Rigging Book

HAND
RIGGING
BOOK
A F E LY
E i t S
L
c
TACK
Rigging Book Copyright © 2007 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

All rights reserved. Rev 06/2007
FOREWORD
The handling, setting, and erection of materials

and equipment is a hazardous occupation. Each
operation presents its own peculiar problems and
no two jobs are alike. With proper consideration
taken, each job can be performed free of bodily
harm to the worker and without damage to the
equipment.
This manual has been designed as a reference to

assist in safely applying the basic rigging equip-
ment used in construction work.
The contents of this manual are minimum

requirements. Check with local and country
regulations for stricter requirements.
The Hand Rigging Book contains recommenda-

tions for users to consider. The booklet is not
legal advice and should not be relied upon
solely in any given situation. DuPont makes no
express or implied warranty or guarantee as to
the information content of the Hand Rigging Book
or that it contains all possible recommendations
concerning safety, health or the environmental
protection. DuPont assumes no liability or
responsibility of any kind whatsoever resulting
from the use of any information contained in this
booklet.
This handbook is issued and maintained

by Engineering’s Facilities Construction
& Support organization.
Copyright© 2007 E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company.

All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo and The miracles
of science™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of
DuPont or its affiliates.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
RIGGING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS.......................1

SECTIONS
1. Wire Rope...........................................................5
2. Wire Rope Sling Capacities...............................10
3. Wire Rope Clip Splice.......................................10
4. Use of Chain......................................................15
5. Synthetic Web and Round Slings......................16
6. Synthetic Fiber Rope.........................................17
7. Hooks, Shackles, Beam Clamps,Trolleys..........23
8. Methods of Hanging Rigging.............................28
9. Chain Hoists......................................................29
10. Lever-Operated Hoists......................................31
11. Use of Jacks......................................................32
12. Use of Rollers....................................................33
13. Plate and General Purpose Grips.....................35
14. Eyebolts.............................................................35
15. Mobile Cranes...................................................39
16. Rigging with Forklifts.........................................44
17. Handy Things to Know......................................45
18. Weights of Materials..........................................45
19. Safe Hitches and Knots . ..................................46
TABLES
1. Effect of Sling Angle.........................................9
2. Wire Rope Sling Capacities............................10
3. Cable Clips.....................................................14
4. Synthetic Fiber Comparison Chart.................21
5. Properties of Fiber Rope................................22
6. Strength of Standard Hooks...........................25
7. Strength of Shackles......................................26
8. Swivel Eyebolts..............................................37
9. Type 2 Shouldered Forged Steel
Eyebolts..........................................................38
10. Crane Signals.................................................42
FIGURES
1 Effect of Sling Angle Examples........................8
2 Joining Wire Ropes........................................12
3 Cable Clips.....................................................13
4 Proper Eyebolt Usage....................................36

RIGGING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
The following terms are commonly used in the subject

of rigging. Each term is defined in brief to give correct
usage and to clarify the meanings of the various terms.
A-FRAME - A framework made in the form of an A,

either from wood, metal tubing, or structural shapes,
from which a load can be suspended.
Anti-two-blocking Device - An attachment to a

crane that prevents the load block or hook assembly
from being drawn tightly to the boom point.
BIGHT - A simple loop. A part of all knots.
BIRD-CAGING - The twisting of fiber or wire rope in an

isolated area in the opposite direction of the rope lay,
causing it to take on the appearance of a bird cage.
BLOCK AND TACKLE - Sometimes referred to as a

rope fall and consisting of two single or multiple pulley
blocks complete with load hooks and with rope reeved
between to give a mechanical advantage in lifting.
BOOM - The long, usually fabricated, part of a crane

that makes it possible for the load sheaves to be
maneuvered directly over the load to be lifted.
CHAIN HOIST - A portable lifting device geared to give

mechanical advantage for hand operation and using
chain to transmit the load to the hoist.
CHOKER - A hitch made using a sling in a manner so

that the heavier the load, the tighter the sling will hold it.
CLEVIS - A U-shaped or stirrup-shaped device used

to connect two or more lifting members. This usually is
referred to as a shackle.
DEAD WEIGHT - The total weight of all the suspended

rigging.
1
DERRICK - A structural or fabricated member of con-
siderable length or height used to provide a fixed stable
point above the load from which a lift can be made.
DESIGN FACTOR - The factor by which ultimate

strength is divided to determine working load limit.
DRIFTING - The act of moving a suspended load in a

horizontal direction using two or more pieces of hoisting
equipment.
EVENER - A beam arrangement suspended from

overhead beams in two or more places from which
single-point loading can be made. Used to distribute
load over greater area of overhead structural member
or members.
FACTOR OF SAFETY - See Design Factor.
FIBER ROPE - A rope made from nonmetallic materials

such as vegetable, animal, or synthetic fibers.
GIRDER - A permanent strength member in building

construction from which rigging often is hung.
HOOK GAGE - A fixed gage used to measure the

allowable hook opening caused by excessively loading
the hook.
KINK - The making of a loop in the rope so small that

it will destroy the lay of the rope. This is one cause of
bird-caging and also weakens the strands of the rope.
KNOT - The intertwining of the end of a rope with a por-

tion of the same rope or another rope of the same size.
LAY OF ROPE - A term used to describe the forming

(not twisting) of wires or fibers into strands and strands
into rope.
LIFE NET - A spring-type rope net used directly below

an elevated work area to catch any worker who should
lose his footing and fall.
2
LIFT ANGLE - The angle between an imaginary line
vertical to the load to be lifted and an imaginary line
between the load and the hoist or fitting device.
LINK - A piece of metal forged or formed to make an

endless rod with half circle at each end and straight
sides between.
LOAD (DEAD) - The total weight of all the suspended

rigging.
LOAD (LIVE) - The weight of the object to be lifted.
LOAD (TOTAL) - The sum of dead load plus live load.
MANILA ROPE - A high-strength fiber rope made from

manila fibers obtained from the abaca or wild banana
plant grown in the Philippines.
Moused - Securing a wire, strap, rope or cord to close

the throat opening of a hook to prevent the sling or
shackle from becoming detached.
OUTRIGGER - A part built or arranged to project

beyond the natural outline of a piece of equipment to
provide additional support in preventing the equipment
from overturning.
REEVING - The threading of the rope between the

blocks in rope blocks and falls.
ROLLERS - Long pieces of hardwood about 7 or 8

inches in diameter (or long pieces of pipe) used to
place under heavy pieces of equipment to facilitate
rolling along flat surfaces.
SHACKLE - A U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped piece

of metal provided with a means for applying a bolt or
pin through the ends and used to hold several lifting
members together; sometimes called a clevis.
SKID - Normally a heavy timber used under heavy

machinery or other equipment that is being moved on
rollers.
3
SLING - A length of wire rope, webbing, synthetic, or
chain fitted at each end with an eye splice or some
other special rope or chain fitting and used to tie on to
the materials to be lifted.
SOFTENER - Wood or other soft materials placed over

the sharp edges of objects to be lifted to keep them
from cutting or damaging the slings making the hitch.
SPLICE - The method of permanently attaching two

ends of rope together or joining one to the stranding
portion of the rope to form an eye in the case of an eye
splice.
STRAND - The result of twisting or forming several

fibers or wires together. The strands then are formed in
a twisted fashion to form a rope.
THIMBLE - A metal-formed piece inserted in the eye of

an eye splice to prevent the wear on the rope in the eye
splice area.
TURNBUCKLE - A fitting used to tighten or loosen the

stress on a rope by utilizing right- and left-hand threads
at opposite ends and a common threaded centerpiece.
WEDGE SOCKETS (beckett) - A socket attachment for

