Safety Awareness for Rigger

Course Objectives

This course is intended to provide an awareness

of the hazards and requirements associated with
Safe Rigging & Slinging on the construction
site.
 Course Contents
1- Legal Overview
2- Definition
3- Types of Slings
4- Types of Hitches
5- Hazards Identification
6- Hand Signals
7- Sling Inspection
8- Centre of Gravity
9-General Safety Precautions
10- Safe Lifting-Significant
Lifting Operations- Job Performers

Crane
Operator

Rigger
 Legislations
• LOCAL
• UAE Ministerial Order No. (32) 1982 Article (20)

• The following shall be noted regarding lifting and pulling machines and tools:
a. Cranes and lifts for men and materials shall be of sound construction and manufacture, regularly
maintained and checked by a qualified technician at least once every 12 months.
b. The areas where lifts are fitted shall be fenced in such a way as to prevent access or egress
whilst moving. Doors should not be able to be opened whilst in motion.
c. The maximum capacity of machine or lift shall be displayed in a prominent position.
d. An employee may not be asked to carry loads above his capacity, and in any case no load shall
exceed 50kg. per man and 20kg per woman, and where possible mechanical lifting equipment shall
be used.
e. Chains ropes wire ropes and other lifting equipment shall be continuously and completely
maintained and checked by a competent technician at least once every 6 months.

• Abu Dhabi EHS RI-CoP—34.0 -Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and Lifting Accessories
 Legislations

• International
BS EN 12385-1:2002
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 : 200 – 203
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 : 550 – 555
ANSI B30

• International Regulations
LOLER 1998
PUWER
 Rigging & Slinging

Rigging is Supporting or manipulating

an object.

Between the trolley hook and the load

is RIGGING
 Sling

An assembly which connects the load to the

material handling (lifting) equipment.

A looped rope, strap, or chain for supporting,

cradling, or hoisting material.
 Types of Slings

1. Alloy Chain Slings

2. Wire Rope Slings

3. Synthetic Web Slings

 Types of Slings

Alloy Chain Slings

Chains are generally the most versatile type of sling, as

well as being the most robust. General purpose slings
usually have one, two, three or four legs.

Note:- The allowable load is reduced when not using all

legs.
Different types of Chain Sling
 Types Of Slings

Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope slings are normally used for specific items, as

they are cheaper than chain slings, and can be made to
exact lengths for loads requiring odd leg lengths.

They cannot be bent round sharp corners, however, and

should be used primarily where shackles are used to
attach the sling to the load.
Types Of Wire Rope Slings

Wire Rope Core

Wire

Center

Strand

Wire rope
 Types of Slings

Synthetic Web Slings

Webbing slings are used for easily damaged loads, and for
their lightness and ease of handling when long lengths are
required.

However, they are susceptible to damage and must be

protected from sharp edges and from sliding along the load
if used at an angle.
 Other Lifting Accessories
Spreader Beam

A rigid beam hanging from a crane hook and fitted with a number of ropes at
different points along its length; employed for such purposes as lifting reinforced
concrete piles or large sheets of glass.
Use of Spreader Beam

 Horizontal forces act on the load causing

damage by compression or buckling

 Horizontal forces are absorbed by using a

spreader beam making the sling legs between
beam and load vertical
 Other Lifting Accessories
Shackles

Dee Shackle Bow Shackle

To connect one or two sling To connect more than one
eye only. sling eye.
Pin & Nut (Safety Type) Pin & Nut (Safety Type)
For Permanent For Permanent Installation
Installation Caution
Do not use any other pin & nut its dangerous
 Types of Hitches

Vertical

Hitch “Vertical” – loading with the load

suspended vertically on a single part or leg of
the sling.
 Types Of Hitches

Basket
Hitch “Basket” - loading with the sling passed under the load and
both ends on the hook or a single master link.
 Types of Hitches

Choker

Hitch “Choker” – loading with the sling passed through one

eye and suspended by the other.
Types of Hitches
Test
 Rigging Selection

• The crane capacity and the material to be lifted must match always.
• Using too small capacity rigging or components is just asking for an accident
to happen.
• It is always preferable to choose a lifting device with a safety ratio of 2 times
the maximum intended load.
 Job Site Consideration

The person authorized and qualified to do rigging must always pay close
attention to details.

