Crane & Hoist Safety Part 13

Rigging
Working loads on rigging shall not exceed the safe limits established by the manufacturer. Any rigging fabricated by the employer such as spreader bars, links, lifting beams must be designed and certified by a professional engineer.

When slings are applied to sharp edge loads, the sharp edge must be protected by softeners to prevent damage to slings. Slings must be double wrapped when used in a choker application. Softeners should also be used to prevent slippage.

Shackles shall be used with the pin to the eye of the sling or lifting lug. Pins shall not be in contact with the running part of any sling. Shackles shall have the pin secured if there is a potential for them to turn. This is mandatory when shackles are used as a component for hoisting personnel. All hooks shall have functioning safety latches. Hooks and other rigging components shall be attached in a secure manner.

Hooks and other hoisting attachments on the buckets of front end loaders, and backhoes are prohibited from use unless designed and certified by a professional engineer.

In all such cases, these buckets shall be identified as hoisting devices, tested in accordance with this procedure (e.g. NDE) and be solely dedicated for hoisting purposes. Should a lifting bucket be used for any other purpose, it is mandatory to perform NDE tests prior to utilizing for any further lifts.

No open hooks (i.e. sorting hooks) will be utilized unless their use is required to prevent employees from being exposed to unstable loads. (E.g. steel delivered in containers and displaced during travel etc.) in which case authorization from Pipeworx management.

Related Job Hazard Analysis will be required. As a general rule, all hooks shall have functioning safety latch.

A registered professional engineer must design and certify any rigging fabricated by an employer such as spreader bars, links, and lifting beams.

NOTE: Working loads on rigging must not exceed the safe limits established by the manufacturer.