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Sop 05 - Lifting and Rigging Procedure
Sop 05 - Lifting and Rigging Procedure
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
REVIEWED BY APPROVED BY
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
2. DEFINITION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
4. INSPECTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
5. HAZARDS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
6. TRAINING AND COMPETENCY--------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
6.1 CRANE AND FORKLIFT OPERATORS---------------------------------------------------- 7
6.2 SLINGERS/RIGGERS---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
7. MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENTS-------------------------------------------------------------- 8
7.1 CRANES AND FORKLIFTS--------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
7.2 TESTING AND CERTIFICATION-------------------------------------------------------------- 9
7.3 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY--------------------------------------------------------------- 9
7.4 STATUTORY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
7.5 INSURANCE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.6 TESTING-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.7 MAINTENANCE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
7.8 USE OF COMPETENT AND TRAINED PERSONNEL---------------------------------- 10
7.9 DAILY CHECKS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
8. LIFTING ACCESSORIES------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
9. CRANE OPERATIONS NEAR OVERHEAD POWERLINES----------------------------------- 11
10. GENERAL GUIDELINES------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
10.1 PROTECTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12
10.2 SAFE APPROCH TO LIFTING--------------------------------------------------------------- 12
10.3 LOAD CHART------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
1.0 Purpose/Scope
The purpose of this document is to outline responsibilities and provide guidance on the lifting
and rigging work.
These guidelines describe the principal precautions required to be taken by all personnel and
apply to all company work sites.
2.0 Definition
Outriggers: The extendable (or fixed) metal arms attached to the crane
mounting base which rest on supports on the outer end. {Proper
operations and use of outriggers as per the manufacturer, along
with adequate! support, will level and stabilize the crane.
Load Chart: A table that summarizes the crane static, dynamic, and personnel
handling load capacities at various boom angles, radii, and reeving
configurations. The load chart will include boom length, cable size,
and weight of block, crane model, and serial number.
Rigging: Rigging refers to two things: the process of safely moving loads
with slings, hoists, jacks, and other types of lifting equipment and
the equipment used to lift and move these loads.
SWL: The safe working load (SWL) is the maximum load that may be
imposed on a piece of lifting equipment. The actual load must not
exceed the SWL.
Sling: The piece of equipment used to connect the load to the main hook
or stinger.
Tag Line: A length of rope attached to the load that is used by the qualified
riggers to aid in the control of the load.
Safety factor: The ratio of a failure-producing load to the maximum safe stress a
material can carry. To calculate the safety factor, divide the
breaking strength by the SWL.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Lifting equipment including all rigging & slinging appliance, tackles, gears, and anchoring
devices shall be appropriate and quality certified for the desired work. All lifting device shall
be die stamped or painted with an identification number, safe working load and due date
of inspection to indicate its suitability as per quality assurance criteria. A valid test
certificate must be available for all equipment. Where marking is not feasible, such items
are to be color coded and the safe working loads recorded in a lifting tackle register, which
shall be maintained by the user. The equipment should not be used without a valid test
certificate.
Confirm weight of the object and establish the load's center of gravity prior to beginning
the lift.
The boom and basket load limit specified by the manufacturer must not be exceeded.
The crane or lifting equipment must not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working
position.
Workers shall wear a full-body harness and an approved lanyard while working from a
basket, and 100 percent tie-off at all times shall be ensured.
The anchoring device for such equipment must have a reliable and secured support. The
lifting equipment shall never be used on a soft uneven surface or on a slope unless
precautions have been taken to ensure stability.
The driver / operator of lifting equipment shall have adequate training, experience and
competency to operate such devices and must be at least 21 years old.
A passageway of minimum 610mm shall be maintained between slewing / moving parts
of a lifting equipment and guardrails / fixtures in the vicinity.
Place load in designated lay-down area and remove rigging equipment after load is
securely in place and free of support from the crane.
4.0 Inspection
All lifting and rigging operations shall be carried out by suitably trained and
experienced personnel.
The UAE government approved licensing authority shall inspect all lifting appliances
(Mobile cranes and Forklifts) once a year.
An approved third party inspection authority (e.g. Bureau VERITAS) shall conduct
inspections and in addition will be subject to other site inspections too.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Inspection Schedule for Cranes, Winches, Forklifts, Pulley Blocks, Man lifts, Boom lift:
5.0 Hazards
The main hazards associated with materials handling are:
The type of lifting appliance may be incorrect for the job being undertaken.