the end of wire rope that employs the wedge principle
to hold the rope in the socket.
WINCH - A power source for hoisting or moving. Usu-

ally consisting of a cable drum with a gasoline-engine
drive or with a gear-reduction unit for hand operation.
WIRE ROPE CLIPS - A mechanical means of temporar-

ily joining two wire ropes together.
WLL - Working Load Limit
4
1. WIRE ROPE
1.1 WIRE ROPE INSPECTION
1.1.1 Inspection for handling damage should be

made of the exposed turns of coils and reels when
wire rope is received from the supplier.
1.1.2 Wire rope having been stored three

months or longer should be completely inspected
for damage and corrosion just prior to installation.
1.1.3 Many wire ropes are permanently dam-

aged by improper handling and use; kinks, twists,
and untwisting are the results.
1.1.4 A permanent bend from pulling out a kink

seriously damages the rope. These conditions
are especially likely to occur when rope is first
unwound from the reel.
1.1.5 All wire rope should be inspected before

each use and should be inspected periodically
according to specifications; the periodic inspection
may require written documentation.
1.2 IN-USE INSPECTION
1.2.1 Frequency - Wire rope should be

inspected at frequent intervals and frayed, kinked,
worn, or corroded rope replaced. The frequency of
inspection is determined by the amount of use of
the rope.
1.2.2 Procedure - The weak points in the rope

or the points where the greatest stress occurs
should be inspected with great care. In general,
examine the rope for worn spots and broken wires.
Worn spots will show up as shiny flattened spots

on the wires. Measure some of these shiny spots.
If it appears that the outer wires have been
reduced in diameter by one-fourth, the worn spot
is unsafe.
5
There may be several points in the rope where
broken wires occur. Inspect each point to deter-
mine whether it is a single broken wire or several.
If several wires are broken next to each other,

unequal load distribution at this point will make the
rope unsafe.
Consider the rope unsafe if three broken wires

are found in one strand of 6 x 7 rope or six broken
wires are found in one strand of 6 x 19 rope.
1.2.3 Never allow wire rope to operate without

lubrication.
1.3 HANDLING
1.3.1 Leather-palm gloves must be used at all

times when handling wire rope.
1.3.2 Exposure of wire rope to dirt, grit, water, or

corrosive material should be avoided.
1.3.3 Extreme precautions must be taken

to avoid kinking wire rope. When a kink has
occurred, the wire rope or the damaged section of
the wire rope must be removed from service.

1.3.4 When coiling or uncoiling wire rope, the
reel should be reeled or unreeled slowly, in a
straight line, keeping the wire rope taut and free of
kinks or large loops that could form kinks.
1.3.5 Wire rope should be stored on reels

whenever possible. When reels are not available
it should be stored in coils and hung on a broad
support to prevent concentration of the load of the
coil on just a small area or a few wire strands.
6
1.4 USE
1.4.1 Sudden stresses in wire rope should

be avoided. Traveling over rough area with an
automotive crane with load suspended or quick
acceleration in lifting may cause stresses above
the breaking strength of the wire rope.
1.4.2 After installing new wire rope on a crane

or other hoisting equipment, the equipment should
be operated for about an hour at no load to ensure
that it will accommodate itself to the sheaves and
drums before the heavy strain is applied.
1.4.3 Avoid crushing forces on wire rope at all

times to avoid damage to cores and hidden wires.
1.4.4 Loose ends of wire rope must always be

seized to prevent untwisting of wires and strands.
1.4.5 When applying a choker hitch on an object

to be hoisted, care should be taken to avoid dam-
age to the sling. Use softeners to safely handle
objects with sharp corners or edges.
1.4.6 The listed safe load in Table 2 should

never be exceeded unless the sling has a
manufacturer’s tag attached and that tag indicates
a higher capacity rating.
1.4.7 When lifting at an angle such as with bridle

slings, basket and choker hitches, the actual load
on the sling parts increases as illustrated in Figure
1. To calculate the total stress implied to the sling
by the angle and load, multiply the actual vertical
load by the load angle factor listed in Table 1.
1.4.8 When using basket hitches, care should

be taken that slings do not slip on the object being
lifted.
7
1.4.9 Effect of Sling Angle. It is best to use bridle
slings with horizontal angles above 45 degrees
from the horizontal. However, at no time should
the horizontal angle be less than 30 degrees.
1.4.10 Combined reductions must be considered

when using a bridle sling configuration that
incorporates a choker hitch connected to the load
being lifted. One reduction will be required for the
horizontal sling angle and an additional for the
choker hitch. Avoid using choked bridle slings at
less than a 60-degree angle from the horizontal.
Table 1 shows what happens to the vertical lifting

capacity of a sling with a working load limit of 1000
pounds as the angle from the horizontal decreases
from 90 degrees (a vertical lift) to 30 degrees (the
minimum allowed horizontal sling). As the angle
from the horizontal decreases, so does the capac-
ity as compared to a vertical pull. Notice that the
capacity decreases more rapidly as the horizontal
sling angle decreases. For angles of less than 30
degrees from the horizontal, the horizontal forces
are actually greater than the vertical lifting force. It
is for this reason that the horizontal angle should
never be less than 30 degrees.
FIGURE 1
Effect of Sling Angle Examples

Sling Load x Load Angle Factor = Implied Load

90 degree angle: 500 lbs x 1.0 = 500 lbs
8
TABLE 1
Effect of Sling Angle

Sling Angle
from Working Load Capacity as a Load Angle
Horizontal Limit (WLL) Capacity % of WLL Factor
90 1,000 lbs. 1,000 lbs 100.0% 1.000
Normal Operating Range
85 1,000 lbs. 996 lbs 99.6% 1.003

80 1,000 lbs. 985 lbs 98.5% 1.015
75 1,000 lbs. 966 lbs 96.6% 1.035
70 1,000 lbs. 940 lbs 94.0% 1.064
65 1,000 lbs. 906 lbs 90.6% 1.103
60 1,000 lbs. 866 lbs 86.6% 1.154
55 1,000 lbs. 819 lbs 81.9% 1.220
50 1,000 lbs. 760 lbs 76.6% 1.305
45 1,000 lbs. 707 lbs 70.7% 1.414
40 1,000 lbs. 643 lbs 64.3% 1.555
Caution
35 1,000 lbs. 574 lbs 57.4% 1.743

30 1,000 lbs. 500 lbs 50.0% 2.000
Do not use slings at less than a 30-degree angle
It is important to remember as angles from the

horizontal decrease, the implied stresses to all involved
equipment (i.e. slings, shackles, eyebolts, hoists, beam
clamps) increase. Rigging equipment and hardware
must be resized or increased, if necessary, to accom-
modate this extra loading. DO NOT assume the
equipment component safety factors will accommodate
angle-induced overloads.
9
2. WIRE ROPE SLING CAPACITIES
TABLE 2

Working Load Limit in U.S. tons (2000 lbs) of 6x19 and 6x37 IPS IWRC
Wire Rope 2 leg basket or bridle hitch
Sling 60o Angle 45o Angle 30o Angle
Diameter Straight Choke Both Legs from from from
(inches) Pull Hitch Vertical Horizontal Horizontal Horizontal
¼ 0.56 0.42 1.1 0.97 0.79 0.56
5/16 0.87 0.65 1.7 1.5 1.2 0.87
3/8 1.2 0.93 2.5 2.1 1.8 1.2
7/16 1.7 1.3 3.4 2.9 2.4 1.7
½ 2.2 1.6 4.4 3.8 3.1 2.2
9/16 2.7 2.1 5.5 4.8 3.9 2.7
5/8 3.4 2.5 6.8 5.9 4.8 3.4
¾ 4.9 3.6 9.7 8.4 6.9 4.9
7/8 6.6 4.9 13.0 11.0 9.3 6.6
1 8.5 6.4 17.0 15.0 12.0 8.5
1 1/8 10.0 7.8 21.0 18.0 15.0 10.0
1¼ 12.0 9.2 24.0 21.0 17.0 12.0
IPS – Improved Plow Steel Grade Wire Rope
IWRC – Independent Wire Rope Core
Straight Choke Basket Bridle

