Lifting and Rigging Safety

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SAFETY TALK 

Lifting & Rigging Safety 

Lifting Gear

Lifting operations can be hazardous.

• Overloading or incorrect use of lifting gear.
• Insecure attachment of load.
• Improper methods of use of equipment.
• Failure of equipment due to lack of maintenance.
• Incorrect signals.

On Site Safety

• Before starting any lift, check the safe working load (SWL) of the lifting gear against the weight to be lifted.
• The SWL of chains SHOULD be stamped on the item of gear.
• Before using wire ropes or fibre slings, check for signs of wear.
• Protect wire ropes / fibre slings from sharp edges.
• Never lengthen a chain by joining pieces together.
• Make sure that chains are never twisted or kinked.
• Don’t expose chains to acids or corrosive substances.
• Make sure that ropes / slings are not stored in wet conditions.
• Use the right type of shackle for the job in hand.
• Don’t use a shackle that isn’t marked with the SWL.
• Check hooks and eyebolts for cracks, cuts, abrasions, and dents, and the bow and pin for damage – if in doubt, destroy the item in question.
• Ensure that you can see the driver at all times
• Use approved hand signals that are clear and distinct.
• Rubbish skips must not be lifted by a lifting appliance unless the skip is designed and marked as being suitable for lifting purposes. 

CHAINS

1. Select the right chain for the job. If in doubt - ask.
2. Check all chains before using. Report immediately any chain with deformed, corroded, cracked, or cut links and do not use it.
3. Make sure that the chain is marked with its safe working load and that a competent person has tested it within the last 6 months.
4. Make sure that the chain is not kinked or twisted.
5. Immediately after use, return chains to store where they should be properly racked.
6. Use packing for chain slings when lifting anything with sharp edges. 

 DO NOT:-

1.  Hammer a chain down on to a load.
2.  Shorten a chain by knotting it.
3.  Lengthen a chain by joining pieces together.
4.  Lubricate chain slings, nor hoist chains if the lubricant is liable to pickup sand or grit.
5.  Drop chains on hard surfaces.
6.  Leave chains where they can be run over or otherwise be ill treated.
7.  Expose chains to acids or other corrosive substances.
8.   Never use chains for towing or pulling. If towing or pulling are required, and then use the proper towing appliances, i.e. rope, bar etc.

SLINGS

INSPECT YOUR SLINGS 

Inspecting your synthetic web slings prior to use is one of the easiest ways to prevent a serious accident from occurring. By adhering to the following suggestions, you can spot potential problems before you find yourself, literally, over your head in trouble. 

1. Inspect your equipment before, during and after use. This increases your chance of catching a defective sling before anyone uses it. 

1. Use the right kind of sling for the job.
2. Do not use fiber rope or wire slings for hot loads
3. Check the safe working load marked on the sling.
4. Check the safe working load against the load to the lifted
5. See that the sling is in good condition - splices, rings and thimbles reject any that are found defective
6. See that there are no broken ends in wires
7. No Chaffing on fiber ropes
8. Be sure that the chains have been annealed and examined within the last 6 months.
9. Do not stand under loads
10. See the sling properly adjusted on the load
11. Safeguard your fellow-workers, use proper signals
12. Return the sling to store after use.
13. Protect wire rope or nylons belt slings from sharp edges
14. Lower loads on the adequate battens to prevent damage to the slings.
15. A sling doubled round a shackle has a S.W.L. equivalent only to half of that of a single part of the rope sling 

1. What do you look for when you inspect a sling? Look for obvious abnormalities in the integrity of the material. Run your hands along the fabric and feel for irregularity such as tears, holes, snags and frayed areas. If your sling is exposed to sharp edges, broken and/or worn stitches may be evident. Most slings are made with a red warning string in the core of the material. If the sling is heavily worn, the warning string will show through. Also, check the fittings to make sure they are not distorted out of normal shape. 
2. What if you find something defective about a sling? Take it out of service immediately. Don't use it for even one more pick. Cut it into pieces and throw it away! Also, do not use it at home! If you wouldn't use a defective sling at work, why would you use it at home? 
3. Do chemicals or heat affect slings? Yes! Slings can be affected by chemicals without showing any real signs of wear. This is where a good visual and hands-on inspection can pay off. Know what chemicals your slings are contacting and how they affect the material your slings are made of. Check for burns or melted areas when working around hot work operations. Remember, your sling is made from man-made materials, and all synthetics break down after prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Inspect carefully for such damage. 
4. Know the rating of your sling. Your sling is marked to show the trademark or name of the manufacturer, the stock number and most importantly, the load rating and types of hitches to be used. If the specifications on the sling do not match what you will be doing with it, this sling is not rated for your purpose! Do not use if it isn't rated for the capacity you need!!!