Incompatible capacity of lifting equipment / accessories with weight / size of load.
When moving loads, particular care must be taken to prevent instability. Importance of
ground condition for stability of the equipment when lifting loads.
Inadequate assessment of loads and center of gravity.
Incorrect use of lifting accessories in hooking / unhooking of loads. Personnel in close
proximity to suspended loads and cargoes in transit. Work space confinements such as
adjacent structures or buildings and overhead power cables.
The equipment “operator” has restricted visibility so has to rely on hand signals.
Hand signals may be incorrect, misunderstood and be given by too many people.
Inadvertent operation of equipment controls.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Lifting appliances and accessories exposed to potential misuse and harsh conditions.
Manual handling techniques and the use of the appropriate PPE
Effect of weather conditions (e.g. heavy rain strong wind,) on handling operations.
All crane and forklift drivers working on company locations shall have a certificate of aptitude
issued by a recognized independent body.
The assessment is to determine the suitability of personnel involved in lifting operations shall
be carried out on an individual basis and shall be conducted by BERG approved assessors.
Demonstrate good vision (day & night vision / color blindness), hearing and reflexes.
A Clear understanding of specific BERG site regulations. Knowledge of the working limits
of the “operators “crane or forklift plus fitted safety devices.
The ability to read and to perceive hazards in operational situations, e.g. hazardous or
congested areas, concurrent operations and weather conditions, apply safe practices and
observe site rules and local regulations.
Knowledge of and ability to act on the signals as used in the operations, as well as assess
correctness of indicated weight of load.
Working knowledge of safe slinging practices.
Working knowledge of the lifting equipment for routine inspections (for cranes:
including boom and ropes) before allowing lifting operations to commence.
The competency to make an inspection of the load prior to lifting operations. Working
knowledge of the sling types, inspection and the preparation the load for lifting.
Working with cranes and lifting appliances to undertake and control lifting operations.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
The Qualified Crane Operator and the assigned Signalman shall ensure that the following
activities are carried out:
The Signalman shall be in high-visibility wear so that all personnel involved in the lifting
activity, shall see the person assigned to give hands signals, to the crane operator.
Ensure the lifting equipment is certified for current use.
Confirm that the appropriate rigging for the lift is correctly installed, and the lifting sets are
not twisted or snagged.
Ensure slings of equal length are used, placed to ensure balance and correctly choked on
tubular.
Ensure shackle bolts are tight and adequately secured and locked.
Confirm the weight of any particular load or bundle.
Ensure the hook is positioned above the load's center of gravity (if known).
Ensure that a clear and effective communication system is employed and understood by
personnel involved with the lifting operation.
Ensure there is adequate lighting in the pick-up and lay-down areas and unobstructed
access ways and escape routes exist.
Ensure that the pick-up and lay-down areas are within the crane radius for the load being
lifted.
Ensure that the load does not pass over personnel.
Ensure that any restraints to the lift are removed (e.g., hold-down bolts, sea fastenings,
etc.).
Prior to the use of a mobile crane, the ground condition must be known and suitable for
the intended lifting operation. The location of underground services shall also be verified.
Applicable standards for the correct specification of materials handling equipment are listed in
HSE Manual, as per category. These appendices show the recommendations on which
standards are preferred for each subject in terms of further guidance, by way of a single
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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preference for ISO, or BS etc. per subject, based on the Group hierarchy of industry
recommended practices - international, national standards, etc.
The Safe Working Load (SWL) shall be marked on all lifting equipment.
Note: SWL of cranes is usually marked on the boom and the hook block. The figures may be
different, but the hook block must always be the lower figure.
The SWL on the crane boom is the nominal capacity of the crane when it is geared with the
maximum number of falls and the design number of drum wraps. Maintenance of the winch
line often requires removing sections of the line, and this must only be done when the
maximum number of falls and the required number of drum wraps can be maintained,
or the complete winch line must be replaced.
In addition to the fact that Cranes and Forklifts should comply for design, construction, testing,
and certification with a recognized national or international standard. No lifting appliances
should be accepted without a comprehensive set of documentation provided by the
manufacturer to include general data, specification and technical characteristics of equipment
and assembly units, safety devices and instrumentation load/reach tables, delivery and
acceptance documents.