Pull Hitch Hitch Hitch
3. WIRE ROPE CLIP SPLICE

3.1 The number of clips and spacing required per
diameter of rope used is given in Table 3. Make sure
the saddle grooves on the clips match the lay of the
rope.
3.2 Do not use clips made of malleable iron material.
3.3 “U”-bolt clips must be placed on the rope with the
“U” bolts bearing upon the short or “dead” end of the
rope (Table 3). Properly made, a “U”-bolt clip eye splice
develops 80% of the strength of the rope.
3.4 Twin base clips have corrugated jaws on both
parts and can be installed without regard as to which
10
installed, twin base clips will develop 90% of the
strength of the rope and cause very little deformation to
the wire rope.
3.5 When forming an eye with a thimble, the clip
farthest from the eye should be applied first about
four inches back from the end of the dead rope and
tightened evenly. Next, apply the clip close to the toe of
the thimble and finger tighten. Space all intermediate
clips evenly and finger tighten. Torque all clips evenly to
the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
3.6 When making a lapped splice to a stay rope, apply
a twin-base clip about four inches from each dead end
and tighten evenly.
3.7 After assembly, the rope shall be loaded to the
expected working load and the clips re-torqued to the
manufacturer’s recommended setting. After approxi-
mately one hour of service recheck torque settings on
clips again. The wire rope clip torque value shall be
checked on a regular basis.
3.8 After using clips on a wire rope, special inspection
of the wire rope in the area where the clips are removed
should be made. Look for any possible damage to the
rope.
3.9 Always apply clips with the U-bolt on the dead end
and the saddle of the clip on the live end of the wire
rope. “Never saddle a dead horse.”
3.10 Never use clips to form sling eyes used for
overhead lifting.
4. USE OF CHAIN
4.1 For general construction rigging never use a chain
when it is possible to use wire rope. The failure of a
single link of a chain can result in a serious accident.
Wire rope on the other hand, is frequently composed of
114 wires, all of which must fail before the rope breaks.
Wire rope gives you reserve strength and a chance to
notice a hazard; chains do not.
4.2 There are certain jobs for which chain is better

suited than wire rope. Chains withstand rough handling,
do not knit, are easily stored, have dead flexibility, and
11
Figure 2
Joining Wire Ropes
WRONG
RIGHT
12
Figure 3 - Cable Clips
Right and Wrong Ways of Proper Method of Installing

Using Cable Clips Cable Clips
STEP 1
Correct APPLY FIRST CLIP - one base width from

U-Bolt of all clips dead end of wire rope–U-Bolt over dead
on dead end of end–live end rests in clip saddle. Tighten
rope. nuts evenly to recommended torque.
STEP 2
Incorrect APPLY SECOND CLIP - nearest loop as

Do not stagger clips. possible–U-Bolt over dead end–turn on
nuts firm but DO NOT TIGHTEN.
STEP 3
Incorrect
U-Bolt of all clips
on live end of ALL OTHER CLIPS - Space equally between
rope. first two.
STEP 4
Double Saddle Clips (Flat Grip Clips) Apply
tension
Apply tension and tighten all

nuts to recommended torque.
STEP 5
Apply
tension
Recheck nut torque after rope

has been in operation.
13
Turn Back past Appx. spacing Required Torque
Number of Clips Minimum
Wire Rope Thimble (foot pounds)
distance - between clips (inches)
Diameter dead end
(inches) Twin-Base U-Bolt Twin-Base U-Bolt to first clip Twin-Base U-Bolt Twin-Base U-Bolt
(inches)
1/8 N/A 2 N/A 3 1/4 1 3/8 N/A 2 N/A 4.5
3/16 2 2 4 3 3/4 1 5/8 2 1/8 2 1/8 30 7.5
1/4 2 2 4 4 3/4 2 2 3/4 2 3/4 30 15
14
5/16 2 2 5 5 1/4 2 3/8 3 3 30 30
TABLE 3
3/8 2 2 5 1/2 6 1/2 2 3/4 3 3/4 3 3/4 45 45

CABLE CLIPS
1/2 3 3 11 11 1/2 3 1/4 4 1/8 4 1/8 65 65

5/8 3 3 13 1/2 12 3 1/2 4 1/4 4 1/4 130 95
3/4 3 4 16 18 4 7 4 5/8 225 130

7/8 3 4 26 19 4 3/8 7 3/8 4 3/4 225 225
1 5 5 37 26 4 3/4 5 3/8 5 3/8 225 225

when used as slings, grip the load well. They are much
more resistant to abrasion and corrosion than wire rope
and are particularly well suited as slings for lifting rough
loads such as heavy castings which would quickly
weaken or destroy wire rope slings due to the sharp
bends over the edges of the castings.
4.3 CARE AND USE

4.3.1 Use only alloy steel chain, Grade 8 or
Grade 10, and never exceed its rated working
load limits as specified by the manufacturer and
indicated on the required attached information tag.
4.3.2 Chains must be inspected by the user
before each use and by a designated person,
making a written record of the inspection, at
intervals not to exceed 12 months.
4.3.3 Know the weight of all loads to avoid
accidental overloads.
4.3.4 Avoid impact loading.
4.3.5 Store chains where they will not be dam-
aged or corroded. A light coating of oil should be
placed on chains before storage.
4.3.6 Never shorten a chain by twisting or knot-
ting it or with nuts and bolts.
4.3.7 Never use a chain when the links are
locked, stretched, or without free movement.
Stretching can be distinguished by small cracks in
the links, elongation of the links, or a tendency for
the links to bind on each other.
4.3.8 Never hammer a chain to straighten the
links or to force the links into position.
4.3.9 Avoid crossing, twisting, kinking, or knot-
ting a chain.
4.3.10 Never use the tip of chain hooks to carry
a load.
4.3.11 Never re-weld alloy steel chain links.
They must be replaced by the manufacturer.
15
4.3.12 Inspect each link regularly for wear, nicks,
gouges, stretch, localized bending, and shearing.
4.3.13 Make sure the chain is of the correct size
and grade for the load.
4.3.14 Make sure all attachments and fittings are
of a type, grade, and size suitable for service with
the chain used.
4.3.15 Make sure that alloy steel chains are
never annealed or heat treated. Their capacity will
be completely destroyed if they are.
5. Synthetic Web and Round Slings

