BASIC

RIGGING
and
SLINGING
COURSE

1
1. LEGISLATION:

Wherever you are working, you will find If you are involved with using lifting gear
there is legislation regarding Health and and equipment, you will be aware that as
Safety which puts the onus on the part of the certification criteria, it must be
employer to provide a safe place of inspected at regular intervals. Local
work. This duty includes the provision standards will indicate a maximum time
of all necessary instruction, training span between these examinations but, out
and supervision. Equally important, you with this, all items of lifting gear must be
will find that as an employee, you will examined by YOU prior to each use to
also have a responsibility to take ensure so far as is practical they are in a
reasonable care for your own health good state of repair and fit for purpose to
and safety and that of other people who carry out the intended task safely.
may be affected by your conduct at
work. This includes complying with any If you are dealing with dangerous goods,
safety requirements imposed by either there are International regulations
your employer or the owner/operator of describing how they should be segregated
the work site. if necessary, packaged safely and marked
up with hazard labels as appropriate.
Should you be operating a crane, local
regulations will dictate that Crane
Operators should have received
adequate training or at least have the
relevant practical experience to enable
them to demonstrate their competence.
2
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SAFE WORKING LOAD (S.W.L.)?

Safe Working Load (S.W.L.) is the WHAT IS THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY

load that can safely be lifted OF A LOAD?
provided your lifting equipment is
in good condition and has 3 items The Centre of Gravity of a Load in simple
terms is:
marked on it, i.e.
1. S.W.L.
THE CENTRE OF THE LOAD BY ITS
2. Identification No. WEIGHT
3. Colour Code
OR
If it does not have these 3 items
marked on it, THE POINT OF BALANCE OF THE LOAD

N.B.
DO NOT USE IT
If the slinging points of the load are not
clearly marked then trial lifts should be
Change it for items that do have these made by slowly lifting the load just
3 items marked on it. clear of the ground, then check that the
load is balanced and will not tip.
3
 Hook not over c.g. Suspended, Centered over c.g.
Unbalanced,
wrong
on ground sw
i ng

Centre of Gravity
The load is not
balanced.
Balanced right

It will swing into

Wrong this position

Vertical Lift

Correct

4
The load is balanced
WIRE ROPE TOLERANCES

These tolerances do not apply to elevator ropes.

DIAMETER OF WIRE ROPE Consult our Engineering Dept. on elevator
applications.
The components of a wire rope each has a
small but definite size tolerance. Therefore, Establishing wire rope safe working load.
the rope itself must have a diameter at least The Safe Working Load of wire rope can be
calculated by the following formula.
equal to the nominal, or catalog, size never
SWL = M.B.L.
smaller. Standard ropes may exceed the S.F.
nominal-diameter by the amounts shown Where :
below: M.B.L. = Wire Rope Minimum Breaking Load
S.F. = Safety Factor
NOMINAL UNDERSIZE OVERSIZE S.W.L. = Wire rope
DIAMETER INCHES INCHES
OF ROPE IN Remarks: The Safety Factor for the wire rope is
INCHES 5:1.
Example:
0 0 1/32
 A sample of 1” dia steel wire rope has a M.B.L.
of 40Tonnes. Determine the S.W.L.
1 3/16 1 1/8 0 3/64

Answer: Since the S.F. for the wire rope is 5:1

1 3/16 1 0 1/16 then
SWL = _40_ = 8Tons
1 9/16 - 2 0 3/32 5
SWL = 8Tons
2 5/16 and larger 0 1/8
The wire S.W.L. can be achieved using common
table produced by the wire rope mfg. a sample 5 of
such table is shown hereunder:
STEEL WIRE ROPE SLING

What is a Wire Rope? Core

Wire
A wire rope consists of steel wires in groups of
between 6 and 60 or more twisted together into King
strands. The strands (numbering between 3 to 8 in Wire
simple constructions) are in turn twisted together
around the core.
The steel wire is drawn from rod of diameters between
Core 6 and 10mm to wire of the exact diameter found
to give the best performance in the rope to be made.
Most specifications for wire ropes stipulate outside
Strand
diameter tolerance of +4% and -0%, so with upwards of
100 wires per rope the tolerance on each wire is in
effect very small.
As the wire diameter is reduced by drawing through
progressively smaller tungsten carbide dies, the
tensile strength is raised by cold working, so that by
varying the number and sizes of dies, a wire can be
produced with the correct diameter, with a tensile Wire Rope
strength ranging from 1420N/sq mm to upwards of
2150N/sq mm, and with the required characteristics of
hardness and flexibility. The wires can be galvanized
or left ungalvanized (or bright).
6
dia
STEEL WIRE ROPE SLING

This account is, of course, very much simplified.