Lifting appliances shall carry current valid certificates for the following requirements:
7.4 Statutory
Legal requirements as defined by the UAE government. Yearly inspections/ testing as per
Company regulations
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
7.5 Insurance
7.6 Testing
The testing of lifting appliances should comprise the three categories of:
7.7 Maintenance
This should take account of all factors affecting the equipment in carrying out the work.
Inspection frequency may need to be increased depending on frequency of use and
environmental conditions.
These checks are for tyre conditions and pressures, brakes and steering gear, lights,
audible warning signals, fluid levels/leaks (fuel, oil, water, hydraulic fluid), battery status and
condition, house-keeping, lifting systems, winch, winch line, hook block, tilting and
manipulation systems.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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Detailed information / guidance on the maintenance and inspection of slings is provided in the
Appendices
Manufactured to a recognized International standard.
Provision of a Test certificate.
Marked clearly with the Safe Working load (SWL).
Name or trademark of the manufacturer. Manufacturer’s code or stock number.
Lifting accessories shall be inspected thoroughly by an approved person every six months,
and recorded in a lifting gear register.
A color coding system shall be in force, in order to identify the lifting accessories currently
in use easily. Only equipment found fit for purpose during inspection by the approved person,
will be color coded. Any lifting equipment incorrectly color-coded shall not be used. The color
‘red’ shall be used to identify unfit equipment.
All certificates covering lifting equipment (e.g. cranes and forklifts) as well as lifting
accessories to be used at BERG locations, shall be safe-guarded at site. The files should be
easy accessible for Company representatives.
In areas where overhead power lines may pose a threat to safe crane operations (shore bases,
land locations, etc.) the following safety precautions shall be observed:
Notify the Client’s responsible personnel at least 24 hours before beginning any work that
requires identification of voltages and clearances, or de-energize, apply safety grounds,
or relocate lines.
Power lines shall be presumed energized until the utility owner/operator confirms that
the power line has been de-energized and visibly grounded at the worksite
Inform employees of the hazards and precautions when working near overhead lines.
Ensure that crane operations are not conducted in proximity to overhead power lines.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Proximity is defined as within 10 feet (3 meters) to 50 kV, if the Qualified Crane Operator is
not sure of voltage on the overhead power lines, he shall get approval from their supervisor
before crane operations begin and follow instructions.
Irrespective of your sling material (wire, chain or fiber), it is imperative to avoid bending the
sling around sharp corners or edges. This will severely weaken the sling and often result in
sling failure. Suitable packing should be used to prevent this situation.
Apart from protecting your lifting slings, certain loads are such that they need protection from
the slings. Timber packing in most cases is suitable where polyester slings cannot be used.
Lifting / slinging equipment when not in use to be racked and greased in the case of wire /
Chains, mainly kept off the ground.
Following are recommendations as to the correct procedures to adopt when affecting a lift.
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Determine that the type of load is suitable for the slings proposed
The load shall not damage the slings, the slings shall not damage the load and there are
suitable points of attachment on the load.
Know the SWL of the slings, the designated load lift points and the slinging method.
Check the condition of the sling(s).
Assess the stability of the load when raised:
Vertical alignment of the load COG (Centre of Gravity) relative to main point(s) of
attachment.
The horizontal position of the load COG relative to the point(s) of attachment slings to the
load.
Use a trial lift if necessary, sufficient only to determine and correct the degree and direction
of tilt and swing.
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Load charts shall be prepared in a standard format and tailored to the particular rigging
configuration of each crane. Load charts will be securely positioned to the crane in a location
that is easily visible to the qualified crane operator at the primary control station. A copy of the
load chart shall also be maintained in the crane file. Any changes to the crane configuration
(boom length, wire rope size, hoist, etc.) shall be accurately reflected on the posted load chart.
Load charts for cranes used to transfer personnel shall include capacity rating for personnel
lifts.
In all lifting operations care should be taken to ensure that the load imposed on any item of
equipment or on part of any item does not exceed its safe working load. When there is any
uncertainty about the weight of the load or the load likely to be applied to a particular
part of the equipment it is recommended that load sensing devices be used.
In addition to the above, care should be taken to ensure that at all stages of lifting, the load
remains in a stable condition. In general the load may be unstable if at any time (1) the center
of gravity of the load is not vertically beneath the crane hook, or (2) the centre of gravity of the
load is higher than the point of attachment of the slings to the load.
With all lifting operations the load should be lifted a nominal distance only in the first instance.