5.1.1 Synthetic slings offer numerous advantages:
conformity to regular shapes, not affected by moisture,
won’t rust, non-sparking, minimized twisting during
lifting, lightweight, preclude hand cuts and bumps from
swinging, resist crushing, and will not harm the surface
being lifted.
5.1.2 Each synthetic sling shall be marked, coded
or tagged to show the rated capacities for each type
of hitch and type of synthetic material or it shall not
be used. Do not use any synthetic sling that is not so
identified.
5.1.3 Synthetic slings manufactured with nylon material
shall not be used where fumes, sprays, mists, or liquids
of acids are present.
5.1.4 Synthetic slings manufactured with polyester
material shall not be used where fumes, sprays, mists,
or liquids of caustics are present.
5.1.5 The working temperature range for nylon and
polyester synthetic slings is -20°F to +180°F
(-30°C – 82°C).
5.1.6 Avoid choking or hooking directly on the identifi-
cation tag, splices or stitching.
5.1.7 Wear pads and sling covers should be used to
help protect the sling from sharp corners and abrasive
surfaces.
16
5.2.1 Synthetic fiber web slings shall be immediately
removed from service if any of the following conditions
are present:
• Missing or illegible capacity tag
• Chemical burns
• Holes, tears, cuts, snags or punctures
• Excessive abrasive wear
• Melting or charring of any part of the sling
• Knots
• Broken or worn stitching
• Damaged end fittings
• Any condition which causes doubt as to the
strength of the sling
(While many manufacturers incorporate the use of a
red warning thread in the fabrication of web slings,
these threads are not to be used as the sole means for
reason to remove a sling from service. In most situa-
tions, visibility of the warning thread indicates the sling
is severely past the removal from service point.)
5.3.1 Synthetic round slings shall be immediately
removed from service if any of the following conditions
are present:
• Missing or illegible capacity tag
• Visible inner cover or yarn
• Chemical burns
• Holes, tears, cuts, snags or punctures
• Excessive abrasive wear
• Melting or charring of any part of the sling
• Knots
• Broken or worn stitching
• Damaged end fittings
• Diminished tattle tale visibility or broken fiber
optic (if so equipped)
• Any condition which causes doubt as to the
strength of the sling
6. Synthetic Fiber Rope
Synthetic fiber rope should only be used for rigging

when other applications as hoists and slings are
impractical or undesirable for a particular job. Natural or
17
plant fiber (manila) rope should not be used for rigging
or hoisting applications.
6.1 If using a synthetic fiber rope for rigging, a minimum

safety factor of 5 must be used to determine the work-
ing load limit of the rope.
6.2 Synthetic fiber rope suitable for rigging applications

includes nylon, polyester and polypropylene.
6.3 Nylon rope is a strong, rough rope with excellent

resistance to abrasion and will absorb greater shock
loads than any other synthetic fiber rope. However,
nylon has a greater percentage of stretch than polyes-
ter or polypropylene ropes. Do not use nylon rope in the
presence of acids.
6.4 Polyester rope has good resistance to abrasion and

has application where minimum stretch is desired. Do
not use polyester rope in the presence of caustics.
6.5 Polypropylene rope is the lightest and lowest in cost

of all synthetic fiber ropes. It is flexible, has minimum
stretch and excellent shock resistance. While poly-
propylene is generally not affected by moisture, acids,
alkalis, oil, grease and other chemical, it does degrade
in sunlight and its strength is less than polyester or
nylon of comparable size.
6.6 INSPECTION
6.6.1 Look and feel for broken fibers or other

signs of abuse of the rope. Broken fibers are an
indication of excessive abrasion or overloading.
If approximately 5% of the fibers are broken, the
rope should be condemned.
6.6.2 The fiber rope naturally will become dirty

from use, however, inspect for excess dirt and
grit penetrating between the fibers making up the
strands. If excessive to the point that it will cause
internal wear in the strands, the rope should be
condemned for hoisting.
18
6.6.3 Inspect for excessive oil on the surface of
the rope. This is an indication of excess loading
and the rope should be condemned.
6.6.4 Check the rope for strands unlaying, high

stranding, or the presence of a spiral appearance.
This will cause uneven distribution of the load on
the strands and early rope failure.
6.6.5 Inspect outside of rope for evidence of

exposure to heat, acid, chemicals, or excessively
moist atmosphere. Synthetic fiber rope should
be condemned if it is not resistant to the above
exposures.
6.6.6 Open up the strands of the rope by twisting

it in the opposite direction of the lay. Do not open
to the extent of kinking the fibers or damaging the
rope lay. Inspect for the following:
- If excessive broken fibers are found, the rope

should be condemned. This is a definite indica-
tion that rope has been overloaded.
- Interior of the rope should be as bright as the

original new rope. If discolored or dirty, there are
indications of chemical or dirt penetration and
rope should be condemned.
- Inspect for the presence of a powder-like saw-

dust. If present, there has been severe internal
wear and rope should be condemned.
6.6.7 If possible to open up a strand, the follow-

ing inspection inside the strands can be made:
- Pull on several fibers near the center of the

strand. If they come out in short pieces, the rope
has been overloaded and should be condemned.
- Pull out some long fibers from the center of the

strand and check for strength. If the strands
19
break easily, the rope probably has been chemi-
cally attacked and should be condemned.
- A condemned rope should be cut into short

pieces and scrapped.
6.7 HANDLING, USE, AND STORAGE
6.7.1 In general, the uncoiling of rope should

start with the loose end inside the coil. The coil
can be laid flat and the rope uncoiled by pulling the
loose end away from the coil to obtain the desired
length.
6.7.2 As the rope comes out of the coil, it should

unwind in a counterclockwise direction and may
form loops. These loops should be removed care-
fully to avoid damaging kinks in the rope.
6.7.3 Before cutting a fiber rope, whipping

should be applied on both sides of the intended
cut to prevent unlay of the strands or upsetting of
the fibers in the strands.
6.7.4 Do not drag rope over dirty or gritty

surfaces. Abrasion to the outside of the rope will
occur immediately and the picking up of gritty
particles will cause later internal abrasion.
6.7.5 Avoid wrapping fiber rope around sharp

edges or corners. The use of padding or softeners
is recommended.
6.7.6 Do not use fiber rope in an atmosphere of

acids, chemicals, or chemical fumes unless the
specific rope has properties to resist that atmo-
sphere.
6.7.7 Do not bend or flex frozen fiber rope. Wet

or frozen rope should not be placed against steam
pipes for thawing or drying.
20
6.7.8 Synthetic fiber rope should be stored in
a clean, well-ventilated area. Preferred storage
is hanging loosely on large-diameter pegs, in
temperatures between 50°F- 70°F (10C – 22°C),
between 40-60 percent humidity and out of direct
sunlight.
6.7.9 If rope has become damp or wet in use, it

should be dried before storing.
6.7.10 Do not expose synthetic fiber rope to

temperatures outside of –20°F to 180°F (-30°C
– 82°C).
6.7.11 Never use rope that shows signs of cutting,

unraveling, or breaking.
6.7.12 Keep rope ends seized.
TABLE 4
SYNTHETIC FIBER
COMPARISON CHART
RESISTANCE TO*
Abrasion
Wet Dry Acid Alka Water Heat Rot
MATERIAL
Nylon E VG P E E G E
Dacron
®
VG G VG F E VG E
Polypropylene VG G E E E G E
*Most chemical solutions and solvents affect rope to varying degrees; therefore,
care should be taken to prevent contact with them.
KEY – E - Excellent
VG - Very Good
G - Good
F - Fair
P - Poor
21
TABLE 5
PROPERTIES OF FIBER ROPE
Size Nylon Polyester Polypropylene

Minimum Working Load Minimum Working Load Minimum Working Load
Break Range (lbs) Break Range (lbs) Break Range (lbs)
Diameter Circumference Strength Weight Design Factor Strength Weight Design Factor Strength Weight Design Factor
(inches) (inches) (lbs) (lbs/100 ft) 5 to 12 (lbs) (llbs/100 ft) 5 to 12 (lbs) (lbs/100 ft) 5 to 12
1/2 11/2 5,670 6.3 473 - 1,134 5,085 7.7 424 - 1,017 3,780 4.6 315 - 756
22
9/16 13/4 7,200 8.0 600 - 1,440 6,435 9.8 536 - 1,287 4,590 5.9 383 - 918
5
/8 2 8,910 9.9 743 - 1,728 7,825 12.0 652 - 1,565 5,580 7.2 465 - 1,116
3
/4 21/4 12,780 14.3 1,065 - 2,556 11,200 17.2 933 - 2,240 7,650 10.4 638 - 1,530
7
/8 23/4 17,280 19.5 1,440 - 3,456 15,225 23.4 1,269 - 3,045 10,350 14.2 863 - 2,070
1 3 22,230 25.3 1,835 - 4,446 19,775 30.4 1,648 - 3,955 12,825 18.0 1,069 - 2,565

Figures above are safety factors of minimum 5 to 1.