In practice, many variables are introduced and the
number, size and arrangement of wires in the
strand and strands in the rope (i.e. the
“construction” of the rope) carries according to
the rope specification to give varying degrees of
strength, flexibility, resistance to abrasion,
crushing and shock loading. Some further
EQUAL LAY
explanation of these factors will be found in the
following pages.

Every time a wire rope bends each wire moves

slightly in relation to its neighbors, therefore the
sizes and dispositions of the wires are very
important to the performance and life of the rope.
One distinction can clearly be drawn here between
two different types of strand construction, Equal
Lay and Cross Lay. CROSS LAY

7
STELLWIRE
STEEL WIREROPE
ROPE SLING
SLING

Equal Lay – all layers of wire are in spirals of the same pitch, so that each wire supports or is
supported by its length. These constructions are more compact, therefore have a higher density
of steel than a cross lay, so the strand is not easily crushed out of shape and the wires do not
have points of relatively high contact pressure. Examples of equal lay ropes are 6 x 19 Sale, 6 x
19 Filler and 6 x 36 Warrington Seale, which are shown in cross sections below:

6 x 19 Seale 6 x 19 Filler 6 x 36 Warrington

Ordinary Construction Seale Construction

6 x 19 Ordinary 8 x 19 Ordinary 6 x 19 Seale IWRC 8 x 19 Ordinary

Fibre Core Fibre Core Fibre Core

Warrington Construction Filler Construction

6 x 19 Ordinary 8 x 19 Ordinary 6 x 21 Filler, 8 x 19 Ordinary

Fibre Core Fibre Core Fibre Core Fibre, IWRC

Basic 19 Wire Strand Construction

19 Wire Warring Strand
19 Wire Seale Strand
6 x 19 Warrington, Details of 19 Wire
6 x 19 Seale IWRC Details of 19 Wire
Fibre Core Rope Warrington Strand
Rope Seale Strand

25 Wire Filler Strand

6 x 25 Filler, IWRC Rope Details of 25 Wire Filler Strand 8

WIREROPE
WIRE ROPEMANUCACTURING
MANUFACTURING

PERFORMANCE
A PREFORMNG HEAD
If a preformed rope is unlaid (i.e. the
Strands and wires are separated) it will
be seen that the elements all have their
set helical forms and the rope can be
easily laid up again. A preformed rope
has the following advantages:

1) The rope is dead and is therefore

more easily handled.
2) When the rope is cut, the cut ends
do not automatically unlay (i.e.
spring open)

The process of performing is carried

out by a performing head, through
which the strands pass immediately
before the closing head, in which they
are formed into the wire rope.
9
CORES

The central core of a steel wire rope maintains the circular section of the rope by
supporting the strands the core may be of two classes:

a. Fibre Cores - composed of vegetable fibre (e.g. Manila, Jute or more commonly
Sisal) or man- made fibre (such as Polypropylene), which has the advantage of
being more resistant to deterioration. Fibre cores are often referred to as F.C.
or F.F.C. and are impregnated with a suitable preservative lubricant.

b. Steel Cores - may be a Wire Strand Core - W.S.C. (usually in ropes of a diameter
less than 8mm) or a complete rope in itself, an independent Wire Rope Core -
I.W.R.C. (usually of 7 x 7 construction - 6 strands of 7 wires around 1 strand of 7
wires).
The steel core will resist distortion when the rope is heavily loaded, passing over
relatively small diameter sheaves or pulleys, or subjected to drum crushing.
Distortion may lead to impaired running over sheaves etc. and may lead to failure
due to unequal loading of individual wires, so where these dangers are present a
wire rope with an I.W.R.C. will normally give a longer life than one with F.C.

A rope with an I.W.R.C. is also superior in very hot working conditions, such as
steel making plant where the F.C. will soon dry out and cease to support the outer
strands. In general a rope with an I.W.R.C. has a breaking strength 8% higher than
a similar rope with F.C.
10
WIRE ROPE LAY

This term is applied in various ways:

To describe the direction of rotation of wires and strands:
In an Ordinary Lay (Regular Lay) rope, the wires are laid in one direction and
the strands in the other, so that the visible wires appear to run parallel, to
the rope axis. In this construction a rope under tension may rotate as the
strands “unwind”, but at the same time the wires is the strands are being
twisted more tightly, and a balance is achieved between the two opposing
rotational forces. On relaxation of the tension on the rope it will return to its
normal state. This construction has more resistance than Langs Lay to
drum crushing when multi-layered.

In a Langs Lay rope, the wires and strands are laid in the same direction, so
that the visible wires run at an angle of about 30o to the rope axis. In this
way a longer length of each wire is presented as a wearing surface to spread
abrasion more evenly, so this construction offers a high resistance to
abrasion, e.g. in earthmoving equipment or conveyor systems. Langs Lay
rope does not have the same built-in resistance to unlaying and therefore
SHOULD NOT BE USED WHERE ONE END OF THE ROPE IS FREE TO
ROTATE.
11
WIRE ROPE LAY

The direction or lay or rotation of the strands is normally right hand, but some
machinery needs left hand lay ropes to achieve a balance of torques. A rope
may be described as Right Hand Ordinary Lay, Right Hand Lang’s Lay, Left
Hand ordinary Lay or Left Hand Lang’s Lay (see illustrations).

