RIGGING SAFETY

COURSE

GERMANISCHER LLOYD INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

Al Sarraf Tower, Ahmed Al Jabber St,
Floor #3, Sharq Kuwait,
Phone : 22251338 /22478963/22478964 Fax : 22251339
Email : [email protected]
Table of Content
Sl. # DESCRIPTION Sl # DESCRIPTION

01 INTRODUCTION 6. EYE BOLTS

02 SAFETY WORKING PRACTICE 7. OTHER LOOSE GEARS
03 PPE B. EQUIPMENT USED TO LIFT AND
MOVE THESE LOADS
04. PLAN YOUR SLINGING - CRANE TYPES
05 - CRANE TERMINOLOGY
A. BASIC RIGGING
1. WIRE ROPE SLING - LOAD CHARTS
2. WEB SLING - CRANE LOADS
3. CHAIN SLING - HAND SIGNALS
4. SHACKLES 06. EXPLANATION OF SEVEN RIGGING
STEPS
5. HOOKS
1. INTRODUCTION
This course has been designed to provide an appreciation of Safe Lifting
Practices, Selection, Marking, Storage, Inspection and Handling to
Individuals who use common Lifting Appliances in Construction/Production
Industries.

Based on compliance with current regulatory requirements the course

focuses on loose lifting appliances such as wire rope, web slings, round
slings, shackles, and eyebolts.

Participants will also gain an understanding of proper crane types and hand
signals.
 Minimum Physical Qualifications
All Riggers shall be:

• Minimum 21 years of age or above.

• Capable of reading and understanding the English language sufficient

for the fulfillment of their function in a safe manner.

• Physically fit with regard to eyesight, hearing, reflexes and ability to

handle lifting gear and equipment. A person with any physical disability
cannot work as a Rigger.
 Duties and Responsibilities
It is the Rigger’s responsibility to ensure that the ‘Lifting Tackle’ is
functioning correctly and is safe to use, properly maintained, and all
maintenance activities are registered and documented. This does not in any
way alleviate the responsibility of the management or owners of the ‘Lifting
Tackle’, in ensuring that the ‘Lifting Tackle’ meets the requirements of QP
Regulations and the appropriate Standards.

All Riggers shall:

• Ensure that both the Rigger and the Crane Operator are familiar with the
method of signaling to be used.
• Ensure that proper communication is carried out in proper light condition
(night time) during lifting operation.
 Duties and Responsibilities
• Be aware of the wind speed and direction.
• Ensure that NO load is lifted where the weight is not stated or unknown.
• Be familiar with the lifting capabilities of the crane.
• Check that the ‘Lifting Equipment’ being used in good condition, certified
for use, correctly color coded, and of sufficient capacity to carry out the
lift.
• Ensure taglines are always attached to load that are likely to swing.
• Be aware of any obstructions within the crane radius and working area.
• Check that the area around the load to be lifted is clear and that the load
is not attached to the floor, transportation cradle or adjacent equipment.
• Ensure that escape route is identified.
 Duties and Responsibilities
• Check that no personnel are below the load whilst lifting is in progress.

• Ensure all hands are free of lifting tackle and stand clear before the load
stain is taken.

• Clearly indicate to the crane operator where the load to be moved or placed
and, where possible, he should follow each load to its destination.

• Warn other personnel in the area of the movement of the load.

• Observe and note other activities within the crane operating area to avoid
the development of any unforeseen hazards. When lifting a load, stop the
load, and check the proper function of the crane’s hoist brakes.
 Duties and Responsibilities
• Stop the lifting operation if anything out of the ordinary occurs and check
that is safe to continue the operation.
• Solely direct the lifting and loading activities and operation.
• Use hand signals in accordance with the recommendations of British
Standards BS7121 Part 1-Safe of Cranes, or any applicable standard
What is Rigging ?

