Week 50: Crane Rigging/Steel Rigging

Steel Erection Rigging

Objective: To understand the basic principles of steel erection rigging.

In addition to normal rigging hazards, steel erections create additional circumstances that must be considered.

steel rigging

Operations:

  • Operator control: Licensed operators are responsible for all operations under their direct control and are authorized to stop and refuse to handle loads if any concerns regarding safety arise.
  • Hoist riding: Do not use the crane’s headache ball, hook, or load to transport personnel unless conventional means are deemed more hazardous or impossible.
  • Safety latches: Do not deactivate safety latches or render them inoperable unless a qualified rigger determines that the lift can be performed more safely by doing so or that equivalent protection is provided in a site-specific erection plan.
  • Working under loads: Carefully pre-plan to assure that no employees are required to work in dangerous conditions, such as under a suspended load.
  • Multiple lifts: Multiple lifts are only allowed if the following conditions are met:
  1. A multiple lift rigging assembly is used.
  2. A maximum of five members are hoisted per lift.
  3. Only beams and similar structures are lifted.
  4. All employees engaged in the lift have received proper training.
  5. Cranes and hoisting equipment are used in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations.
  6. Controlled lowering is used whenever the load is over the connectors.

Operations (continued):

  • Hand signals: Operators and signalers must be familiar with hand signals for directing cranes. Refer to Hand Signals for Crane Operation in the Risk Management Center.
  • Each type of sling has different abilities, characteristics, restrictions for use, inspection and testing criteria, and conditions for repair or removal from service.

Pre-shift visual inspection:

Prior to each shift, a competent person must perform a visual inspection of the crane and its components to assure they are in good working condition. Rigging equipment must also be inspected by a qualified rigger.