7. HOOKS, SHACKLES, BEAM CLAMPS,
AND TROLLEYS
7.1 BASIC RULES
7.1.1 Only ONE eye in a hook. Use a shackle to

hold two or more eyes.
7.1.2 Pin of shackle should be placed in hook

with the eyes of chokers bearing on the shank.
See Table 7.
7.1.3 All hooks should either bear a safety latch

or be moused.
7.1.4 Never overload a hook beyond its rated

capacity.
7.1.5 Hooks must be replaced when inspection

shows spread, distortion, wear, or fracture.
7.1.6 Never place a load on the point of a hook

- always in the center.
7.1.7 Get approval before applying a beam

clamp to any structural member to assure that
structural member will support the load being
raised.
7.1.8 Use only approved type beam clamps for

lifting any load. No welded rings or field-fabricated
lifting devices are to be used.
7.1.9 Check to make sure clamp fits beam and is

adequate to support load to be handled. (Consider
strength of flange of beam).
7.1.10 Beam clamps should be securely fastened

to the beam.
7.1.11 The use of beam clamps is not recom-

mended when angle lifts are to be made. The
23
design calculations for beam clamp capacity are
made for straight lifts. Lifting at an angle places
the beam flange under multiple stresses and the
beam clamp under point loading, making it pos-
sible to exceed design capabilities.
7.1.12 Never use plate grips, tongs, girder hooks,

pipe clamps, etc., as substitutes for beam clamps.
7.1.13 All hooks, where possible, shall be

equipped with a safety latch. For those hooks
where safety latches are not possible, mousing
must be applied to close the throat opening.
Rigging using hooks with no safety latches that
incorporate mousing should be avoided.
7.1.14 Beam clamps should be visually inspected

before each use by checking hooks, locking pins,
and lifting eyes for distortion or other defects;
inspecting welds for cracks; checking bolts or
locking devices for ease of operation; making sure
that identification numbers, capacity, and beam
size are clearly marked on the clamp.
7.1.15 Rebar shall not be used as a lifting device.
7.1.16 Installation of trolleys on monorails should

be performed by trained personnel only.
24
TABLE 6
STRENGTH OF STANDARD HOOKS
Carbon Steel – Forged, Quenched, Tempered
Design Factor = 5
EYE HOOK SHANK HOOK SWIVEL HOOK
Working
Load Throat Eye Shank Swivel
Limit Opening A Size B Size C Thickness D
Tons Inches
3
/4 5
/16 1 15/32 19
/32 3
/8
1 1 1/32 1 3/4 21/32 1/2
1 1/2 1 1/16 2 1/32 23
/32 5
/8
2 1 7/32 2 13/32 7
/8 5
/8
3 1 1/2 2 15/16 1 5/32 3
/4
5 1 7/8 3 13/16 1 13/32 1
7 1/2 2 1/4 4 11/16 1 11/32 1 1/8
10 2 1/2 5 3/8 1 27/32 1 1/4
15 3 3/8 6 5/8 2 1/4 1 1/2
20 4 7 2 3/4 1 1/2
24 4 3/4 9 5/16 3 1/2 –
32 5 3/4 10 3/4 4 1/8 –
25
TABLE 7
STRENGTH OF SHACKLES
Screw Pin, Round Pin, Safety – Forged,

Quenches, and Tempered Alloy Steel Pins
Design Factor = 6
SCREW PIN ROUND PIN
Working Load Size of Diam. of Inside

Limit Shank A Pin B Width C
Tons Inches Inches Inches
1
/2 1/4 5/16 15
/32
3/4 5/16 3
/8 17
/32
1 3
/8 7/16 21
/32
1 1/2 7/16 1/2 23
/32
2 1
/2 5/8 13/16
3 1/4 5
/8 3
/4 1 1/16
4 3/4 3
/4 7
/8 1 1/4
6 1/2 7
/8 1 1 7/16
8 1/2 1 1 1/8 1 11/16
9 1/2 1 1/8 1 1/4 1 13/16
12 1 1/4 1 3/8 2 1/32
13 1/2 1 3/8 1 1/2 2 1/4
17 1 1/2 1 5/8 2 3/8
25 1 3/4 2 2 7/8
35 2 2 1/4 3 1/4
50 2 1/2 2 3/4 4 1/8
Size of shackle identified by diameter of shank. All shackle pins must
be straight.
If the width between eyes (C) exceeds +1/16”, the shackle has been
overstrained and must not be used.
Working load limit must be permanently shown on each shackle.
26
TABLE 7 (Cont’d.)
Washers Hook
Never allow shackle to be

pulled at an angle – the Pack the pin with washers
legs will open up. to centralize the shackle.
Poor Practice Good Practice
27
8. METHODS OF HANGING RIGGING
The method of hanging rigging depends largely upon

the job to be done. It is important to check all phases
of the job and all the potential possibilities of job
deviations that may affect the rigging components.
Before hanging any rigging, it is imperative that the
overhead structures be checked to make certain they
will withstand the stresses of the load to be lifted. When
starting the job, the affected area should be roped off
and identified as an overhead work area.
8.1 Beam clamps are the preferred method for hang-

ing rigging overhead. For beam clamps and their use in
hanging rigging, see Section 7.
8.2 Slings are sometimes used to hang rigging and

wire rope slings should be given preference for this
application.
8.2.1 When slings are used they must be protected

from sharp edges on the support member with the use
of softeners.
8.2.2 If multiple points or eyes are used to support the

rigging, they must first be gathered in a shackle.
8.3 Lashing consists of a straight piece of wire rope

wrapped around the overhead beam or strength
member from which the rigging can be fastened. The
wire rope ends are secured by cable clamps. The cable
clamps used should be selected and used in accor-
dance with Table 3.
8.3.1 The number of wraps around the beam is deter-

mined by the load to be lifted and the diameter of the
wire rope. However, a minimum number of three wraps
are usually needed to prevent slipping.
8.3.2 To ensure maximum resistance to slippage

when the load is lifted at an angle, a shackle should
be placed through the middle wrap only; providing the
single wrap is of sufficient strength to support the load.
28
8.3.3 Rope wrapped around the beam or strength
member must be protected from sharp corners by the
use of softeners.
8.3.4 Severe angle lifts may require that additional

wraps of lashing be used.
8.4 Use of Eveners: In cases where the overhead

structure will not withstand point loading, or where two
overhead strength members must be spanned to place
the rigging directly over the object to be lifted, eveners
should be used.
8.4.1 When an evener is used to distribute the load on

the beam, it should be lashed to the strength member in
two or more places.
8.4.2 When an evener is used to span two or more

overhead strength members, the evener should be
lashed to all strength members.
8.4.3 The rigging should be hung from the evener

only, in the same manner as it would be hung from the
strength member.
9. CHAIN HOISTS
9.1 The spur gear chain hoist is the most efficient of

all chain hoists. Chain hoists should be marked with
capacity in tons. Use correct size hoists for the weight
to be lifted.
9.1.1 Be certain that the attachment and the

supporting structure will safely carry the load.
9.1.2 The term “heavy-duty” chain hoists refers

to the job it is capable of performing and not the
abuse it will stand.
9.2 Chain hoists must be equipped with an automatic

load brake to prevent the load from dropping.
29
9.3 Chain hoists must have an overload limiting device
or be used under strict administrative controls.
9.4 A chain hoist should never be used beyond its

rated capacity.
9.5 Do not leave a load hanging on a chain hoist

unattended.
9.6 Do not stand below or have any parts of the body,

i.e., hand or foot, below a load suspended on a chain
hoist.
9.7 Do not wrap the load chain around the load to be