This trial lift allows the operative to check his estimations of balance, weight indication,
stability, and general security of the load whilst it is in a relatively safe position.
If any discrepancies are found the load should be lowered and the slinging revised. The
sequence of trial lift and adjustment should be repeated until the operator is satisfied that the
load is balanced, stable, and secure.
Plan the route the load will be travelling on the way to the lay-down point and ensure any
obstructions are cleared away.
Note: Only one man should give signals to the crane operator. Should the crane operator
receive instructions / signals from more than one person at a time, he shall stop the operation.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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If personnel are required to manhandle suspended loads at shoulder height or lower, they
shall do so in the following manner:
Maintain contact with the load with both hands, with arms extended.
Keep the body at a slight angle with the legs pointing away from the load
Never push or pull the load with fingers underneath the load.
Caution - the load should never be lowered so as to trap the slings as this action can cause
severe damage to the slings.
Before landing any load, a check should be made to ensure that the lay-down point is of
adequate size and capable of taking the weight of the load. In addition, it may be necessary
to provide suitable landing packing, (e.g. timber), to enable the slings to be removed from
under the load.
When lowering the load it should be brought to a halt a short distance above the landing site
to allow the operative to steady it, check the position of the landing packing and ensure that
all personnel have their fingers and feet clear of the load.
The load should then be inched down into position. Before slackening off the slings check that
the load is safe and stable. If not, it should be lifted slightly (to allow the landing packing to be
adjusted) and lowered again.
Note: The trial landing procedure is very similar to the trial lift procedure and should be
repeated until the operative is satisfied that the load is safely landed.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
For Non-Routine lifts in production facilities a lifting/rigging plan shall be required under
following circumstances:
A lift by virtue of load to be lifted and working radius, places the unit at its maximum safe
working limits, as indicated on the cranes load chart.
All multiple / tandem lifts. A multiple lift is any lift which by reasons of dimensions or location
requires more than one crane working together.
High level / high reach crane lift. Is any lift which exceeds the length of a crane’s normally
mounted boom section. On hydraulic cranes, truck mounted and rough terrain cranes,
normally mounted boom sections are the main boom and all telescoping units fully
extended.
In addition to:
One competent person shall be placed in charge of the lift with the responsibility of
explaining in detail the duties of all involved in the lift before the actual lift commences.
In all cases the outriggers must be fully extended prior to making the lift. In all cases suitable
tag lines shall be used.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Where slings are attached permanently, only safety shackles shall be used.
Remove the shackle pin and examine for wear, deformation and cracking. Ensure it is the
correct pin for the shackle
Check pin threads for wear/deformation.
Examine shackle body for deformation, cracking, check for wear in the crown and pin
holes.
Check alignment of the pinhole to ensure that the pin fits correctly and completely to the
end of the threaded section.
In the case of safety pin shackles, ensure split pins are fitted.
The color coding is current and the shackle has a plant number / ID mark.
Always center the load on the shackle pin to avoid angular pulls against the leg of the shackle.
Hooks are used as connectors on cranes. They can be connected to slings, shackles and
eyebolts. Hooks come in many shapes and sizes.
Hooks should be equipped with safety latches. Safety latches prevent accidents by positively
securing lifting equipment to the hook. If the load is bumped or released suddenly, the latch
should prevent the load from jumping off the hook. All crane hooks used shall have an operable
latch.
A crane hook that can be closed and locked with a pin or positive locking device eliminating
the hook throat opening should be used for personnel lifts.
Issue No 01
BERG GROUP Revision No 00
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DOC. NO. BERG-HSE-SOP-05
Do's
Make sure that at all times the personnel handling tag lines work at a horizontal distance
from the load equivalent to its height above the handling area, maintaining an angle
between the line and the horizontal of not more than 45 degrees.
Keep all sections of the line, including slack, in front of the body, between the handler and
the load.
Ensure that when two or more persons are handling the same line, ALL of them must work
on the same side of the line. Any slack must be kept in front of the group.
Hold the tag line in such a manner that it can be quickly and totally released.
Take extra care when using tag lines while wearing gloves to ensure that the line does not
become entangled with the glove.
Don'ts
Don't secure or attach tag line in any manner to adjacent structures or equipment. This
includes the practice of making a "round turn" on stanchions or similar structures and
surging the line to control the load.
Don't loop tag line around wrists, or other parts of the body.
Don't retrieve taglines by going under load.