The act of moving/lifting large heavy

items using ropes, chains, wires or
crane

What is Lifting Gear?

ropes, chains, Shackle ,Eye Bolt and
other gear used to support, position,
and control equipment or materials.
 Rigging Materials

• Fittings, sheaves
– Shackles
– Blocks
– Sockets
– Hooks
• May have safety latch
– Eyes
– Turnbuckles
Hazards associated with lifting and Rigging Shall be indentified and
mitigated prior beginning to work

What are this Hazards :-

• The condition of the lifting equipment – are the slings in good shape,
are they rated for the load, are the synthetic straps in good shape, is
there any rips or tears in them, are they tied in any knots, etc. Are the
pad eyes in good shape? What kind of shape is the Cargo carrying
units in?
• The condition of the crane – are there any kinks in the wire rope, how
do the sheaves look, is the boom pall working, are the windows clean,
is the load indicator correct for the crane, does the weight indicator
work, does the boom angle indicator stop the boom, are the load blocks
painted fluorescent orange or green
• Is the operator of the crane qualified to do so?
• Is the crane rigger qualified and know which lifting equipment to use?
• Does the Rigger and the Operator know the proper hand signals?
• Are the latches on all of the hooks in good shape (stinger included)
• What is the terrain like?
• Are there any power lines in the area?
• What is the landing area like (smooth, uneven )
• What is the condition of the personnel basket and is the crane rated for the
personnel lifts?
• Does the operator know the weight of the lift?
• Competent personnel shall complete (i.e., develop lift plan as required) the
steps needed to properly and safely prepare the job site and equipment for
the start of work.
• Ensure lifting and rigging equipment is certified for current use and in good
working order through pre-use inspections.

• For slings what does this mean?

• Sling Certification Slings shall be visually inspected before each

lift by a Qualified Rigger. This inspection should include visual
examination for kinking, crushing, bird-caging, or any other
damage to the wire rope or end attachments No foreign
substance, including spray paints marker ink, lubricants, and
protective coatings, should be applied to synthetic straps and
slings unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.
• Ensure lifting and rigging equipment is certified for current use
and in good working order through pre-use inspections.
 Safety Precautions
The following safety precautions shall be followed when personnel are involved
in lifting and rigging operations:

• Workers shall not be permitted to use or operate any lifting equipment

unless they are trained and qualified in the use and operation of the
equipment.
• Documentation of contractor qualified crane operator qualifications
shall be provided upon request as per the contract.
• Lifting equipment and work areas shall be kept free of oil, grease, and
trash.
• The crane or lifting equipment shall not be moved when workers are in
a basket or on an elevated platform (unless equipment is specifically
designed for that use).
• Personnel shall be instructed in safe lifting and hoisting procedures
before handling materials or cargo.
• The correct cargo handling tools shall be used, and these tools shall be
regularly checked and maintained.
• Workers shall not put their hands or fingers in the possible path of any
heavy machinery or load.
• The load being lifted shall be watched until it is set in place and
disconnected from the lifting device.
• Workers shall not stand or pass under a suspended load.
• Workers shall stand clear of any rope, line, or cable that is under strain.
• Workers shall not get any part of their bodies between unsecured
objects (pinch points).
 PPE – FOR RIGGERS

• Hard Hat (Helmet)

• Safety Shoes

• Hand Gloves (Leather Type)

• Non – Spark Tools (Brass Hammer, etc.,)

• Any other equipment specified in the work permit

 Removing Jewelry and Wearing Gloves!