Alternate Lay Rope

Right Hand Lay Rope

Rope Lay Herringbone or Twin Strand

Strand Lay

12
WIREROPE
WIRE ROPELAY
LAY

Lay length is the length of the rope in which one strand makes one helical
revolution around the core. This may be expressed as X mm (or inches) or as
Xx rope diameter. A short lay rope has more elasticity than a long lay rope
and the lay length is dictated by the application for which the rope is
intended.

Right Lay REGULAR LAY Left Lay REGULAR LAY

Right Lay LANG LAY Left Lay LANG LAY

13
WIREROPE
WIRE ROPELAY
LAY

How the anti-Rotational Characteristic is Built into a Non-Rotating Rope

The tendency of outer layer to

When the outer and inner layers rotate to the right is balanced
are laid in opposite directions. by inner layer tending to
rotate to the left.

Core Slippage in a Non-Rotating Rope

When ends are not properly seized the core can slip either protrude on the other end or
through the outer layer.

14
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE

Any accident to your rope, for instance

jumping a sheave; or being struck. by HOW TO MEASURE WIRE ROPE
falling rock or other objects being run
over, or any of the many things that may
happen to a rope calls for particularly
careful inspection and constant checking,
as it is impossible to determine the
strength remaining in the rope. If there is
possibility of personal Injury, it is good
practice to replace the rope immediately.
If you have any question at any time
regarding your wire rope installation, do
not hesitate to call your Yellow Strand
distributor. He will be glad to inspect your
ropes and your equipment, make
Correct Method Incorrect Method
recommendations as to grade and
construction of rope and give you
suggestions for prolonging rope life.

15
WIRE ROPE SLINGS SHALL BE INSPECTED WIRE ROPE SLING
FOR ANY OF THE UNACCEPTABLE
CONDITIONS LISTED AS FOLLOWS: Sling S.W.L. is stamped by manufacturer.
NO S.W.L. DO NOTUSE.
(1) Rated S.W.L. clearly marked on sling as
per manufacturer's specification SWL Stamp I.D. No.

AT NO TIME SHALL THE OWNER/USER

DEPARTMENT STAMP THE RATED S.W.L.
ONTO SLINGS, THIS IS COMPLETED BY A SWL ID
RECOGNIZED INSPECTOR.

If the S.W.L. is not visible at time of

inspection or use, the sling MUST be The identification Number should be verified or
removed from service. clearly stamped on the Slings Ferrule by the User
Department's designated Wire Rope Sling Inspector.
(2) Crushed Wires, (see example drawing #1).
i.e. Refinery Crane Unit could be stamped as "RCU
(3) Kinked Wires, (see example drawing #1). 001"
This will assist users in maintaining an updated Log
(4) Birdcaging. (see example drawing #2). and therefore making it easy to track Slings.
Each Department shall create its own unique
(5) Open Strands. (Understranding) (see identification makings or use the manufacturer's
example drawing #3). unique identification markings with the sling
number being unique to that sling and traceable to
the log. 16
 WIRE ROPE DAMAGE

FLAT (EXCESSIVE WEAR) PITTED ROPE

“CRUSHED, WORN, FLATTENED,
PITTED & KINKED ROPES”
(This is usually caused by misuse of
Slings)
Example Drawing #1

Look for a shiny or silver

Section on the wire surface.
These ropes are
KINKED crushed, worn &
flattened in the
area where the kink
occurred.

17
“BIRDCAGING IN WIRE ROPES”

Example Drawing #2

18
“WIRE ROPE CORE PROTRUSION & HIGH STRANDING”
Example Drawing #3

Core protrusion as a result of shock loading.

Protrusion of IWRC resulting from shock loading.

Broken wires as a
result of fatigue after
repeated bending
over sheaves of the
High Stranding
proper size and
An open under moderate
kink caused loads.
by improper
handling.

19
Flexing a rope will often reveal broken wires.
“STRETCHED & BROKEN WIRE ROPES” Example Drawing
Normal Undamaged Rope

One Rope Lay

Stretched rope shows increased lay length

Wire breaks should first occur in Wire fatigue from bending over small
the outer wires.
sheave or roller

Broken wires in this area are cause to

replace the rope.

