
Selecting the best type of rigging hook to use involves the following set of criteria:
This equipment supports the shape of the load during the lifting process. It’s often mounted to the crane with hooks, shackles, or swivels to attach and move a load.
Its strength and use vary depending on the following:
According to OSHA 1926.251(c)(4), each rope needs to be one continuous piece without a knot. It shouldn’t include endless rope slings and eye splices at the ends of the wire. Moreover, an eye splice in any rope should only have three full tucks.
A sling is a flexible, lightweight tool used with wire ropes to lift heavy loads. It provides strength and balance in moving hefty weights around the site. It’s typically made from synthetic material and comes in two types:
Pulleys and blocks work in tandem to help lift heavy objects without unnecessary force. They provide adequate support while reducing the pressure required to lift the load.
The pulley works by looping a rigging rope to the pulley and attaching it to the object. It holds the rope as it moves the load. It comes in varying sizes depending on the type of frame, rope, and sheave size used.
Meanwhile, the block functions as a stabilizing force, as it carries the rope’s weight during the process. Its most common types include snatch blocks, square blocks, and swivel blocks.
This tool acts as an anchor point and loops cables in rigging applications. It comes in various sizes and materials that riggers can choose from depending on their needs. Listed below are the common types of eye bolts:
Choosing the right eye bolt will depend on the following set of criteria:
The steel nuts often work with the eye bolts in anchoring a rigging system. They come in different sizes and configurations which are suitable for different kinds of rigging applications. Choosing one will depend on the total weight of the load and the type of thread used (right-hand or left-hand).
Some examples of steel nuts include the following:
This tool adjusts the length or tension on a cable, chain, rope, and other tensioned rigging equipment. It has two threaded eye bolts, with one attached to the ends of a small metal frame. Moreover, it comes in two types: a stretching screw and a bottle screw.
These tools connect the object and the crane while lifting. They stabilize the weight of the load for a more manageable lift. Their use will depend on the type of load that requires support.
When lifting heavy weights, it’s best to use spreader bars. Just as the name implies, this tool spreads the load widely and makes it easier to carry. Meanwhile, lifting beams are more suitable for lighter loads, as they can take all the weight from a single point.
Safety is paramount to any rigging operation. However, crane and rigging accidents put workers and the property in danger. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falling objects or equipment comprise more than half of fatal crane injuries from 2011 to 2017.
Thus, it’s crucial to comply with health and safety regulations on handling equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established such regulations, including both OSHA 1926.753 (Hoisting and rigging) and OSHA 1926.251 (Rigging equipment for material handling).
Ensure the safety of personnel and property by following these guidelines before, during, and after a rigging operation.
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Even the sturdiest tools can break if not cared for properly. For example, prolonged exposure to harsh environments and heavy-duty operations can cause wear and tear to the rigging equipment.
When operating with rigging equipment, here are a few things to keep in mind:
It’s also essential to keep them in a safe space after the operations. Maintain the quality and shelf life of rigging tools using these tips:
Rigging inspections are crucial before operations to ensure that your equipment is safe and in good condition. They also keep your personnel safe from harm. But sometimes, it’s easy to miss certain items when you don’t have a readily available checklist.
Luckily, SafetyCulture is a powerful tool that you can use to perform regular maintenance checks. SafetyCulture takes care of your inspection needs with the following functions:
Crane operators and riggers can use this template to perform inspections on their rigging equipment. Maintain a record of all the tools and their status, report faulty equipment, and take action. Comply with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and OSHA protocols for rigging operations with this checklist.
Use this template in SafetyCulture (iAuditor) to document inspection checks on your equipment. Keep track of maintenance work using your mobile device, sign off inspections with digital signatures, and send automatic reminders for the next maintenance check. Improve your documentation practices with this checklist.
Operators and riggers can use this template to comply with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) during critical lifting and rigging operations. Assign personnel, generate reports from the field, and turn valuable analytics into actionable solutions. Streamline the process from start to finish with this checklist.
Leizel Estrellas
Leizel Estrellas is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture. Her academic and professional training as a researcher allows her to write meaningful articles that create a lasting impact. As a content specialist, she strives to promote a culture of safety in the workplace through accessible and reader-friendly content. With her high-quality work, she is keen on helping businesses across industries identify issues and opportunities to improve every day.
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