RIGGING FOR ENGINEERS

VCM STATIONARY

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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING BASICS

OBJECTIVE RIGGING TOOLS

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• Specialized instruments and accessories used in rigging operations to facilitate

To train engineers about the basics of rigging equipment, tools and operations along
tasks such as lifting, securing, connecting, tensioning.
with safe work practices involved in the process.
• Supporting aids facilitating the rigging operation
• Examples include slings, shackles, beams, eye-bolts, etc.
WHAT IS RIGGING?
Rigging involves the use of cranes, hoists, cables, chains, slings, and other equipment
to lift heavy materials, machinery, or equipment

RIGGING EQUIPMENT
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• Large, heavy-duty machinery for lifting and moving loads.

• Primary lifting and load – bearing.
• Examples include crane, hoists, boom trucks, etc.

Sling Shackle Beam

IMPORTANCE
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Rigging is an essential operation at our site. Safety is our number one priority.
Therefore, having a basic know how of the operation is of paramount importance for
everyone.

Boom Truck Crane

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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING TOOLS

SLINGS WEB BELTS

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• Made of synthetic materials, allowing for versatile load securing and lifting.
The load-bearing device used for lifting and securing heavy objects by forming a
loop or harness around the load. Two main types of slings are: - • Most common materials are nylon and polyester.
• Wire Rope Slings
Advantages
• Web Belt Slings
• Pliable, flexible, and tend to They are not
mold themselves to the used above
WIRE ROPE SLINGS shape. temperature
• Do not rust and are non- s of 100C!
Made of metal wires, wound together to form strands which are wrapped around a sparking.
core. • Won't mar or crush the load.
• Are elastic and stretch.
Advantages
• Since they are made of
metal, they have great
SLING INSPECTION
strength and durability.
• Greater thermal stability
as well.
• Resistant to wear Most commonly Abrasion Bird-Caging
used in industry. Kinks
• Simpler and cost effective
Number of wires
& strands dictate
the load capacity
of the sling

Belt Wear&
Tear
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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING
HITCHES EFFECT OF SLING ANGLE ON LOAD
Hitch refers to the method or knot used to secure a load to a rigging point, such CAPACITY
as a hook. The three main types of hitches used in rigging are: -
• A basket hitch has twice the lifting capacity of a single leg vertical hitch
• Vertical Hitch
when the legs are in a true 90° vertical fashion.
• Basket Hitch
• However, as the sling angle reduces, this decreases gradually, as shown in the
• Choker Hitch table.
Sling Angle Load Capacity %
90° 200%
60° 170%

VERTICAL HITCH 45° 140%

• One eye is engaged directly to the load while the other eye is engaged to the 30° 100%
hook.
• Simplest type of hitch, load capacity of the sling is applicable as it is.
• A choker hitch is used in certain rigging operations because of their ability
BASKET HITCH to grip the load tightly when it is being lifted.
• The sling surrounds the load while each eye is engaged to the hook above. • The load capacity of the sling depends on the choker angle: -
• Used when lifting irregularly shaped, or oversized loads that require even
Choker Angle Load Capacity %
weight distribution and stability during rigging.
120°-180° 100%
CHOKER HITCH
90°-119° 87%
• The sling is passed around the load and through one eye. The remaining eye
is engaged to the hook. 60°-89° 74%
• Used for gripping and lifting cylindrical objects with limited surface area, 30°-59° 62%
providing secure control and preventing load slipping or rolling during rigging.
0°-29° 49%
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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING
BEAMS LIFTING BEAMS
• Lifting beams convert lifting loads into bending forces on the beam.
Beams are crucial for lifting heavy and longer loads, providing stable and secure
support in industrial and construction settings. • Consists of a beam with a single centered attachment point on the top side for
connecting to a crane, hoist, or lifting machine.
• Beams are typically used for lifting loads longer than 12 feet.
• Underside features two or more evenly-spaced lifting lugs for attaching and supporting
The two most common types are: - the load via hook or sling.
 Lifting Beams
 Spreader Beams
Advantages
SPREADER BEAMS • Ideal for lighter and shorter span lifts
with limited headroom.
• Spreader beams convert lifting loads into compressive and tensile forces for
even weight distribution. • Single bail attachment on top
reduces required headroom
• Simple design with lifting lugs ensures pure compression, enhancing safety compared to spreader beams.
during lifting operations.
• Multiple lifting points underneath
• Enables secure connection between slings and the load, preventing imbalances for versatile load attachment.
and ensuring stability.

Advantages Disadvantages
• Eliminate strain on a single point, • Lifting beams are rigid, requiring extra material to counter bending
enhancing safety. forces, making them heavier.
• Since lifting forces are converted into • Less material-efficient and heavier than equivalent spreader beams,
compressive forces, these generally leading to increased costs.
require less material & are cost- • Tag lines are necessary to maintain load stability, preventing tipping or
effective. spinning during lifts.
Disadvantages
• Require more overhead space because of the attached slings.

