With so many safety hazards and employee injury risks at construction sites, handling cranes can be an unforgiving job.
Studies show that crane operators and riggers undergo a lot of pressure and stressful work requirements. This has a direct impact on their overall wellbeing and physical stability. Therefore, the responsibility to improve operational performance and worksite safety fall on the shoulders of project managers.
Among many strategies to enhance workers’ safety and skills, providing them updated knowledge about rigging loads tops the list. This is critical to ensure that your employees understand the risks associated with crane operations and what can go wrong when lifting and moving material.
Overlooking the basics of rigging and hoisting can lead to loud and chaotic accidents. It can make your workplace unsafe, hazardous, and extremely dangerous for employees as well as expensive equipment.
Categorizing the Rigging Operation
Before we dig into the details of rigging best practices, it’s important that you brush your knowledge about each aspect of the process. A rigging and hoisting program is usually divided into the following main phases:
1.Choosing a Lifting Device
Before you buy the best possible crane for material movement, understand the requirements and attributes of your workplace and material. Identify the risks and opportunities that can impact rigging operations. In this step, you also need to assess and note the load limitations and match it with a crane’s capability. Next, once the equipment is ready for use, always inspect it to uncover underlying issues leading to accidents and load slipping.
2.Managing the Hitch
Understanding the hitch is a rigger’s core responsibility. While it may not sound like the biggest issue at hand during load rigging, a small mistake can lead to disastrous material damage.
3.Handling the Load
Load must be approved for lifting by the professional inspection team at your construction site. The load must be secured properly, reinforced to the hook using the right tools, and tightened at the sling to avoid slips and overturning.
In this step, your riggers and crane operators must be able to categorize lifts into three main classes, namely ordinary, pre-engineered, and the riskiest lifts.
4.Use the Hook Properly
One of the leading causes of load slips and crane overturns is loose hook and sling. If a load is not properly tied and reinforced to the jib and hook, it can get detached midway. These accidents are highly problematic, especially if they occur in the air.
Hitch the load while ensuring that the catches are tight, positioned well, and placed directly between the center of gravity. According to the recent studies and OSHA guidelines, there’s a greater emphasis on enabling crane operators and riggers to handle critical tasks. This includes providing them training, PPE, and occupational support in the risk management area.
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta for the Win
If you’re a construction or logistics business owner in the US looking to invest in hard-wearing crane parts, RaycoWylie products, or ATB systems, Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is your go-to option.
As the RaycoWylie crane safety equipment supplier in the US, we have been offering affordable yet original crane parts and warning systems since 2001.
Our product portfolio encompasses ATB warning systems, crane lmi system, Load links, load moment indicators, rated capacity indicators, and much more.
Check out the free and latest crane manuals or contact us for more details.