Not wearing gloves and

not taking off the ring.
 BASIC RIGGING
• Rigging - Rigging refers to two things:
A. Loose Gears
• Slings, Shackles, Hoists and other types of lifting equipment
B. Equipment used to lift and move these loads.
• Cranes, Passenger Pickup Truck Mounted Cranes.
 Definitions
• Safe Working Load (SWL )
This mean the max load an item can permitted to sustain in service and is the load marked on
the item.
• Proof Load Test
This mean the load / force which is applied by competent person in a controlled manner for the
purpose of conducting a test.
• Factor of Safety
This mean a factor when applied to the breaking load of a item is used to establish the SWL.
• Competent Person
This mean one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the
surrounding or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees
and who has authorizations to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them .
A- LOOSE GEARS :-
I. WIRE ROPE SLING
Wire Rope Slings can serve several years if they looked after properly.
Followings to be checked Carefully:
• Examine the Sling before use.
• Check SWL, should be clearly marked on the ferrule.
• Ensure the color coding.
• Ensure they are the same length when slinging tubular.
• When slinging tubular always double choke hitch.
• Ensure the working load is not exceeding the Safe Working Load SWL.
• Never Exceed 900 included Angle
 Safe Working Load
• Most hoisting jobs use a safe working Load based on a 5:1 safety factor of
the wire rope breaking strength.
• Example: 1 inch W.R has a breaking strength of 45 tons. 45tons/5 (S.F) = 9
tons (SWL)
• Rules of Thumb (SWL)
• A rule of thumb formula can be used to find the Safe Working Load of wire
rope. The general formula is
D2 x 8 = (SWL) in tons (this is based on S.F of 5)
Example: (SWL) of ½ inch wire rope
½ x ½ x 8 = 2 tons (SWL)
 Wire Rope Construction
Wire rope is made by spinning number of strands together to form a rope.
The final characteristics of the made up rope depend on several factors.
1. The number and size of the wires in a strand.
2. The way the wires in a strand are twisted (laid up)
3. The way the strands are laid up.
4. The number of strands in the rope.
5. The tensile strength of the wires.
6. The material of the core around which the strands are laid up.

By mixing and varying the above, wire ropes can be produced which are
very flexible, for running around pulleys or making slings.
 Wire rope Construction
Strand

Wire Long’s Lay

Core

Regular Lay /
Ordinary Lay
Measurement of Rope Diameter
 WIRE ROPE SLING
Length determination /Leg end formation
Method of determining nominal Form of sling leg
length of sling legs (bearing to bearing) Single-part Double-part
 Ordinary thimble
Soft eye

Soft eye with

stirrup or Reeving thimble
Half thimble
 Two - leg wire Rope Sling
Sling Leg Ordinary thimble at each end
Eyes Hand – spliced or ferrule – secured at
each end
Links SWL not less than 1.4 times that of
one sling leg

Hook SWL at least equal to that of the sling

 Three – Leg Wire Rope sling
Sling leg Ordinary thimble at each end.
Eyes Hand-spliced or ferrule-secured at
each end.
LinksSWL not less than 2.1 times that of one
sling leg.
NOTE : Ensure that the size of link used
will accept without overcrowding
the three thimble eyes.
Hooks SWL at least equal to that of the
sling leg.
 Four – Leg Wire Rope sling
Sling leg Ordinary thimble at each end.
Eyes Hand-spliced or ferrule-secured at
each end.
LinksTop master link A : SWL not less than
2.1 times that of one sling leg.
Intermediate links B : SWL not less
than 1.4 times that of one sling leg.
Hooks SWL at least equal to that of the
sling leg.
 Different lifting Methods using
wire rope slings

02/11/2023
VERTICAL OR STRAIGHT LIFT
• Total Load that may be lifted is that
marked on the sling.

• A Vertical or straight lift is only suitable

for lifting a load which will be stable
when suspended from a single lifting
point.

BASKET HITCH
• The total load that may be lifted when the
included angle does not exceed 90 0 is 1.4 x that
marked on the sling.
• A Basked hitch should only be used when the
sling is passed through part of the load and the
load is balanced on the sling.
SIMPLE CHOCK HITCH
• The total load that may be
lifted is that marked on the
sling X. 0.8

DOUBLED AND CHOKED

• The total load that may be lifted is 2 x
that marked on the sling X0.8
EXAMPLE OF OFFSETTING
LOAD TO PROVIDE A TILT

CHOKE HITCH DOUBLE

WRAPPED.
• The total load that may be
lifted is that marked on the
sling.
 TWO SINGLE-LEG SLINGS USED WITH
DIRECT ATTACHMENT
• The total load that may be lifted when
the included angle does not exceed 900
is 1.4 x that marked on the single sling.