Broken Wires

20
WIRE ROPE SLING CAPACITY CHART

SIZE

DIA 0-90° 90° - 120° 0-90° 0-90° 90° - 120°

10mm ( 3/8”) 1.0 T 1.4 T 1.0 T 2.1 T 2.1 T 1.5 T
13mm (1/2”) 2.2 T 3.0 T 2.2 T 4.6 T 4.6 T 3.3 T
16mm ( 5/8”) 3.3 T 4.6 T 3.3 T 6.9 T 6.9 T 4.6 T
19mm ( ¾”) 4.7 T 6.5 T 4.7 T 9.8 T 9.8 T 7.0 T
22mm (7/8”) 6.3 T 8.8 T 6.3 T 13.2 T 13.2 T 9.4 T
25mm (1”) 8.8 T 12.3 T 8.8 T 18.4 T 18.4 T 13.2 T
28mm (1.1/8”) 10.5 T 14.7 T 10.5 T 22.0 T 22.0 T 15.7 T
32mm (1.1/4”) 13.1 T 18.3 T 13.1 T 27.5 T 27.5 T 19.3 T
35mm (1.3/8”) 15.0 T 21.0 T 15.0 T 31.5 T 31.5 T 22.5 T
38mm (1.1/2”) 18.5 T 25.9 T 18.5 T 38.8 T 38.8 T 27.7 T
44mm (1.3/4”) 25.0 T 35.0 T 25.0 T 52.5 T 52.5 T 37.5 T
52mm (2”) 35.0 T 49.0 T 35.0 T 73.5 T 73.5 T 52.5 T 21
SLINGANGLES
SLING ANGLES

Sling angles are shown in

different ways in various
catalogs. Regardless of
how the sling angle is
stated, or the method used
to figure the stress in a
sling leg, the load rating
should be the same.

The following description applies to the

included angle measured between one sling and
a plumb line suspended from the hook.

A lot of misunderstanding results from the

change in carrying capacity of a sling when the
It is always good practice, within limits,
leg angle is changed. Actually, there is no
change in the tensile strength of the sling leg. to keep the sling leg angle as small as
What happens is that the operator is picking the possible. However, the length and width
load straight up or vertically, but the sling leg is of the load, the sling leg length or the
pulling at a disadvantage. For quick figuring in available headroom sometimes
the shop, a 30o included leg angle causes a determine the sling leg angle.
loss in lifting capacity of 15%.. . .45o leg angle
— 30% …. 60o leg angle — 50%. It’s not 100%
accurate, but easy to remember and slightly on
the safe side. 22
SLING ANGLES

It is neither economical nor good

practice to exceed a 60° sling leg
angle. Angles greater than 60° Sling Angle Stresses per
not only build up tension in the

500 lbs.

500 lbs.
With Sling Leg
sling legs out of all proportion to
Vertical

70
s.
the weight of the load; they also Per 1000

7
lb

lb
lbs.

7
15°

70

s.
create a much greater “in-pull”
on the ends of the load. This Total Load
1000 lbs.
Produces eccentrically loaded 0 500
1000 lbs.
column effect. Long, slender 5 502
objects have a tendency to 10 508
buckle. 15 518
20 532
Included angles greater than 60° 25 552
indicate some thought should be 30 577
given to the use of a lifting beam
.

35 610
lb s

10
in connection with the lift.

.
57

bs

00
40 653
577

7
30°

l
lbs

00

l bs
45 707

10
Lifting capacities on slings are
.

.
50 778
misleading unless the sling angle
55 872
is stated. A sling that will handle 1000 lbs. 1000 lbs.
60 1000
10 Tons at 15° included leg angle
30° 80 2880
will only handle 5 Tons if the
angle is increased to 60°.

23
SLING ANGLES

 Types of wire rope sling

 The wire rope sling has been manufactured in a variety of shapes to suit
different load configuration lift a single, two leg, three leg

90° max.

30° (3) Basket hitch

(1) Straight pull (2) Choke hitch (4) Basket hitch
M=1.0 M=0.8 Max. 90° M=1.4 parallel M=2.0

24
SLING ANGLES

(a) Single Strop

90° max.

(5) Two-legged sling

M=1.4 (b) Endless Sling

 As shown in the above sketch the sling

angle and configuration has direct affect
sling S.W.L. The factor M in each
90° configuration can be applied In the
formula to determine the exact S.W.L. of
Sling during the lifting operation.