One careless moment or act can result in serious injury or death and tremendous
property damage.

Proper rigging is an art and should never be left to the inexperienced.

If you don’t know how to do it properly, then don’t attempt it.

 Responsibilities Of Rigger

• Choose the right Lifting accessories, Inspect them,

maintain, and store them properly.

• Align, level and anchor the material and ensure the

safety of other trade workers.

• Ensure the overhead hazards like power line, loading

cantilever platform, shuttering etc. before signal.
Hazards associated with Lifting Activities
 Hazards

1. Working beyond Capacity of Crane

2. Working beyond Capacity of Lifting Accessories
3. Unstable Ground
4. Defective shackles D, U
5. Damaged slings
6. Broken / Without latches
7. Improper Positioning of the load
8. Wrong selection of sling.
9. Falling Material
10. Overhead hazards, Power Line, Loading Platform, Steel Structure
 General Hazards

11- Other operation near the vicinity / workers / Barricading.

12- Jerking
13- Suspended unattended load.
14- Without Tag Line
15- Poor maintenance & Inspection Rigging Equipments
16- Unsuitable Environmental Conditions
17- Operator / Rigger / Signaler’s incompetency
18- Poor Communication
19– Failure to use right PPEs.
General Hazards

1- Capacity of Crane
 General Hazards

2- Capacity of Lifting Accessories SWL/WLL

 General Hazards
3- Ground Stability/Outriggers
 General Hazards
4- Defective shackles
 General Hazards

5- Damaged Slings
 GENERAL HAZARDS
6- Damaged/ Without safety latches
 GENERAL HAZARDS
7- Size & Position of Load
 GENERAL HAZARDS
8- Wrong selection of Slings
 GENERAL HAZARDS
9- Falling Material
 GENERAL HAZARDS
10- Overhead hazards, Power Line, Loading Platform, Steel
Structure
 GENERAL HAZARDS
10- Overhead hazards, Power Line, Cantilever Scaffold, Loading
Platform, Steel Structure
 GENERAL HAZARDS
11- Other operation near the vicinity / workers / No
barrication
 GENERAL HAZARDS
12 – Jerking
13- Hanging Load on the slinging.
 GENERAL HAZARDS
14- Without Tag Line
15- Poor Maintenance of Lifting Accessories
 GENERAL HAZARDS
16- Unsuitable Environmental Conditions. –
Heavy wind, Illumination, Foggy etc
17- Incompetent Operator/Rigger
Lack of training to operate the crane and rigging job
18- Poor Communication
Academically / Physically unfit
 GENERAL HAZARDS
19- Carelessness.
Not concentrating on
the job, Mobile phone,
chatting
 Who to be a RIGGER-
Requirement
Academic requirement / Fresher

Minimum academic qualification is required and MUST be

able to read, write, speak and understand instructions.

Technical Requirements :

Understands : Determining the kind of tools and equipment

needed to do a rigging job.

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and

determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Crane Signals
Crane signals

• MOVE UP SLOWLY
Crane signals

• HOIST
Crane signals

• LOWER
Crane signals

• RAISE THE BOOM

Crane signals

• LOWER BOOM
Crane signals

• Raise the Boom

and
Lower the Load
Crane signals

• Lower the Boom

and
Raise the Load
 Crane signal

• Extend Boom
(Telescoping Booms)
Crane signals

• Retract Boom
(Telescoping Booms)
 Crane signals

• (Mobile or crawler crane)

• Travel to me

• both hands palms upwards moving

arms up and down
 Crane signals

• (mobile or crawler crane)

• travel from me

• both hands palms down raise and

lower arms
Crane signals

SWING
Crane signals

• STOP

• palm raised towards crane

operator
Crane signals

• EMERGENCY STOP !!