2 x SWL of single leg x Cos 

2
Included angle 300 600 900

Cos  0.97 0.87 0.71

2
Two single-leg slings used in choke hitch Two single-leg slings used in basked hitch
• The total load that may be lifted when the included • The total load that may be lifted provided that no
angle does not exceed 900 is 1.4 x that marked on included angle exceed 900 is 2.1 x that marked on the
the single sling. single sling.
Two single-leg slings used in double wrap Two single-leg slings used in double wrap
chocke hitch basket hitch
• The total load that may be lifted when the included • The total load that may be lifted provided that no
angle does not exceed 900 is 1.4 x that marked on the included angle exceeds 900 is 2.1 x that marked on
single sling. the single sling.
TWO - LEG SLING THREE - LEG SLING
• The total load that may be lifted is that • The total load that may be lifted is that
marked on the sling assembly. marked on the sling assembly.
FOUR LEG SLING EXAMPLES OF PROTECTIVE PACKING
• The total load that may be lifted is that ALSO SHOWING ANGLE OF CHOKE
marked on the sling assembly.
Alignment of Centre of Gravity Example showing effect of centre of gravity misalignment
 Example of high centre of
gravity relative to attachment
points

Example of Stable Load

 Marking of Wire rope
•Identification Mark
•Safe working load, in the case of multi – leg slings this must include the
rated angle or range of angles.
•The Grade mark

•The CE mark if applicable.

 Wire rope should be examined and
checked for
•Size of loads to be lifted.
•Kinks in the rope
•Wear in rope
•Reduction in diameter and increase in length.
•Lubrication and internal condition.
•Broken wire (Maximum 5% in any length equal to 10 times the diameter)
•Condition of splices and ferrule secured eyes etc.,
•Corrosion and chemical attack.
(Some constructions of wire rope internal corrosion can cause an increase
in diameter)
 Example for
Wire Ropes Defective
Broken Wires on the “ Crowns” of the strands of the rope
External Wear
External Corrosion
Internal Corrosion
Basket Deformation
Strand Protrusion
Strand Protrusion
Core Protrusion
Kink
Don’t use the Sling IF:

• SWL is not marked

• There are bad kinks

• The Sling has been crushed

• There are broken wires

• There is corrosion

• There is no color coding.

 Effect of the Included Angle

500 Kg 500 Kg

712 Kg 712 Kg
900

1000 Kg 1200 1000 Kg

2000 Kg 1500 2000 Kg

6000 Kg 1700 6000 Kg

1 Tons
Tension at each Leg
 2.Webbing Slings

Webbing Slings are usually made from Polyester or Nylon.

• Polyester
is resistant to acids.
• Nylon
is resistant to Alkalis
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE: DON’T USE THE SLING IF:

• Examine the Sling before use. • SWL is not marked

• Ensure that the tag sewn in the • Slings are not Color Coded
eye has all the sling details i.e. • The Tag Sewn in the eye is
• IDENTIFICATION NUMBER missing
• The sling is torn or worn
• SAFE WORKING LOAD
• It has been used with heated
SWL metals
• SLING MATERIAL. • Used in sharp corners
• Sling is soaked wet and left
lying around
WEB SLING WITH HOOK
 Type of Web Sling Eyes

1. Flat eye 4. Folded eye ½ width from two sides

2. Reversed eye

5. Folded eye 1/3 width

3. Folded eye ½ width from one side

Web sling
Tag sewn Details
 Rigging Protection From Cutting or
Slipping
• Softeners, padding or use of blocking.
3.CHAIN SLINGS

1. Master Link 5. Joining Link

2. Intermediate link (if required) 6. Intermediate link (if required)
3. Joining Link 7. Hook or other lower terminal
4. Chain