lifted.
9.8 Do not load the point of the chain hoist lifting hook.
Make sure the load is bottomed in the hook. Safety
latch or mouse all hooks.
9.9 If more than one lifting cable is to be handled by

one chain hoist, use a shackle to join the lifting cables
before placing them in the chain hoist lifting hook.
9.10 Chain hoists are designed so that one person

can operate the hand chain to lift the full capacity load
for the chain hoist. If not, use larger chain hoist.
9.11 Avoid making angle lifts with a chain hoist

wherever possible. Never use a chain hoist for a
horizontal pull as design chain-sprocket engagement
is not obtained. Lever hoists or come-alongs should be
used for these conditions.
9.12 When drifting loads using two or more chain

hoists, use extreme care in operation of the hand chain
so that it is pulled in line with the sheave. The angle of
lift should not exceed 30° with the vertical. This is one
of the few permissible chain hoist angle lifts.
9.13 Inspection
9.13.1 All chain hoists should be inspected

visually before making any lift. Visual inspection
30
should include (1) check hooks for any irregulari-
ties,
(2) check chain for wear or damage, and (3) check
housing and sheaves for any signs of damage
from abusive treatment.
9.13.2 Check top and bottom hooks. If the hook

opening is greater than indicated in Table 6, it
should be replaced. Never try to straighten a bent
hook.
9.13.3 Check load chain at inter-link points for

signs of wear. Check pitch of chain against the
original pitch as recorded in inches of length
per twenty links of chain. If the pitch shows an
increase of 3% elongation due to either stretch or
wear or a combination of both, it must be replaced.
9.13.4 For hand chain hoists that have multiple

parts of load chain reeved through a load block,
always check to ensure that the block is not
capsized causing a dangerous “twist” in the load
chain.
9.13.5 Lubricate the load chain as often as use

warrants. Do not oil load brake surfaces.
10. LEVER-OPERATED HOISTS
10.1 Rig carefully, keep hoist chain straight.
10.2 Don’t use cheaters on hoist handle.
10.3 Don’t overload, stay within rated limit.
10.4 Load hook properly and inspect for open hooks.
10.5 Handle carefully, don’t throw or drop hoists.
10.6 Don’t use hoist chain as sling or choker.
10.7 Never let the hoist chain gouge the side of the
frame, keep aligned with the work.
31
10.8 Bending hoist chain under load could cause
serious damage or breakage.
10.9 Set your footing before using a hoist to avoid

slips, falls, and strains.
10.10 Inspect periodically for defects with a visual

inspection prior to each use.
10.11 Link chain lever hoists may be used safely to lift

or pull a load or to stretch cable or wire at any angle or
in any position.
10.12 A lever-operated hoist under strain should not

be left unattended for any lengthy period of time.
10.13 Always stand clear of load being lifted or away

from the path of a load being pulled.
10.14 If more than one cable or chain is to be handled

by one hook, use a shackle to join the cables or chains
and place the shackle in the hook.
10.15 Lever-operated hoists must have an overload

limiting device or overload warning device.
10.16 The use of roller chain hoists is not permitted.
10.17 The use of wire rope lever hoists incorporating a

simple ratchet and pawl is not permitted for lifting.
11. USE OF JACKS
11.1 Jacking metal against metal is not permitted

– use wood softeners. Never jack against rollers.
11.2 When jacking, always follow with chocks as a

precaution against the jack kicking. Never leave a jack
under a load without having the load blocked up.
11.3 Care must be exercised to ensure that jacks

are properly positioned and the load raised uniformly to
reduce tendency of the load to shift unexpectedly.
32
11.4 When using jacks, always make sure that the
base is placed firmly and evenly on a good solid foot-
ing. Never place jack directly on the ground.
11.5 Jacks should be used in such a position that the

direction of force is perpendicular to the base and the
surface of the load to be moved.
11.6 Never exceed the capacity of the lift distance of

the jack.
11.7 Do not use extensions to the handles furnished

with the jacks.
11.8 If a load is to be raised in its entirety by several

jacks, it should be braced laterally by struts to prevent
all the jacks from upsetting in unison.
11.9 When using jacks in a horizontal position to

move an object, the jacks should be lashed or blocked.
11.10 When using more than one ratchet-type jack for

lifting, it is desirable to obtain matched jacks for uniform
lifting.
12. USE OF ROLLERS
12.1 Rollers should not be used metal-to-metal

– provide softeners.
12.2 Avoid pinch hazards – keep fingers and feet

clear of rollers.
12.3 Loads must be properly chocked when they are

to be left on rollers.
12.4 Use wood softeners under rollers when on

smooth hard surfaces.
12.5 Material or load to be moved must be firmly

bolted or lashed to the skid to prevent any shifting
33
on the skid while it is being moved. On loads moving
down a slope, restrainer lines should be used, securely
fastened to both the load and the skid or dolly.
12.6 Force to move the load along the rollers or dol-

lies should be applied to the skid and not the load itself.
12.7 Force to move the skid may be applied by a

winch, jack, come-along (tug-all), or manually with the
use of lever bars.
12.8 When using dollies, they should be selected

of sufficient capacity so that each dolly will take equal
weight of the total load.
12.9 The load will be moved on rollers in a direction

perpendicular to the center line of the rollers. To change
the direction of movement, the rollers should be moved
accordingly. Never drag a load over the rollers.
12.10 Force to move a skid on rollers should be

applied in the direction of movement as near as practi-
cal.
12.11 To change direction of movement of the skid,

the rollers may be moved by holding one end securely
with a lever bar and moving the other end in the desired
direction using jacks, lever bar, or a maul.
12.12 A minimum of three rollers must be under the

skid at all times, and be spaced so that one roller is
located forward of the load center of gravity and one
roller located after the load center of gravity. Long skids
will require additional rollers.
12.13 The forward end of the skid beams shall be

tapered on the bottom to more easily start on the roller.
12.14 The surface on which the load is to be moved

should be smooth and level as far as practical. When
moving skid on rollers over a dirt base, timber tracks
should be provided with staggered joints.
34
12.15 Before moving a load on skids, rollers, or dol-
lies, the load should be thoroughly checked for stability
with respect to the center of gravity of the load on its
supports.
13. PLATE AND GENERAL

PURPOSE GRIPS
When handling flat stock such as plate, utilize only

positive self-clamping and locking devices that must
be intentionally unlocked. Consider hardness and
surface of material to be lifted to assure proper gripping
and bite of gripper. Inspect before each use for wear
and proper capacity. Use proper grip for use such as
horizontal versus vertical lifts. Use tag line on load and
never expose any part of body under the load.
14. EYEBOLTS
Misuse of eyebolts causes injuries and damage to

equipment due to angular pulls on eyebolts. To avoid
angular pulls use spreaders or devices which provide
vertical or straight pulls. Before using eyebolts inspect
for burrs, grooves, or defects on the eyebolt and mating
part which could affect safety. Avoid painting or coating
of eyebolts used for lifting because they hide defects or
damage. Seat all eyebolts firmly and squarely against
mating parts. All eyebolts must have 90 percent of
threads engaged and must fit tightly into holes. Eyebolt
shank length must not be altered without Engineering
approval. Only swivel or shouldered eyebolts may be
used for rigging purposes; do not use unshouldered
eyebolts.
Note: Angular pulls on eyebolts should be avoided.