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 Rigging for Engineers

INTERPRETING LOAD CHARTS

IMPORTANT
TERMINOLOGIES
Working Radius
It is the horizontal distance between the load's
center and the rigging equipment's centerline.
• Increasing working radius reduces Safe
Working Load (SWL) due to increased load
moment.
Boom Angle
The angle between the lifting equipment's boom
and the horizontal plane.
• Decreasing boom angle reduces SWL because
the crane can tip over.
Boom Length
The length of the lifting equipment's arm
(boom).
• Longer boom length typically allows for
lighter loads at a specific radius, increasing
SWL. gt h n
Le
om
Bo
Lifting
Boom Angle Height

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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING SIGNALS

RIGGING HAND SIGNALS

One designated experienced rigger should be communicating
with the crane operator for all operations. Benefits of having a
standardized communication system are: -

• Safety: Reduces risks of miscommunication, accidents, and

injuries.
• Efficiency: Enhances workflow and coordination among
team members.

BLIND RIGGING/LIFTING
It is a lift where at any point in time during the lifting operation,
the operator cannot directly see the load.
• Typically, it involves the use of at least two riggers for
effective communication.
• One rigger is placed at the point of lifting, while the other is
visible to the operator.
• Communication between the riggers is passed on by the
second rigger to the operator.
• Other mode of communications include 2-way radios &
sound-powered megaphones.

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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING PROTOCOLS AT EPCL

TYPES OF RIGGING RIGGING STUDY

• Rigging study solves complex rigging problems, involving extensive planning.
Rigging in EPCL is segregated into four categories & relevant
person-in-charge is responsible to identify the criticality of the • Document includes load specifics, crane configurations, ground conditions, and safety precautions.
operation: - • Covers background, task route map, vehicle details, rigging tools, ERP plan, and approval authorities..
1. Simple Lift
2. Complex Lift
3. Critical Lift
4. Special Lift

LIFT PLAN
• PIC, Crane Operator, and Lead Rigger visit & discuss the lift and
terminal locations for assessment.
• Means of communication discussed for efficient coordination
among the team members.

RIGGING CARD
• Document includes load details, equipment conditions, and field
status.
• Valid for 24 hours; reevaluation required if conditions change
(weather, tools, staff, etc.).
• Careful filling of critical lift conditions, signed by the respective
GL for validity.

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 Rigging for Engineers

RIGGING SAFE WORK PRACTICES

WHAT CAN GO WRONG? PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• Mandatory PPEs (Helmet, Safety glasses, Ear protection, Safety shoes, Gas mask)
• Overloading: Exceeding the load capacity of rigging equipment can result in • Impact-resistant rigging gloves for material handling and assistance.
equipment failure and accidents. • High-visibility, reflective, or fluorescent jackets for enhanced visibility.
• Poor Inspection: Neglecting proper inspection of rigging equipment for wear, • Safety harness (where specified for fall protection)
damage, or defects can lead to failures during operation.
• Torch (where lighting is insufficient)
• Inadequate Training: Insufficient training of rigging personnel can result in
incorrect rigging techniques and unsafe practices. • Motorola communication devices (for essential team communication).
• Miscommunication: Lack of clear communication, especially with hand signals or
between team members, can lead to misunderstandings and accidents.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Rigging activities supervised by EPCL employees or designated personnel.
• Improper Rigging Techniques: Incorrect methods of attaching loads to rigging
equipment can cause unbalanced loads, leading to accidents. • Personnel must stay clear during crane operations, and designated areas should be
cordoned off.
• Unstable Ground: Working on unstable or uneven ground without proper
stabilization can cause equipment tipping or load instability. • Wind speed for crane operations should be below 25 km/hr; assessment required if
exceeding 15 km/hr.
• Lack of Planning: Inadequate lift planning, including ignoring factors like wind
speed, weather conditions, or obstacles, can lead to accidents. • Proper installation of power lifts, ensuring operator visibility.
• Crane Failures: Mechanical failures in the crane, such as hydraulic issues or • Chains, cables, and shackles checked and certified before each job; no repair allowed
structural problems, can lead to accidents. for damaged equipment.
• Human Error: Errors in judgment, decision-making, or operating the rigging • Slings and ropes protected from sharp edges; damaged wire ropes/slings discarded.
equipment can result in accidents. • Corrosive chemicals contact avoided for rope tackle or slings.
• Failure to Secure the Load: Inadequate securing of the load to the rigging • Only qualified EPCL personnel authorized for rigging and signaling during crane
equipment can cause shifting during transport or lifting. operations.
• Ignoring Regulations: Disregarding safety regulations, standards, or guidelines • Proper support for loads; avoid unreasonable reliance on mechanical or hydraulic jacks.
related to rigging operations can lead to legal issues and accidents. • Pre-inspection and daily checks performed; tag lines used for equipment above head
height.
• Safety belts (harnesses) mandatory for personnel hoisting.
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 Rigging for Engineers

THANK YOU

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