 

SHACKLES 

1. Use the right type of shackle for the job in hand.
2. Check the safe working load of the shackle before use and that a competent person has tested it within the last 6 months.
3. Do not use any shackle, which is not marked with the safe working load.
4. Examine bow and pin for damage or distortion. Destroy if doubtful.
5. Check bow and pin for excessive wear.    Destroy when wear is 1/10^th or more of the original diameter.
6. Make sure pin is free, but not loose, in tapped hole.
7. Threads should be undamaged and without flats or appreciable wear.
8. Check alignment of holes. The untapped hole should not be too large or worn.
9. When using a shackle with “nut and bolt” pin, the pin should be free to rotate when nut is tight.
10. Sound shackles should have a clear ring. To test, suspend and tap lightly with a hammer.
11. To prevent pins unscrewing, secure with a split pin, if possible.
12. Do not use a shackle where the pin can unscrew by “rolling” under the load.

HOOKS AND EYE BOLTS

Hooks

• Check for distortion. If in doubt, check dimensions against standard tables or drawings
• If a hook has opened by more than 1/5^th of original dimension, destroy it.
• Examine carefully for cracks, cuts, dents, and corrosion pits.
• Swivel hooks should rotate freely. Nut securing hook to trunnion should be split-pinned or otherwise secured.
• If swivel hook is welded in trunnion, check shank for excessive wear and the weld for deterioration.
• Always mouse hooks unless fitted with safety catch. Make sure the catch operates freely. 

Eye Bolts

• Examine for damaged threads. If in doubt, check with thread gauge
• Check thread if standard tapped hole. Fit is most important.
• Shoulder or collar should be flat, free from damage and at right angles to threaded portion.
• Check that center line of eye is central with threaded portion
• Examine for cracks, cuts, dents, and corrosion pits.
• Check eye for wear; if 1/10^th or more of original diameter, destroy it.

In both cases, check that the load you are lifting does not exceed the safe working load of the tackle you are using.

CHAIN HOIST 

Hand operated hoists have many applications in rigging work. Typical applications include hoisting pipe or plate into position for welding or bolting, moving machinery, fence stretching and lifting engines or equipment during repairs. These devices are simple to operate but misuse can result in sudden failure, property damage, and serious injury. Some things to keep in mind are: 

1. Inspect the hoist to be sure it is in good condition. Do not use any hoist that appears to have been overloaded. Some things to look for include a bent handle, stretched chain links, broken ratchet teeth, stiff operation or bent hooks. Anything that is cracked, bent, distorted, deformed or broken probably indicates overloading. Don't use it. 
2. You must know the weight of the load you plan to lift. Never attach a load greater than the capacity of the hoist. Never use two hoists to lift a load that is heavier than the rated capacity of either. A shifting load may place the entire load on one hoist, causing failure. Also keep in mind that capacity ratings are based on a new hoist. Age, dirt, wear, and improper maintenance will reduce the lifting capacity. 
3. Never put a "cheater bar" on the operating lever or use more than one person to pull the lever. It is a sure sign that the hoist is overloaded if the load can't be moved by one person using a normal pull. 
4. Make sure that the structure your hoist is hanging from is strong enough to support the load you are lifting as well as any possible shock load. 
5. Use these devices only in locations that will not expose you to a hazard if you lose your grip or slip; the site of use must also permit you to stand clear of the load at all times. 
6. Never operate a hoist in a manner that causes the load chain to bend or slide around objects, such as corners or sharp edges. Do not use load chains or cables as a substitute for a sling. 
7. Apply the load evenly. Do not jerk, bounce, or allow the load to swing. Any violent motion or shock loads could easily exceed the capacity of your hoist. 
8. Always be sure the load is centered on the hoist before lifting, to avoid a swinging load. 
9. Never leave a suspended load unattended, and never work or walk under a suspended load or allow anyone else to do so.

