Heave-Ho: The Do’s and Don’ts of Rigging and Lifting

Rigging and lifting are two operations on construction sites that bring inherent risks. Injuries often stem from equipment failure or unsafe practices, making regular inspections and professional training essential. Ensuring all equipment is well-maintained and that workers are fully trained helps minimise hazards and improve safety.

Read on to learn more about the hazards of rigging and lifting and discover the critical do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe work environment and prevent accidents.

Understanding Rigging and Lifting Hazards

Before diving into the do’s and don’ts of rigging and lifting, it’s essential that all riggers understand the risks and hazards involved with their operations.

Improper Rigging

Rigging often involves handling heavy machinery or equipment, and crane lifting with slings is common when moving particularly heavy loads. This operation is inherently risky, as any equipment misuse can lead to severe injuries or damage. To ensure safety, workers must have thorough training in the proper handling of overhead lifting and heavy rigging operations.

Overload

Overloading the machinery with excessive weight or improperly secured rigging and lifting equipment is a high risk for personnel injury and equipment damage. If the crane becomes unbalanced due to poorly balanced weight, it can cause the machine or load to collapse and fall from a height.

Manual and Power Lifting

Powerlifting uses electrically powered machinery to lift, move, or position heavy loads. While powerlifting reduces the risk of manual handling injuries associated with manual lifting, powerlifting brings its own set of hazards.

The risk of sudden, unanticipated movements can affect workers and the load, potentially leading to electric shocks or mechanical accidents. To maintain safety, all powerlifting operations should be carefully planned, monitored and executed under close supervision.

Falls from Heights

The nature of rigging and lifting operations, often working at heights and different angles, makes workers vulnerable to falling from heights. Falling from equipment, such as cranes, machinery or vehicles, above six metres high poses significant risks, including head injuries, spinal injuries and broken bones. To prevent these accidents from occurring, proper safety training is paramount.

Crushing Injuries

Crushing injuries can happen when workers or equipment are pushed or trapped, often due to heavy loads, high speed or pressure. Risks increase with overloading and improper use of machinery, especially at extreme angles or heights. These injuries can cause serious harm or even fatalities. As mentioned before, proper safety planning and supervision are essential to prevent crushing accidents.

The Do’s: Safe Practices

A successful rigging and lifting operation is the result of careful planning, proper execution and effective teamwork. In operations involving heavy equipment and machinery like cranes, safety procedures and regulations must be followed to comply with the rules. Here are our top tips for a successful and safe rigging and hoisting operation.

Safety Training

All rigging and lifting workers must undergo comprehensive safety training, which should cover safe lifting techniques, load weight, equipment care and maintenance, sling and hitch types, sling capacity determination and centre of gravity determination.

Choose the Right Equipment

Always use certified and appropriate hoists and crane rigging equipment. Working with a reliable supplier, like Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services, can help make sure all rigging equipment meets industry standards and is safe for use. Make sure to select the appropriate lifting hooks, shackles, plates or hitch for each lifting operation.

Report Damage

If any equipment shows signs of damage or wear and tear or experiences a malfunction, this should be reported to the operations manager immediately to prevent equipment failure and potential injury to operators.

Clear the Area

Before attempting to lift or lower a load, you must make sure no one is in the vicinity. Check the swing area, barricade it and warn staff not to pass near or underneath the crane or lifting machinery while the lift is underway.

PPE

Staff working on construction sites or locations where rigging and lifting equipment is used must be suitably equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This may include hard hats, steel-toe boots, gloves, eye protection and a high-visibility vest.

Communication

Clear and transparent communication should be maintained between the operator and rigger at all times during a lift operation. This includes verbal communication over radio devices, as well as hand signals.

Equipment and Attachment Preparation

Before starting the lift, always ensure that load slings and other attachments are properly sized and positioned to match the load. Check the breaking strength of ropes or slings to ensure they are strong enough for the task. Remember to double-check the safety latch on all hooks to prevent accidental detachment.

Prepare the Load

When preparing the load, use padding to protect the load and prevent any cuts or tears from happening during the lift. Before beginning the lift, ensure the load is free of any loose materials that could cause hazards or damage.

Load Handling

To maintain control over the load’s movement, always use a minimum of two taglines, especially in windy or difficult conditions. Use a spreader beam, which helps distribute the weight more evenly and avoids horizontal forces.

Safety Precautions

Keep hands and feet clear of pinch points where equipment parts may move toward each other, creating a crushing hazard. Always stay aware of crane movements and ensure others are out of the danger zone.

The Don’ts: Things to Avoid

Overload the Sling

Overloading a sling can cause it to break, risking damage to equipment and harm to personnel. Check the manufacturer guidelines to determine the maximum load capacity and choose a sling that can handle the weight of the load.

Shortening Slings

Never shorten the slings with bolts or knots, as it compromises their strength and integrity, which can lead to accidents during lifting. Instead, use proper rigging equipment designed for shortening or adjusting slings.

Damaged or Subpar Equipment

Using damaged or uninspected equipment increases the risk of failure during operation. All slings, hooks, hoists, and other lifting equipment should be inspected before use to ensure they are in proper working condition.

Removing the Manufacturer’s Labels, Instructions or Warning Signs

You must not remove the labels, instructions, and warning signs on lifting equipment as they provide critical safety information, including weight limits and operating guidelines. Removing these labels can lead to improper equipment use, putting workers at risk.

Hoist and Load Contact

Contact between the hoist and the load should be avoided to prevent damage to the equipment and load. Keep the hoist and its components clear of the load during the lift to avoid contact.

Rigging Hardware and Load Contact

Don’t allow the rigging hardware, such as hooks, shackles or slings, to come into contact with the load, unless it is specifically designed to do so. Using the wrong hardware can damage equipment and risk worker safety.

Leave the Suspended Load Unattended

Never leave a suspended load unattended, it is a hazard to anyone nearby and could cause a serious accident if the load shifts or falls. While the load is hoisted, it must be monitored by a qualified operator monitoring to ensure it remains stable.

Lower Unless the Area is Clear

Don’t lower the load until you have inspected the area below, ensuring it is clear of people, buildings and other structures. Lowering a load without a clear path can lead to serious injury or property damage.

Push or Pull Loads Out From Under the Hoist

Pushing or pulling loads from underneath a hoist can cause the load to become unstable, which can lead to accidents or equipment failure. If adjustments are necessary, use proper rigging and lifting methods to move the load safely.

Lift People With a Hoist

Never use a hoist to lift a person, as hoists are specifically designed for safely lifting loads only. Always use approved personnel-lifting equipment, such as man lifts or personnel baskets, which meet health and safety requirements.

Crane Rigging Equipment for Hire

At Atlas Winch & Hoist Services, we understand the importance of hiring safe and reliable rigging and lifting equipment for your hoisting operations. Our range of meticulously inspected lifting and rigging gear meets rigorous safety standards to ensure safe lifting across various industries.

To enquire about our crane rigging equipment or lifting services, get in touch today!