Page 10 - Crane and Rigging

operator's knowledge and experience with rigging. In general, the qualifications of a rigger and an
equipment operator are not considered one in the same.

Effective June 8, 2011, all slings, chain, synthetic & wire rope, are required to have identification
tags/labels permanently attached to them. This regulation applies to slings sold and used in the United
States. Tags/labels are now required.

All Rigging equipment must be visually inspected before use to ensure that there is no obvious
damage any defective rigging equipment shall be removed from service.

SLINGS
The definitions pertinent to slings and sling usage are found in ASME B30.9-1996. For regulatory
guidance, refer to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179, 180 and 184, 29 CFR 1926.251, 552, 554, and 1400.

Recommended operating practices are as follows:

1. Know the weight of the load.
2. Use a sling with characteristics meant for the type of load, hitch and
environment with which you are working.
3. Never load a sling in excess of its rated capacity.
4. Never tie or knot a sling, or use a sling with a knot in it.
5. Protect the sling from being cut by sharp corners, edges and abrasive
surfaces by using wear pads or sleeves.
6. Make sure the sling is securely attached to the load.
7. Do not stand near or under a suspended load and keep it clear of other
obstructions.
8. Do not drag a sling across the floor, over abrasive surfaces or from
under a load.
9. Don’t shock (jerk) load when lifting.
10. Take damaged slings out of service immediately.

The ability to handle materials - to move them from one location to another, whether during transit or at
the worksite - is vital to all segments of industry. Materials must be moved, for example, in order for
industry to manufacture, sell and utilize products. In short, without materials-handling capability,
industry would cease to exist.

All employees in numerous workplaces take part in materials handling, to varying degrees. As a result,
some employees are injured. In fact, the mishandling of materials is the single largest cause of
accidents and injuries in the workplace. Most of these accidents and injuries, as well as the pain and
loss of salary and productivity that often result, can be readily avoided. Whenever possible, mechanical
means should be used to move materials in order to avoid employee injuries such as muscle pulls,
strains and sprains. In addition, many loads are too heavy and/or bulky to be safely moved manually.
Therefore, various types of equipment have been designed specifically to aid in the movement of
materials. They include cranes, derricks, hoists, powered industrial trucks and conveyors.

Because cranes, derricks and hoists rely upon slings to hold their suspended loads, slings are the most
commonly used piece of materials-handling apparatus. This discussion will offer information on the
proper selection, maintenance and use of slings.

Sling Types
The dominant characteristics of a sling are determined by the components of that sling. For example,
the strengths and weaknesses of a wire rope sling are essentially the same as the strengths and
weaknesses of the wire rope of which it is made.

Overhead Crane and Rigging 10 Rev 3 November 2021