Tech Tips - a periodic newsletter

FROM THE HOOK DOWN

If you are not receiving your own

copy of Tech Tips it’s easy to regis- Tech Tip Continued:
ter and receive all future issues. Every load lifted by a crane has some type of Following are a few basic rigging questions.
rigging between the crane hook and load.
Click Register for Tech Tips then Whether you use wire rope slings, synthetic slings, See how well you or your staff can answer
just complete and submit the chain slings, spreader bars, shackles, specialty these questions.
form. Your periodic Tech Tips will clamps, or all of these and more, lifting safety
start to arrive soon. 1. When installing a shackle pin into a screw
depends on the use of proper rigging components pin shackle you first tighten the pin and then?
and methods. a) Leave the pin tight.
Crane Tech respects your privacy.
We will not distribute or sell your b) Back the pin off one-quarter turn.
To say that safe lifting depends on ‘proper rig-
contact information and you can c) Back the pin off one-half turn
un-enroll at any time.
ging’ leaves out a whole host of critical and inter- d) Back the pin off one-full turn
dependent subjects. Some of these subjects in-
clude knowledge and understanding of various and 2. What sling material shall not be used when
available rigging components, how to ensure rig- acid conditions are present?

Enroll 2 & 3rd ging gear is not defective, understanding working

load limits, and actual application of the rigging.
a) Polypropylene.
b) Nylon.

is Free
c) Chain.
If your company has documented training that d) Galvanized products.
includes technical and practical instruction with
Did you know that when you enroll written examinations and performance testing, you 3. What is the minimum D/d ratio for a wire
two students in select Crane Tech deserve to be commended. Time and again field rope sling when used in a basket hitch?
workers rely solely on what has worked in the past a) 5:1
seminars the third student is free?
and hand-me-down knowledge. Workers are often b) 20:1
Students attending the same class c) 30:1
unaware of the dangers that incorrect lifting meth-
on same dates save 33% of tuition ods can create, or the consequences of using gear d) 80:1
fees. Certain restrictions apply incorrectly. Right or wrong, many riggers are left 4. When a two-leg bridle sling forms a 300
to use what they were taught by co-workers and horizontal angle, how is sling stress affected?
the results can be seen daily in the number of rig- a) The stress is equal to the load weight
ging accidents, damaged loads, and injured work- divided by the number of sling legs.
ers. b) The stress is 1.2 times more than using
two vertical sling legs.
“Rigging” requires planning and execution on c) The stress is 1.5 times more than using
many levels, they include: two vertical sling legs.
®
d) The stress is 2.0 times more than using
Est. 1977
• Owner – must ensure that all employees asso- two vertical sling legs.
ciated with rigging operations are properly
trained and are designated to perform their 5. Which of the following load configurations
duties based on having sufficient knowledge apply to a bridle sling rating chart?
to work safely. a) Any load whose center of gravity is closer
to one sling leg than the other.
Safety Through • Management – must see that all rigging op- b) Any load whose center of gravity is lo-
erations are performed in a safe manner and
Education that proper rigging gear is available. Manage-
cated in the center of the load.
c) Any load whose center of gravity is lo-
ment must empower rigging workers to stop cated above the sling hitch points.
any lift they feel is not safe. d) Any load with two or more slings at-
Greater Tampa Area • Supervisors – must assure that proper rigging tached.
is on the site and to assign rigging personnel Be proactive about training. Never assume
with the necessary knowledge and skills for that the old way is the right way. Undocu-
6037 Winthrop Commerce Ave. each lift. mented training is as good as no training at all,
Riverview, FL 33578
• Riggers – must have the correct rigging, must so put a good record system in place. Make
inspect rigging before each lift, must attach the term “Safety Pays” more than a company
Phone: 813.248.4800 rigging components according to proper prac- slogan by making sure anyone can stop any
800.521.7669 job, without reprisal, until safety is assured.
tices, and they must preserve rigging gear
Fax: 813.248.4820
using proper storing methods. Riggers must Watch for more rigging information from
Web: www.cranetech.com
not allow any load to be moved until safety is Crane Tech, and let us know of any topics you
© 2008—2010 Crane Tech assured. would like addressed. 1-a, 2-b, 3-b, 4-d, 5-b