• Both palms held up and facing the

crane operator

• this is the only signal anyone other

than the banks man can give if
some danger arises during the lift
Crane signals

• Operations cease- or cease to

follow my instructions

• arms crossed to front and then

extended out to sides- repeated
 PPEs ( Personal Protective Equipments )
Riggers MUST wear certain equipment to
protect themselves from injury. It is the
responsibility of your employer to provide the
necessary personal protective equipment. It is
your responsibility to wear and use the
equipment as directed by your employer or as
site conditions demand.

When working at height, it is also

MANDATORY to wear a harness and use
safety lines and nets. These items of
equipment are dealt with in separate sections
of ‘ Tools and equipment '. Return to the
Index to access them.
 SLING
INSPECTION
 FREQUENCY OF SLING INSPECTION

All slings are to be inspected each day prior

to their use.

This includes chain, wire rope and synthetic

slings and their attachments, i.e. master links,
alligators, clips, hooks, quick - alloys etc..

A thorough plant-wide inspection is required to

be performed at least once every 12 months.
 3.3.3 – Rigger Responsibilities Basic Sling Operating
Practices

Each day before being used,

the sling and all fastenings and
attachments shall be inspected
for damage and defects by a
competent person designated
by the employer.
Additional inspections shall
be performed during sling use
as often as necessary to assure
the safety of the operation.
 3.3.3 RIGGERS RESPONSIBILTY
The inspection of rigging gear
Initial inspection- Rigger
Frequent inspection- Supervisor
Periodic inspection- Competent Person

Rigger Responsibilities
Inspection
Rigging Activity

The capacity of rigging gear

Know the Safe Working Load limit
Use within the working load limit
Do not modify.
 Basics of Hook Inspections
• Wear
• Deformation
• Cracks
Check throat opening
• Sharp Nicks

Check for wear & deformation

Check for twisting

Check for wear & cracks

 INSPECTION OF FITTING

Any significant permanent deformation, or change

in shape indicates it has been overloaded
and must be removed from service.
INSPECTION OF FITTINGS – CRACKS

Any crack, sharp nick or gouge in

the surface of any fitting is cause
for removal from service.
Inspection of Fittings - Modification
 INSPECTION OF ROPE SLINGS

Wear and Abuse

All wire ropes should be

thoroughly inspected at regular
intervals.
The longer it has been in
service or the more severe the
service, the more thoroughly and
frequently it should be inspected.
 Be sure to maintain records of
each inspection.
 INSPECTION OF ROPE SLINGS

Wear and Abuse

Inspections should be carried out by a

person who has learned through special
training or practical experience what to
look for and who knows how to judge
the importance of any abnormal
conditions they may discover. It is the
inspector's responsibility to obtain and
follow the proper inspection criteria for
each application inspected.
 INSPECTING WIRE SLINGS :
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ?
There is only ONE right way to measure rope
diameter. Use machinist's calipers and be sure
to measure the widest diameter. The drawing
on the top compares the correct way with the
incorrect way.

This method is not only useful for measuring

the diameter of the rope, but also for
determining the amount of wear and
compression that has occurred while the rope
has been in use.
WARNING
Accurate recording of this information is
THE USE OF WIRE SLINGS WITH
essential in helping to decide when to replace ALUMINIUM FERRULE
the wire rope. ARE BANNED ON THIS PROJECT SITE
Three basic components:
1. Wires that form the strand
2. Multi-wire strands that are laid
helically around the core.
3. The core.
Most common high-carbon steel.
Core is rope foundation, it provides
support for strands for load and bending.
Core either strand or independent wire
rope core (IWRC)
 WIRE ROPE SLING INSPECTION
  Three randomly distributed broken wires in one strand,
in 1 rope lay, or 6 wires broken on different strands.

Wear or scraping of 1/3 the original diameter of outside

individual wires.

Kinking, crushing or any damage resulting in distortion

of the wire rope.

End attachments that are cracked, worn or deformed.