L = Length of Chain Sling. Single – leg chain sling

1. Master Link 5. Joining Link
2. Intermediate link (if required) 6. Intermediate link (if required)
3. Joining Link 7. Hook or other lower terminal
4. Chain

L = Length of Chain Sling. Two– leg chain sling

 Examination of Rings and links
1. Sizes of chain, rings and hooks for loads required.
2. Stretch due to wear and loading, variation in the lengths of the legs,
(compare with past records).
3. Hooks for openings and distortion.
4. Rings and links for distortion or roundness
5. Chain for bent and twisted links. The links should articulate freely.
6. All parts for wear (8% reduction in diameter), corrosion, nicks and
chemical attack.
7. Cracks, weld faults and marks in weld areas.
4. SHACKLES

The most common types of Shackles are:

• BOW Type
• DEE Type
and Also they can be classified as:
1. Screw Pin Type, or
2. Nut & Bolt with Safety Pin.
Application of Shackles
The choice of shackle design and type of pin will depend largely on the
application.
DEE SHACKLE BOW SHACKLE
Dee shackle are suitable for general Bow shackles are suitable for
applications where two pieces of applications where more than one
equipment are to be jointed together. attachment is to be made to the body,
direct onto hooks or where movement
BOLT AND NUT PIN in the plane of the bow is required.
Used for permanent installation where
the operator may not be able to SCREW PIN
observe the shackle or where their Screw pin used for all general
may be tendency an screw. applications
 BOW SHACKLES

Nut & Safety Pin Type Screw Pin Type

 DEE SHACKLES

Nut & Safety Pin Type Screw Pin Type

WIDE BODY SHACKLES
 MARKING OF SHACKLES
As a minimum shackle should be marked with :-

1. Grade Marking

2. Identification

3. SWL

4. CE Mark

The recommend position is the marking as per next slide.

Never Replace
a Shackle Pin
with a Bolt
Followings to be checked Never use the Shackle IF:
Carefully:

• Check SWL and ID are • SWL is not marked

marked • Screw threads fit badly or
• Check of Wear are damaged
• Check for straightness of the • Pins are bent
pin • Holes don’t align properly
• Check that pin is always • Shackle is cracked or
seated properly distorted
• Check that the legs of shackle • Shackle’s proper pin is
are not opened up missing.
• Check color coding
Check for Wear

Check for Wear

And Straightness

Check Pin is
always sealed

Check that
shackle is not
opened up
5.Hooks
The most common types of Hooks are:

C Type Hook Hook with safety latch

EYE HOOKS
Point Hook Ramshorn Hook

‘ C ’ Hook
Never Use Overcrowded Hook
Followings to be checked Carefully: Never use the Hook IF:

• Ensure swivel (if fitted) is • Safety catch is broken

working
• Ensure the safety catch is close • The Hook is cracked or
and open properly distorted
• Check Hook against cracks or • The Hook swivel is not
damages working
• Ensure sling is seated properly • Overcrowded Hook
 6. EYEBOLTS
TYPES OF EYEBOLTS
There is three patterns of eyebolt each with its own intended purpose and
each having different limitations on its use. These are :-

• Eye Bolt With Link

• Collar Eyebolt
• Dynamo Eyebolt
• COLLAR WITH A LINK
• This feature enable the loading to
be applied any plane.
• Maximum lifting capacity can be
used up to 150 of the load to the
access of the shank.
• It can be engage directly with the
standard hook or shackle.
Collar with Link Eyebolt
• COLLAR
This collar eyebolt considered the
general purpose type.