(6) Four-legged sling 25

M-2.0
 m ax
°
90

Figure 1. BASKET HITCH

Note 1: The total load that may be lifted when
the included angle does not exceed 90° is Figure 2. SIMPLE CHOKE HITCH
1.4 x that marked on the sling. Note : The total load that may be lifted is 0.8 that
Note 2: A basket hitch should only be used marked on the sling.
when the sling is passed through part of the 26
load and the load is balanced on the sling.
Figure 3. DOUBLE AND CHOKED Figure 4. CHOKE HITCH DOUBLE WRAPPED
NOTE: The total that may be lifted is 1.6 x NOTE: The total that may be lifted is 0.8 x that
that marked on the sling. \marked on the sling. 27
 SHACKLE INFORMATION

MANUFACTURERS LOGO

Designating angle of
2 leg hitch. LOGO
Diameter of
Shackle
S.W.L. Stamp 45°
¾”
HERE
Normally marked
WLL
as W.L.L. (Weight
Load Limit)
When pin screwed
hard tight no cap
here
Figure 5. TWO SINGLE LEG SLING USED IN
BASKET HITCH Screw threads must be
NOTE: The total that may be lifted provided Plain hole must be true complete and good fit
that no included angle exceeds 90° is 2.0 x with tapped hole
28
marked on the single leg.
SHACKLES TYPE:
SHACKLES TYPE:

BOW SHACKLE DEE SHACKLE

Screw Pin Round Pin

Screw Pin Round Pin
Anchor Shackle Anchor Shackle
Chain Shackle Chain Shackle

Safety Type
Round Pin Chain Shackle
Anchor Shackle

 Bolt and nut with safety lock shackles are used for load period of
connection or on water works.
29
 Bow shackles used for multiple slings while dee shackles used for single leg.
“SHACKLES”
“SHACKLES”

Example Drawing #6
Examples of Damages that can occur in Shackles

Damaged
Threads
CRACKS

ON
1T
SW
L SWL STAMP
NOT CLEAR

Check shackle
table for
90% of
correct
Original
dimension
(minimum)

90% of
Original
(minimum)
30
“SHACKLES”

Example Drawing #6
Examples of Damages that can occur in Shackles

Damaged
Threads
CRACKS

ON
1T SWL STAMP
NOT CLEAR
L
SW

Check shackle
table for
correct 90% of
dimension Original
(minimum)

90% of
Original
(minimum)
31
 Shackle on Hook
Wrong

Wrong
Correct

Wrong

Use a Shackle

32
MANUFACTURER’S LOGO
MANUFACTURER’S LOGO

Check for dents, nicks cracks.

Diameter 1”

QT
Quenched & Tempered

F
05 Year of Manufacture
number is plant I.D.
letter is type of alloy.
WLL Year of Manufacture
number is plant I.D.
Cracks under collar letter is type of alloy.

Shank must be square

with face of collar

33
EXAMPLE DRAWING # 7

Examples of Damages that can occur in Eyebolts

CRACKS

CRACKS

Eye Distortion

Stripped and
Damaged Threads

34
“HOOKS”

Excessive
Wear On
Hook Eye
CRACKS

SWL

MISSING LATCH

THROAT SPREADING

35
 SORTING HOOK
SHUR – LOC EYE HOOK SLIDING CHOKER HOOK PEDRO OR SLING HOOK
With Positive Locking Latch

SNAP HOOKS ROUND REVERSE EYE BARREL HOOKS

36
Back Load Tip Load
Right Wrong Side Load Wrong
WEDGE SOCKETS
SOCKETS:

A wedge socket must be attached with the load line NOTE : Check with the applicable OCHS/OSHA
pulling in a straight line from the pin. Non-rotating department. There is a wide discrepancy about which
rope is not recommended for use with wedge method is permitted in different areas.
sockets however they are commonly combined.

SADDLE ON LIVE END

(A)

When attaching a wire rope to a wedge socket pull the

dead end through further than necessary. This allows
the end to be cut off periodically when there is wear
at the socket.
Safety regulations vary concerning the dead end
attachment. Three methods of securing the dead end (B)
of the wire rope are shown in illustration # A,B,C.
In illustration A, the dead end is clipped to the load
line. The dead end should have a little slack, the clip
saddle is placed on the load line and the clip should not
be tight enough to damage the load line. (C)
Illustration B is the method which is most popular.
A short stub of rope is clipped to the dead end.
Illustration C is a method which is in many safety LOOP CAN INTERFERE WITH BOOM
regulations, but sometimes cannot be used due to the
37
fact that the loop is too big, and as a result it snags on
projections in confined spaces.
TURNBUCKLES:
TURNBUCKLES

Turnbuckles should be of alloy steel and Various turnbuckle attachments are indicated in
should not be welded. illustration:

The safe working load depends on the

diameter of the threaded portion. The safe
working loads of turnbuckles are indicated in
table
Turnbuckles Safe Working Load
Stock Jaw, Eye, Hook End
Diameter Stub, Fitting Eye Jaw Stub Hook has
(Inches) End Fittings (Pounds) Reduced
(Pounds) capacity
Illustration –Turnbuckle End Fittings
¼ 500 400
5/16 800 700 If vibration is present, it is important to lock
3/8 1,200 1,000 the frame of the end fitting.
½ 2,200 1,500 Do not use jam nuts on turnbuckles which do
5/8 3,500 2,250, not come equipped with them. They add to the
¾ 5,200 3,000 load on the thread.
7/8 7,20 4,000
1 10,000 5,000
1¼ 15,200 5,000
1½ 21,400 7,500
1¼ 28,000