HOISTS Quick Safety Checkpoints: 

1. Never ride on materials hoists
2. Never exceed the safe working load (SWL) of a hoist – there must be a safety notice on the hoist indicating the SWL.
3. Landing place gates must be always kept clear except to allow the passage of materials or people, and always close landing place gates immediately after use.
4. Keep landing places and hoist platforms clear of materials, tools, and rubbish.
5. Do not operate a hoist unless you have been trained and authorized to do so.
6. Never place loose materials on a hoist platform unless it is enclosed or there is some other means of preventing the materials from falling out of the hoist.
7. Never allow unsecured trucks or wheelbarrows to be carried on a hoist and never allow loaded trucks or wheelbarrows to be carried on open platforms unless the load is secured.
8. Always position the handles of a wheelbarrow so that it can be removed at a landing place without walking onto the hoist platform.
9. When signaling to the hoist operator, always make sure your signals can be easily seen or heard.
10. Ensure all guards are in position.
11. Ensure that the hoist is inspected daily and recorded at least weekly in the site inspection register.

BANKSMEN/SLINGERS

1. All banks men/slingers must be trained and authorized. Copies of certificates must be given to management.
2. Check all lifting gear daily and examine all wire ropes at frequent intervals for kinks, frays, and projecting needles
3. No lifting gear must be used unless its safe working load is marked. The combined weight of load to be lifted and lifting gear must never exceed the safe working load of the crane. Ensure that a competent person has tested all the lifting gear you are using in the last 6 months.
4. Use only slings and lifting gear provided by your employer. Never use improvised slings or a single leg of a multiple leg sling.
5. Loads should be landed on to suitable bearers to avoid damage to lifting gear and to facilitate its removal.
6. Never tie knots in chains to shorten them - get shorter slings.
7. Make sure the right pin is used in all shackles and that the pin is properly screwed home.
8. All hooks must either be an approved “C” type or fitted with an effective safety catch to prevent displacement of the lifting gear
9. Protect wire ropes and slings with soft wood or other suitable packing from the sharp edges of the load
10. Always see that the crane hook is centrally placed over the load to prevent swinging when the load is being raised
11. Take your hands away from chains and ropes before the crane takes the load and stand clear.
12. When signaling, stand in a safe position where you can see the load clearly and where the operator can see you. Whenever possible face the operator.
13. Ensure that the load is lifted off the ground to see that it is free and correctly slung before hoisting.
14. Wear a safety helmet and high visibility clothing. (orange or a color different from the rest of the workforce and agreed with the site team)
15. Make your signals clearly and distinctly and always use the approved Code of Signals.
16. When the crane is operating, do not leave the area unless you have been relieved by a trained deputy
17. When the crane is travelling, ensure that you signal to the operator to warn him of obstructions on the route or awkward corners
18. Riding on loads is strictly prohibited.
19. Back sling hooks when no load is carried.
20. Do not allow lifting gear to be used for other purposes, e.g. towing.
21. When not in use, store your gear tidily off the ground.
22. Keep all persons not involved in the lifting operations away from the immediate vicinity particularly children and the public.
23. When banking a vehicle or load, do not undertake any other operation that distracts you from control of the vehicle/load you are in control off.

LIFT IT TWICE 

Most of you have heard the general rules of safe lifting. Remember to "Get a firm grip on the load, keep it close, bend at the knees, use your legs to lift the load, and keep your spine in the natural position (with an arch in your lower back)." These principles always apply and should be incorporated into every lift--if possible! Given the enormous number of "risky" lifting situations that you are faced with at your place of work, you may not be able to apply these principles every time. This is why you must always remember to LIFT IT TWICE! What?! 

The act of lifting is the same as any other movement that you can learn to do better with practice. As you know, the more you practice a skill the better you become at doing it. But preparing to master a skill normally involves mental as well as physical training. Consider bowling, golf, skiing or sharpshooting. You think carefully about the movements you're going to make before you do them. This is the only way to get them right--at least until they become second nature. 

Most of you know the proper way to physically lift an item, but how many of you are aware that you need to lift the item TWICE. 

1. Your first lift is a mental lift. Think about the lift prior to actually doing it: 
• How am I going to lift the item? Can I do it myself or should I get some help? 
• How heavy is the item? Do I need to use mechanical assistance? 
• Where am I taking the item being lifted? Is it a difficult path or a distance to go? 
• What hazards may hamper the lift or obstruct the travel path? 
• Eliminate those hazards before you lift the item.
2. The second lift is the actual physical lift. Here is where you carry out your plan. 
• Use proper body mechanics and techniques while going through the motions. 
• Most important: keep the load as close to your body as possible. 

Next time someone tells you to lift twice remember: Two lifts means less risk of a back strain.

NEVER USE HOME / HAND-MADE LIFTING TOOLS

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