Collar Eyebolt
DYNAMO EYE BOLT
• The dynamo eyebolt is
extremely limited for lifting
purposes.
• They are commonly used
only for axial loading only.
(Lifting electrical motors)

Dynamo Eyebolt
Followings to be checked Never use the Eyebolt IF:
Carefully:
• Never use an Eyebolt if
• Visual Examination you are not sure of its
• Ensure the threads are in capabilities.
good conditions. • Never Cross thread an
• Check Eyebolt against Eyebolt.
Damages.
• Ensure the Color Coding
 7. OTHER LOOSE GEARS
Chain Blocks - Tirfors and Snatch Blocks

Followings to be considered:
• If a load will be suspended, the working
area should be barricaded.
• Never allow to any person to stand under
the suspended load.
• Never use a Chain Block with faulty brakes.
 SWL 3 Tons

Chain Block

2 Tons

Loading of Lifting Beam

2 Tons
Chain Block Pull Lift
 Trolley

Chain Block
Snatch Block

Tirfor
 Safe using of Tirfor ( Wire Rope Grip)/Pull
lifting Machines
• Check the Tirfor and any pulley blocks before use-do not use a defective
machine or block.
• Use only the correct rope for the machine.
• Coil and uncoil the rope carefully to ensure it does not kink.
• Ensure the machine is free to align with the rope is free of any obstructions.
• Ensure that the sheaves of any pulley blocks match the rope.
• Ensure the anchorage points are adequate for the load taking account to the
effect of any pulley blocks.
• Use only the operating lever provided with the machine and do not extend
this with tubes etc. Undue force will damage the machine or cause safety
pins to shear.
• Never use kinked or damaged rope or ropes with broken wires.
• Never operate the raising and lowering levers at the same times.
• Never user grip/pull machines if the rope is twisted or trapped.
• Never use the rope as a sling.
Different Types of Tirfor
B. Equipment used to lift and move these loads.
CRANES

Different Types
of
Cranes in Industry
 Types of Crane

1. Rough Terrain Crane

2. Crawler Crane
3. Truck Mounted Crane
4. Boom Truck
5. Telescopic Boom Crane
6. Crawler and Carrier Mounted Crane
 CRANE
TERMINOLOGY
LOAD CHARTS
CRANE LOAD
Check Your Rigging Your life defend it
HAND SIGNALS
06 Explanation of Seven Rigging Steps
1. Check the Weight
2. Choose the Right Sling
3. Slinging
4. The Lift
5. Setting Down
6. Release the Slings
7. Clearing Up.
1. Check the Weight

Object weight should be known by checking

1. Name Plate, or
2. Drawing of the object, or
3. Asking the manufacturer or
4. Ask the Design Engineer to calculate the weight.

Never Lift an object with unknown

weight
2. Choose the Right Sling

Good Slinging Practice: Don’t use the Sling IF:

• Examine the Sling before use. • SWL is not marked
• Ensure that the following are • The sling is torn or worn or
clearly marked: has been damaged.
• Identification Number • It is not Color Coded
• Safe Working Load SWL
• Sling Material.
• Color Coding
3. The Slinging

Good Slinging Practice:

• The right choice of slings will lead to have a successful lift.
• Center of Gravity (CG) should be considered during
slinging.
• Using of pads is necessary to avoid damage of slings if
the object has sharp edges.
• Consider the use of multi chain slings and their included
angles should not be exceeded in any case.
• Working area should be clear.
4. The Lift
• Good communication between the crane operator and the
slinger will lead to complete the lift safely.
• The working area should be clear of any unauthorized
person.
• Rigger should prepare the area where to lift the object to,
clear it, and arrange the necessary supports.
• Object balance should be checked by lift the object few
inches.
• Clear signs should be given to the crane operator.
• The object should be controlled by rope.
5. Setting Down
• Rigger should prepare the area where to lift the object
to, clear it, and arrange the necessary supports.
• Safely the lift should be sat down on the prepared
supports.
6. Release the Slings

• Slings should be released safely without rolling or

damaging the object
• The slings should be hanged on the main crane hook
properly to avoid hitting anything
7. Clearing up

• Slings should be removed and returned to the store to be

ready for the next lift.
• Report any sling’s damage to the store man and ensure
that the sling has been marked and separated.
• The working area should be cleared up and cleaned after
the lift
Questions / Discussion