38
 Wrong Correct

Shackle
Correct

Wrong

Wrong

39
 Wrong

Correct

40
41
HAND SIGNALS FOR CONTROLLING CRANE OPERATIONS

STOP. Arm extended, DOG EVERYTHING. Clasp MOVE SLOWLY. Use on hand to give
palm down, move arm any motion signal and place other
hands in front of body. hand motionless in front of hand
back and forth giving the motion signal. Hoist slowly
horizontally. shown as sample)

HOIST. With forearm vertical, LOWER. With arm extended USE MAIN HOIST.
forefinger pointing up, move downward, forefinger pointing Tap fist on head; then
hand in small horizontal circle. down, move hand in small use regular signals.
horizontal circles.
42
HAND SIGNALS FOR CONTROLLING CRANE OPERATIONS

USE WHIPLINE (AUXILIARY HOIST). RAISE BOOM. Arm LOWER BOOM. Arm extended
Tap elbow with one hand; then use extended, fingers closed, fingers closed, thumb
regular signals. thumb pointing upward. pointing downward.

SWING. Arm extended, LOWER THE BOOM AND

RAISE THE BOOM AND THE
point with finger in LOWER THE LOAD. RAISE THE LOAD.
direction of swing of With arm extended, thumb With an extended thumb
boom. pointing up, flex fingers in pointing down, flex fingers
in and out as long as load
43
and out as long as load
movement is desired.
movement is desired.
HAND SIGNALS FOR CONTROLLING CRANE OPERATIONS

TRAVEL. Arm extended EXTEND BOOM. RETRACT BOOM

forward, hand open and (Telescoping Booms). (Telescoping Booms)
slightly raised, make Both fists in front of body
Both fists in front of body
pushing motion in direction with thumbs pointing
with thumbs pointing
of travel. outward.
toward each other.

TRAVEL. (Crawler Crane, One Track).

TRAVEL. (Crawler Crane Both Lock the track on side indicated by EMERGENCY STOP.
Tracks). Arm extended forward, raised fist, travel opposite track in Arms extended, palms
hand open and slightly raised, direction indicated by circular motion down, move fore arms
making pushing motion of travel of other fist rotated vertically in front rapidly right and left.
44
of body (for crawler cranes only)
SLINGING
SLINGINGPROCEDURES
PROCEDURE

1. Assessing the weight of the load.

Before starting any lifting always know the weight of the

load to be lifted, usually is marked on the packing case, it
not use a weighting device (S.L.I) or check the manifest or
loading list.

2. Checking the route or path.

Always check the path that the load will be traveling
through, look out for overhead obstructions or personnel
working in the vicinity. Make sure that they are aware of the
lift that is going on, and always ensure that wooden bearers
or similar are available and in position to land the lift.

45
SLINGING
SLINGINGPROCEDURES
PROCEDURE

3. Select your lifting material.

Select your lifting equipment, ensuring that it has the 3
items on the, i.e. colour code, S.W.L. & I.D. markings, if it
does not do not use it, change it for lifting equipment that
does have these 3 items on it.

4. Inspection of your lifting equipment

Now, that you have selected your lifting equipment, check it
for wires broken, nicks or gouges in you shackles and
generally badly worn equipment.

46
SLINGING PROCEDURES

5. Centre of gravity
The centre of gravity of any lift can usually be found
already marked on its lifting case, however, if it is
not, a trial lift should be carried out worn equipment.

6. Controlling the load

In any lifting operation it is essential that control
of the load is maintained at all times. To ensure this
the use of a tagline is most important, as a rigger it
is your responsibility to make sure that all lifting
operations do have at least 1 No. Tagline attached.

47
LIFTING
LIFTINGOPERATION
OPERATION

7. Positioning the hook of the crane

Using the correct crane signal the appointed banks man will
center the hook over the centre of the gravity, ensuring that
the crane operator is able to see him at all times during the lift.

8. Taking the weight.

The appointed banks men will again check the path of the
lift ensuring that it is clear, when he is satisfied it is safe to
continue, he will take the weight of the lift and “float” the
lift, checks will be made to make sure that the load will not
slip, when the banks man is sure everything is secure, he will
instruct the crane operator to move the load using the
correct crane signals.

48
LIFTING OPERATION

9. Safety Awareness
When carrying out any lifting operation, always expect trouble,
if you are aware that something could go wrong, then you will
be able to react that much quicker.

10. Traveling the load

Now that you have started moving the load you must ensure
that the crane operator can see you at all times. On
completion of the traveling of the load, always ensure that the
wooden blocks or anything that will enable you remove your
slings safely are positioned correctly.