Not all manufacturers allow angle loading of their
equipment. If an angular pull is to be applied to an
eyebolt, the user must verify with the manufacturer’s
information that this type pull is allowed and abide by
the manufacturer’s recommended safe working load for
the angle at which the load is applied.
35
FIGURE 4
PROPER EYEBOLT USAGE
Plane of eyebolt
Straight Pulls Spreader Beam PLANE OF EYEBOLT

Angular Pulls
Recommended Recommended ILLUSTRATED
Not Recommended
36
Shoulder must be
Pack with washers to in full contact with

ensure that shoulder surface
is firmly in contact
with surface
Nut must be
tightened Ensure that tapped
hole is deep enough

TABLE 8
SWIVEL EYEBOLTS
Swivel eyebolts are designed for angular loading,
and their ratings are usually good for any load angle.
Forces increase with load angle and the swivel eyebolt
must be sized to equal the load in the attached sling or
hardware. The drawing below shows a swivel eyebolt. A
chart for rated load and thread size for swivel eyebolts
is also shown below. Always use a proper torque
wrench and follow manufacturer’s recommended torque
values when installing swivel eyebolts.
Swivel Eyebolts
(Swivel Hoist Rings)
Rated Load Thread Size Torque
(lbs) (ft-lbs)
800 5
/16 - 18 7
1,000 3
/8 - 16 12
2,500 1
/2 - 13 28
4,000 5
/8 - 11 60
5,000 3
/4 - 10 100
Swivel eyebolts are available in metric thread classes.
37
TABLE 9
TYPE 2 SHOULDERED
FORGED STEEL EYEBOLTS
A B C H Wx
Working Load
Nominal Shank Shank Eye Thread Size Limit, lb.
Size Dia. Length ID UNC-2A at 0°
1/4 0.25 0.25 1.00 0.69 1
/4 - 20 or 400
0.28 1.06 0.81 0.250 - 20
5
/16 0.31 0.31 1.12 0.81 5
/16 - 18 or 800
0.34 1.19 0.94 0.3125 - 18
3/8 0.38 0.38 1.25 0.94 3
/8 - 16 or 1400
0.41 1.38 1.06 0.375 - 16
7/16 0.44 0.44 1.38 1.00 7
/16 - 14 or 2000
0.47 1.50 1.12 0.4375 - 14
1
/2 0.50 0.50 1.50 1.12 1
/2 - 13 or 2600
0.53 1.62 1.25 0.500 - 13
9
/16 0.56 0.56 1.62 1.19 9
/16 - 12 or 3000
0.59 1.75 1.31 0.5625 - 12
5/8 0.62 0.62 1.75 1.31 5
/8 - 11 or 4000
0.66 1.88 1.44 0.625 - 11
3/4 0.75 0.75 2.00 1.44 3
/4 - 10 or 6000
0.78 2.12 1.56 0.750 - 10
7/8 0.88 0.88 2.25 1.56 7
/8 - 9 or 6600
0.91 2.38 1.69 0.875 - 9
1 1.00 1.00 2.50 1.69 1 - 8 or 8000
1.06 2.62 1.81 1.000 - 8
1 1/8 1.12 1.12 2.75 1.94 1 1/8 - 7 or 10000
1.19 2.88 2.06 1.125 - 7
1 1/4 1.25 1.25 3.00 2.12 1 1/4 - 7 or 15000
1.34 3.12 2.25 1.250 - 7
1 1/2 1.50 1.50 3.50 2.44 1 1/2 - 6 or 18 000
1.59 3.62 2.56 1.500 - 6
1 3/4 1.75 1.75 3.75 2.75 1 3/4 - 5 or 22000
1.84 3.88 3.00 1.750 - 5
2 2.00 2.00 4.00 3.06 2 - 4 1/2 or 26000
2.09 4.12 3.44 2.000 - 4.50
(All dimensions in inches)
38
15. Mobile Cranes
15.1 OPERATION AND USE OF CRANES
15.1.1 Safety Responsibility: It is the responsibility

of site management to ensure that this equipment
is in serviceable condition and competently oper-
ated so as to afford safe operation at all times.
Responsibility for safety in the USE of this equip-

ment, however, is shared with the craft working
same. It will be the working craft’s responsibility to
ensure that:
1. Safe methods and procedures are observed in
their work at all times.
2. A qualified signalman is provided.
3. The work is at all times properly supervised.
15.2 Rules for Safe Crane Use
15.2.1 Always work crane on firm level ground or

cribbing.
15.2.2 Set all outriggers on truck cranes.
15.2.3 Outrigger pads should be used for all lifts

and must be used for all critical lifts.
15.2.4 Provide barricades and warning signs to

prevent exposure of passersbys to the hazards of
crane work.
15.2.5 Mobile crane equipment should be

equipped with anti-two-blocking devices. Mobile
cranes used to lift personnel must be equipped
with an anti-two-blocking device that renders the
crane’s controls inoperable when the device is
activated.
39
15.2.6 Check all operating controls and safety
devices for proper operation and functionability.
15.2.7 Check hoist brakes before making a heavy

lift by picking load and checking it close to the
ground.
15.2.8 Before lifting, verify no one is in a position

to be struck or crushed by the motion of the load
as it is picked.
15.2.9 Know the weight of the load to be lifted.

Do not rely on onboard load indicating or limiting
devices to provide this critical data as they are a
backup tool only.
15.2.10 The capacity of the crane varies with the

boom radius. Check the boom charts in crane cab
for correct boom radius and measure if in doubt.
(Boom radius is measured from crane center pin to
center of load being lifted). Never exceed limits in
the load chart and lifting notes.
15.2.11 Keep the boom directly over the load

when making a lift. Do not side load or allow boom
to lean on or strike against other objects.
15.2.12 Check all loads for proper rigging and

hitching before they are raised. Always lift with a
balanced and stable load.
15.2.13 Keep hands out of pinch points when

holding hook or slings while slack is being taken
up.
15.2.14 Signals
a) Only authorized personnel are to act as crane
signalers
b) Make sure operator and signalers understand
the signals used
c) Only one person is to give signals to the opera-
40
tor at any time
15.2.15 Keep the load and all parts of the crane

15 feet (4.57m) from all electric lines.
15.2.16 Crane workers are to stay out from under

boom whenever possible. Never hoist or swing
loads over other workers.
15.2.17 Use sufficient tag lines of adequate size

and length on all loads. Make certain there are no
knots in the tag line that could get caught or tangle
during load movement.
15.2.18 Riding the hook or load is forbidden.
15.2.19 No maintenance or repair is to be permit-

ted while a load is suspended.
15.2.20 In cases where the operator is not satis-

fied the job is being performed safely, he is to stop
the crane and contact the supervisor immediately.
15.2.21 The operator is not to leave the controls

while a load is suspended.
15.3 Some crane lifts are referred to as “critical” and

involve exposure to additional hazards from the
surroundings. These will always require additional
and/or higher level of management reviews and
permits before proceeding.
15.3.1 A crane lift shall be considered a “critical

lift” when any one of the following conditions
exists:
∑ • The lift involves the use of a crane-suspended
work platform or handling personnel by any
means (such as a fall protection anchor point).
• Working with any part of a crane or load closer
than 15 feet (5 meters) to an overhead electric
line or critical industrial operating process.
• The load exceeds 75 percent of the manufactur-
41
TABLE 10
CRANE SIGNALS
42
TABLE 10 (Cont’d.)
43
er’s recommended crane capacity, as shown on
the load charts for the configuration to be used.
• The load must be lifted by more than one crane.
• The lift requires deviation from the manufacturer’s
recommendations, including but not limited to:
- Using a boom configuration unlike that on the
boom makeup chart
• - Moving a crane with a longer boom than recom-
mended
• - Exceeding the capacities or restrictions shown
on the load chart
15.3.2 All critical lifts require a critical lift form be

completed (see PH84 for form) and may require a
close proximity permit.
16. Rigging with Forklifts
Forklifts are designed specifically to avoid the need

for co-worker assistance in front, to steady, engage, or
attach loads. Any need for others to assist a forklift in
handling or attaching a load greatly increases hazards.
16.1 Free rigging is the direct attachment to or place-

ment of rigging equipment (slings, shackles, rings,
etc.) onto the tines of a forklift for a below-the-tines
lift. This type of lift does not use an approved lifting
attachment and is not recommended.
16.2 Attachments (jibs, poles, etc.) must be securely

attached to the tines or mast of the forklift.
16.3 Modifications and the use of free rigging or attach-

ments will affect the capacity and safe operation of
the forklift. Written approval must be obtained from
the manufacturer authorizing use and providing
capacity.
16.4 Only stable or safely arranged loads should

be handled. Caution shall be exercised when
handling off-center loads.
16.5 Forklift rigging that involves the suspension of

loads from forks or attachments effectively turns
44
• The lift requires deviation from the manufacturer’s
recommendations, including but not limited to:
- Using a boom configuration unlike that on the boom
makeup chart
- Moving a crane with a longer boom than recommended
- Exceeding the capacities or restrictions shown on the
load chart
15.3.2 All critical lifts require a critical lift form be completed