Corrosion of the rope or end attachments.

INSPECTION OF ROPE SLINGS
INSPECTION OF ROPE SLINGS
INSPECTION OF ROPE SLINGS

Birdcage damage
 INSPECTION OF CHAIN SLINGS

• Cracks or breaks
• Excessive wear, nicks or gouges
• Evidence of heat damage
• Excessive pitting or corrosion
• Weld splatter
• Chain or components do not hinge freely
• Stretched, bent, twisted or deformed
chain links or components
• Missing or illegible sling identification
CHAIN SLING INSPECTION ITEMS

Cracks, stretches, severe nicks, gouges, welding splattered or

deformed master links, coupling links, chains or other components. 

One leg of a double or triple chain sling is longer than the others.  

Hooks have been opened more than 25% of the normal throat
opening measured at the narrowest point or twisted more than 10
degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.  

Chain size at any point of any link is less than stated in the chart on
the next slide, the sling shall be removed.  
CHAIN SLING INSPECTION ITEMS

Avoid:
•Side load
Maximum twist •Back load
10° •Tip load
INSPECTION OF CHAIN SLINGS
INSPECTION OF CHAIN SLINGS
INSPECTION OF CHAIN SLINGS
 INSPECTION OF CHAIN SLINGS

Is this legal?
JOB SITE CONSIDERATION

Homemade
Elongation master link

Twisted Links

Bent Twisted and

elongated links
 JOB SITE CONSIDERATION
Cracks, stretches, severe nicks, gouges, welding
splattered or deformed master links, coupling links,
chains or other components. 
3.3.3 Rigger Responsibilities – Inspection
Whenever any sling is used, the following
practices shall be observed !
1. Slings that are damaged or defective shall not be used.
2. Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or other
makeshift devices.
 INSPECTION OF WEB SLINGS
• Acid or caustic burns
• Melting or charring on part of sling
• Holes, tears, cuts, snags
• Broken or worn stitches
• Excessive abrasive wear
• Knots in any part of sling
• Discoloration, brittle or stiff areas on
any part of the sling which may mean
chemical or ultraviolet damage
3.3.3 Rigger Responsibilities - Inspection

Chemical
Damage

Knot

Broken Stitching
in Throat
 THE USE OF COLOR CODE
Inspection &
Color Coding

 Color code is an
indication which informs
the rigger/worker that the
particular equipment is
checked, inspected and
tested and is safe for use.

Measurements
 THE USE OF COLOR CODE

 Color codes are changed every

three months (quarterly) after
inspection & audit of lifting
equipment by a
Competent Authorized Person.

 Cross examination of the same

with third party certification and
are recorded for future reference.

Measurements
 THE USE OF COLOR CODE
Why it is required ?
• If the equipment is found to be
damaged, unsafe or does not have
test certificate it is discarded /
removed from use at project site.

• Wrong color code ( of previous

month or no color code at all ) is a
indication that the equipment /
lifting gear was not inspected /
audited and it must not be used, no
matter even if it is new or visually
found satisfactory.
 THE USE OF COLOR CODE
MONTHLY USAGE
01st January - 31st March : YELLOW - 1ST Quarter

01st April – 30th June : ORANGE - 2nd Quarter

01st July – 30th September : Blue - 3rd QuarterWHITE - 3rd

Quarter
01st October – 31st December : BROWN - 4th Quarter

REJECTED/UNSAFE COLOR: RED

The Angles

Working together for a safer environment

The Angles

Working together for a safer environment

The Angles

Working together for a safer environment

The Angles

Working together for a safer environment

The Angles

Working together for a safer environment

The Angles

Working together for a safer environment

3.33. SLING LOAD CAPACITY & SLING ANGLES

Never overload a sling. 

Remember, the wider the sling legs are spread
apart, the less the sling can lift!
 CENTER OF GRAVITY
Size and Position of the load – Center Of Gravity
 CENTER OF GRAVITY
The attachment point of sling must be over the centre
of gravity.