49
LIFTING OPERATION

11. Landing the load

On completion of traveling the load, instruct the crane
operator to “ stop” the load movement, position the load
above the wooden blocks, then instruct the crane operator
to lower the loads “slowly” until the load has been landed
safely. Once the load has been landed you can safely remove
the slings, coil or roll them up and stow them safely away
until then next time.

50
SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES FOR BANKSMEN

1. Everything possible should be done to ensure the complete safety of the

crane and all personnel.
2. Ensure crane operator and banks man are familiar with signals to be
used.
3. Be aware of obstructions within crane outreach and working area.
4. Be aware of wind speed (pressure).
5.Know the weight of the load and become familiar with single line
maximum loads. When lifting personnel, ensure safety catch is fitted to
the hook and is in good working order.
6. Stand in a position where the crane operator clearly sees you. If your
instructions are not being followed, i.e. the crane stops, it may well be
that the crane operator has lost sight of your signals.
7. Check that lifting gear being used is slung correctly to the load.
8. When lifting, stop load just clear of deck to check balance and security
of load before carrying on.
51
SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES FOR BANKSMEN

9. Always use clear and distinct signals to control lifting operations and in
poor light conditions exaggerate all crane signals.
10. Warn other personnel in the area of the movement of the load.
11. Ensure all hands are free from the lifting gear and strand clear before
the crane take the load.
12. Do not stand between the load being lifted/lowered and any
obstruction.
13. Make it clear to the crane operator when the load has to be moved and
placed. If possible precede each load to its destination.
14. Never stand beneath a suspended load or allow other persons to do so.
15. Keep a check on other activities within the cranes operating area to
avoid development of unforeseen hazards.
16. If anything out of the ordinary occurs STOP-CHECK.

52
SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES FOR BANKSMEN

17. If the crane stops and your instructions are not being followed, it may
be that the crane operator has been given a signal to stop by someone
who has seen a situation developing which you have missed.
18. When banking use extreme caution when the crane is approaching its
minimum radius.
19. Become familiar with maximum boom angles.
20. Do not slew drag loads over the deck as this imposes severe side
stresses onto the crane boom.
21. Ensure the crane operator never leaves the crane unattended with a
load on the hook.
22. Never instruct cranes to slew outboard when divers are in the vicinity.
23. Ensure crane is manned at all times when supply bots are tied up in
case a quick cast off is required.

53
SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES FOR BANKSMEN

24. Ensure the helicopter landing officers are consulted before working in
vicinity of helicopter.
25. When working with supply boats the ultimate decision is with the
supply boat captain, although consultation must take place with the
OIM/crane operator/captain.
26. When preparing a loaf for lifting , keep the crane hook well clear of
personnel.
27. Do not ride on a hook or a load and do not allow anybody to do so.

54
FACTORS THAT ALTER
THE CRANES RATED
CAPACITY

55
CONFIGURATION OF CRANE BASE

The capabilities listed in the load chart depend on the crane’s base
(how it is set up) as follows:

Carrier-Mounted Cranes
(including lattice boom, hydraulic boom and rough terrain units)

56
CONFIGURATION OF CRANE BASE

CRAWLER MOUNTED CRANE

BOOM TRUCKS

57
58
INCREASE LOAD OF RADIUS

Load chart ratings apply only when the hoist line is vertical at all times and the load
is freely suspended during the lift. If the line is not vertical, Regardless of the
reason, capacity is lost. Example of the following conditions produce non-vertical
hoist lines which result in increased load radius and reduced capacity.

Reaching beyond the vertical extends

the load radius and tends to draw the
boom forward and decreases the
crane’s capacity. It will tip or tail more
easily and with a lower hook load than
listed in the load chart for the boom tip
radius.

59
INCREASE OF LOAD RADIUS

Rapid swing causes increases

load radius which decreases
stability and reduces capacity.

Lifting inside the boom tip radius puts a

load component on the boom that acts
to tip it backward. After the load is clear
of the ground it will swing out increasing
the radius and tend to tip the crane
forward/

60
SIDELOADING

Load chart ratings apply only when the load is

picked up directly under the boom tip, side-
loading occurs and decreases capacity. This
applies to both lattice and telescopic booms and
failure. It usually causes structural failure and
always occurs without warning.

Weak Strong

Full boom
strength is only Boom is very
achieved under weak from the
vertical loads side

61
SIDELOADING

Side loading
occurs when the
crane is not level.

Side loading occurs when a

load is dragged or pulled
sideways. This can buckle
the boom. Damage the swing
mechanism of overturn the
crane if the boom is at a high
angle.

62
 IMPACTLOADING
IMPACT LOADING AND
AND RAPID
RAID ACCELERATION
ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION
OR DECELERATION OF LOAD OF LOAD

Load chart capacities do not allow for sudden The following situations create such conditions and
starting or stopping of the load, impact loading reduce crane capacity below the chart ratings.
or sudden machine movements.
• Sudden release of a load causes a rapid
change in load and impact loading. Crane will • Sudden snatching of
recoil initially, then full weight of load will a load causes impact
suddenly be applied to the hook. The result can loading and the hoist
be overturning or structural failure. This same rope or boom can fail.
thing can happen when a frozen, caught or stuck
load is pulled and suddenly breaks free.