(see PH84 for form) and may require a close proximity permit.
16. RIGGING WITH FORKLIFTS
Forklifts are designed specifically to avoid the need for co- worker
assistance in front, to steady, engage, or attach loads. Any need for
others to assist a forklift in handling or attaching a load greatly
increases exposure to hazards. The use of forklift attachments
require specific skills that include, but not limited to, how to safely
connect and disconnect the attachment from the forklift, load capacity
changes, load handling characteristics and dynamics, limitations of
use and additional hazards the attachment creates. Prior to initial
use, training is required for the operator and any assistant on each
specific forklift/attachment combination.
16.1 Free rigging is the direct attachment to or placement of rigging

equipment (slings, shackles, rings, etc.) onto the tines of a
forklift for a below-the-tines lift and does not use an approved
lifting attachment. Free rigging shall not be used to support
loads from a forklift.
16.2 Modifications to a forklift by the use of attachments will affect

the capacity, stability and safe operation of the forklift. The use
of any attachment must be approved in writing by the forklift
manufacturer. The documentation shall include the capacity
and weight of the attachment as well as the resulting net
capacity of the forklift. Consult DuMES for assistance in
situations where the forklift manufacturer’s approval to use a
particular attachment can not be obtained.
16.3 Attachments (jibs, poles, etc.) must be securely attached to the

tines or mast of the forklift.
16.4 Only stable or safely arranged loads should be handled.

Caution shall be exercised when handling off-center loads.
16.5 Forklift rigging that involves the suspension of loads from

attachments effectively turns the forklift into a crane, with all the
additional requirements listed in Section 15 to be considered.
44
the forklift into a crane, with all the additional
requirements as listed in Section 15 to be
considered.
17. HANDY THINGS TO KNOW
TO FIND...
• The circumference of a circle, multiply the diam-
eter by 3.1416 (approx. 31/7).
• The diameter of a circle, multiply the circumfer-
ence by .31831.
• The area of a circle, multiply the square of the
diameter by .7854.
• The area of a triangle, multiply the base by 1/2 the
perpendicular height.
• The volume of a sphere, multiply cube of the
diameter by .5236.
• A gallon of water weighs 81/2 lbs.
• A gallon of water contains 231 cubic inches.
• A cubic foot of water contains 71/2 gals., 1728
cubic inches and weighs 621/2 lbs.
• In board measure, all boards are assumed to be
1-inch thick. Area of a lineal foot multiplied by
length in feet will give the surface contents in
square feet.
18. WEIGHTS OF MATERIAL
APPROX. WEIGHT
MATERIAL PER CUBIC FOOT – LBS.
Brick (common) 120 (about 3 tons per 1000)
Concrete 150 (4050 lbs. per cu. yd.)
Crushed Rock 95 (2565 lbs. per cu. yd.)
Lumber 32 (10 lbs./2” x 4” x 8’-0”)
Mortar 100
Sand 120 (3240 lbs. per cu. yd.)
Steel 490 (40.8 lbs./Sq. Ft. 1” thick)
Tar/Roofing 63
Water 62.5 (8.3 lbs./Gal.)
45
19. Safe Hitches and Knots
SQUARE KNOT
A safe means of fastening BOWLINE
together the ends of two A loop which will not slip
ropes of the same diameter. or draw tight.
CLOVE HITCH
Step 1 Step 2
ROUND TURN & TWO RUNNING BOWLINE

HALF HITCHES
For fastening a scaffold line
to a supporting beam.
Remember, knots reduce the capacity of the rope by as

much as 50%.
46
EN-3964
Rev. 6/07

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HAND

Rigging Book Copyright © 2007 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

The handling, setting, and erection of materials

This manual has been designed as a reference to

The contents of this manual are minimum

The Hand Rigging Book contains recommenda-

This handbook is issued and maintained

Copyright© 2007 E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company.

Rigging Book Copyright © 2007 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

RIGGING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS.......................1

Rigging Book Copyright © 2007 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

The following terms are commonly used in the subject

A-FRAME - A framework made in the form of an A,

Anti-two-blocking Device - An attachment to a

BIGHT - A simple loop. A part of all knots.

BIRD-CAGING - The twisting of fiber or wire rope in an

BLOCK AND TACKLE - Sometimes referred to as a

BOOM - The long, usually fabricated, part of a crane

CHAIN HOIST - A portable lifting device geared to give

CHOKER - A hitch made using a sling in a manner so

CLEVIS - A U-shaped or stirrup-shaped device used

DEAD WEIGHT - The total weight of all the suspended

DESIGN FACTOR - The factor by which ultimate

DRIFTING - The act of moving a suspended load in a

EVENER - A beam arrangement suspended from

FACTOR OF SAFETY - See Design Factor.

FIBER ROPE - A rope made from nonmetallic materials

GIRDER - A permanent strength member in building

HOOK GAGE - A fixed gage used to measure the

KINK - The making of a loop in the rope so small that

KNOT - The intertwining of the end of a rope with a por-

LAY OF ROPE - A term used to describe the forming

LIFE NET - A spring-type rope net used directly below

LINK - A piece of metal forged or formed to make an

LOAD (DEAD) - The total weight of all the suspended

LOAD (LIVE) - The weight of the object to be lifted.

LOAD (TOTAL) - The sum of dead load plus live load.

MANILA ROPE - A high-strength fiber rope made from

Moused - Securing a wire, strap, rope or cord to close

OUTRIGGER - A part built or arranged to project

REEVING - The threading of the rope between the

ROLLERS - Long pieces of hardwood about 7 or 8

SHACKLE - A U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped piece

SKID - Normally a heavy timber used under heavy

SOFTENER - Wood or other soft materials placed over

SPLICE - The method of permanently attaching two

STRAND - The result of twisting or forming several

THIMBLE - A metal-formed piece inserted in the eye of

TURNBUCKLE - A fitting used to tighten or loosen the

WEDGE SOCKETS (beckett) - A socket attachment for

WINCH - A power source for hoisting or moving. Usu-

WIRE ROPE CLIPS - A mechanical means of temporar-

WLL - Working Load Limit

1.1 WIRE ROPE INSPECTION

1.1.1 Inspection for handling damage should be

1.1.2 Wire rope having been stored three

1.1.3 Many wire ropes are permanently dam-

1.1.4 A permanent bend from pulling out a kink

1.1.5 All wire rope should be inspected before

1.2 IN-USE INSPECTION

1.2.1 Frequency - Wire rope should be

1.2.2 Procedure - The weak points in the rope

Worn spots will show up as shiny flattened spots

- Pull on several fibers near the center of the