Centre of Gravity Centre of Gravity

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Hands and Fingers shall not be placed

between the sling and the load while
the sling is being tightened around the
load.
2- Do not force or hammer hooks or chain
in to position.
3- Do not apply a load to a twisted,
knotted or kinked chain.
Never shorten a sling with knots, bolts or other
makeshift devices.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ( cont )

4 - Never lift the load without

Protect the chain’s surface from
contact with sharp corners,
which can cause permanent damage
through gouging or abnormal stress
and wear.
5- Never apply Shock when
lifting load.
 GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ( cont )

6- Never rest a load on a sling, or

pinch a sling between the load and
the floor.
 

7- A sling should not be pulled

from under a load when the
load is resting on the sling.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ( cont )

8- Never drag slings across

the floor

9- Dirt lifting accessories should

not be used at any cause.
 SAFE LIFTING PROCEDURES
Slinging Operation -
Slings loads on building sites using cranes can be a very dangerous,
and sometimes disastrous unless it is carried out properly trained
riggers.
 Suitable PPE must be worn before start the
activity.
 Barricade the lifting area with suitable warning
signs (If possible)
 Alert those who are surrounding the lifting area.
 SAFE LIFITNG PROCEDURES
1- Check Weight
 Capacity of the crane, load,
lifting accessories must be known.

2- Choose Sling
 Correct sling must be used for
load to be lifted.(Choose the right
slings)
 Inspect the lifting gears
thoroughly before putting in service
 SAFE LIFITNG PROCEDURES
3- Fit the Slings
Assembled the slings along
with the material.

a- Position of the Load

b- Size of the Load
c- Location of the lifting points
and no. of hook.
d- Center of gravity.

 Make sure the hook is always over the center of gravity of

the load before lifting it.
 Keep loads balanced to prevent overloading slings.
 SAFE LIFITNG PROCEDURES

 Hook point must always be

outwards when using multiple leg slings

 Always hook a with a close angle

arrangement

 Slings and chains must be padded

passing over the sharp edges.
 TAG LINE – WHY ?
Tag line to be tied along with the material.
• Long loads such as girders, steel piping or timber
can easily become unbalanced or start swinging,
posing a dangerous hazard to workers or
pedestrians. Using a tagline ensures that you can
control long loads and prevent potential accidents.

• Using dry fiber ropes for taglines also ensures that

you will avoid the risk of electrocution, should the
load accidentally come into contact with live power
lines.

• Minimum 08 meters long rope to be used for

tagline.

• Tagline Knots: Bowline or Clove Hitch Knot to be

used to tie tagline.

BOWLINE KNOT CLOVE HITCH KNOT

 SAFE LIFITNG PROCEDURES
4- The Lift

 Always Do a short test lift to

make sure the load is slung
correctly.

 Always lift loads straight up.

(Lifting the load without any obstruction
or accident)
 SAFE LIFTING PROCEDURES

5- Set down

 Keeping the load with

suitable pad. (slings should
not drag in the floor)

 Stack the material in proper order,

without any obstructions.
 SAFE LIFTING PROCEDURES

6- Release the Slings

 Releasing the slings

without any obstruct

7- Clear Up

 Hang the slings on the

wall(Safe location / method)
Clean chains regularly as dirt and grit can
cause excessive wear at the link bearing
points.
 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Multi limb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two
legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the
activities while the whole body is in motion.

Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical
operations). Warming Up Drill
 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Arm - Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand
and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding
your arm and hand in one position.

Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and

lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly
or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is

wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving
the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple,

repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain

your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable
Position.
 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Extent Flexibility — The ability
to bend, stretch, twist, or
reach with your body, arms,
and/or legs.

Static Strength — The ability to Warming Up Drill

exert maximum muscle force
to lift, push, pull, or carry
objects.

Manual Dexterity (Quickness)

— The ability to quickly
move your hand, your hand
together with your
arm, or your two hands to grasp,
manipulate, or assemble
objects.
Try to make safety a culture on
your site and never after
thought