Rapid hoist
acceleration
produces hook • Sudden release of a
loads higher load causes the boom
than the actual to recoil and perhaps
load weight. topple.

Place all loads gently

to allow boom deflection
and pendant stretch to
gradually return to normal.
63
IMPACT LOADING AND RAPID ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION OF LOAD

• Rapid stopping of the load

produces hook loads higher
than the actual load weight .

• “Pick and carry” operations subject the carrier

and boom to shock loads. In order to ensure
Brakes that the chart capabilities are not exceeded ,
applied move the crane and load as smoothly as
Stopping possible.
distance
Load
stops.

64
IMPACT LOADING
INCREASE AND LOADS
IN HOOK RAPID ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION OF LOAD

Sudden brake application during lowering

will increase the hook load by the
percentage shown according to the
lowering speed and stopping distance.
Note how rapidly the loads increase as the
stopping distance decreases.

INCREASE IN HOOK LOADS

LINE STOPPING DISTANCE (FT) • Don’t extract pilings, casings or similar loads by yanking
SPEED or jerking on them. The practice of pulling on the load until
10 6 2
FT/MIN. the machine has tipped, then releasing the hoist line,
allowing the machine to drop back and catching the hoist
line on a clutch or brake may break the boom. If the piling
or casing won’t dislodge with a smooth, steady pull, use an
100 0.4% 0.7% 2.2%
extractor, pulling frame or similar device.
150 1.0% 1.6% 4.9%
200 1.7% 2.9% 8.6% • Demolition work can be particularly hazardous. Shock
loadings and side loadings during work with demolition
250 2.7% 4.5% 13.5% balls and clamshell buckets can be severe. The repetitive
300 3.9% 6.5% 19.4% nature of such work imposes heavy demands on all parts of
the machine. Restrict demolition ball weights to not more
35 5.3% 8.8% 26.4%
than 50% of capacity (“on rubber” capacities for truck
400 6.9% 11.5% 34.5% cranes) at the maximum radius at which you handle the ball,
with the boom length you are using. In addition to this
requirement, ensure that the ball weight never exceeds 50%
of the available line pull.
65
HIGH WIND SPEEDS

Almost all crane manufacturers specify in the load

chart that chart ratings must be reduced under Boom strength is most
windy conditions, and they may also recommend a affected when the wind
shut-down wind velocity. In almost all cases a
is from the side.
when the wind speed exceeds 30 mph, it is
advisable to stop operations.

Wind affects both the crane and the load, reducing

the rated capacity of the crane. Never make a full SAE XJI 093 specifies
capacity lift if it is windy. Use a great deal of that booms be designed
discretion even when lifting under moderate wind to withstand their full
conditions of 20 mph. rated load plus a side
load equal to 2% of the
It is advisable to avoid handling loads that present rated load plus a 20 mph
large wind-catching surfaces. The result could be wind from the side.
loss of control of the load and crane even though Boom strength is
the weight of the load is within the normal capacity therefore adequate to
of the crane. handle winds from the
side up to 20 mph but
A 20 mph wind exerts a force of only 1 1/8 lb/ft2 on no allowance is made
a flat-surfaced load (tile force on a 4 ft. by 3 ft. for the effect of the wind
sheet of plywood = 36 lbs.) so only loads having on the load.
very large sail areas would require crane capacity
de-rating. At 30 mph, however, the wind exerts a
force of 2.53 lb/ft2 of flat surface area (equals 80
lbs. on a sheet of 4ft. by 8ft. plywood). This wind
force on the load at 30 mph is enough to cause
non-­vertical hoist lines and loads that are very
difficult to control.

66
HIGH WIND SPEEDS

Wind loading on the crane can be critical Wind affects crane stability in 2 ways.
depending on such factors as the boom (1) Crane stability ratings are, determined without
length, boom angle, bulkiness of the load, taking wind loads on the crane structure into
and direction and velocity of the wind. account.
(2) Wind on the lifted load is not considered.
Forward
stability is the
Backward stability is the
critical critical factor when the wind
consideration is from the front, particularly
when the wind when the boom is at or
is from behind approaching maximum boom
the boom. It angle. The wind forces on
applies a force
to the boom and
the boom reduce the forward
to the load that tipping effect normally
adds to the Provided by the boom.
overturning
moment of the
Effect of wind on the
crane. This has
load increases the the same effect The effect of the wind on the
load radius and as adding load load reacts at the boom tip by
reduces capacity. to the hook. creating a backward tipping
load.

67
WARNING!!!!

WARNING!!!

68