Putting together a rigging plan is important to your operational safety and productive lifting.

Rigging plans come in three basic categories:

• Ordinary lifts – These are standard lifts that need only rigging basics and regular safety precautions.
• Critical lift – This is a non-routine crane lift. It is the kind of lift that needs detailed planning and extra safety precautions. These are lifts made where the load weight exceeds 75 percent of the rated capacity of the crane, or where the load moves out of the operator’s view, or tandem lifts, which are all examples of critical lifts.
• Pre-engineered lift – is one that is commonplace to production. The lift objects are the same, they get lifted repeatedly and in the same environment, and a lift plan isn’t needed each time a lift is carried out.

Rigging Plan considerations

There are 5 considerations to take into account when putting together a rigging plan:

1. Consider the Load

You need to consider the size, shape and weight of the load.  In addition to this, of importance are the dimensions of the load, and where the location of the load’s centre of gravity is, as well as the location and quantity of approved lifting points. These will help you to safely position your load.

2. Look at the Lift Environment

A rigging plan needs to take into account the environmental conditions, eg. wind factor, weather conditions and what proximity the site is to any public. Are there pipes, or does the ground have kerbs to take into consideration? Are there any structures that could potentially be obstacles during the move?

3. Review the personnel needed

Multiple questions need to be considered in order to follow safe lifting and rigging procedures. Are you lifting the load over people? What danger is there to anyone if the load drops? Are you lifting people?

Identify the load manager/rigging leader and the crane operator. For critical lifts, assign a person in charge (PIC). Make sure all personnel involved are aware of their duties during the lift.

4. Consider the Machine

Choose the correct crane for the job and for what’s needed. The environment and budget will be critical to choosing the right crane. Ensure that the configuration and operational differences between your machines are correctly aligned with the job requirements.

5. Carry out a pre-use inspection

Check that all your components are in good condition (you can read about ’10 tips to promote Safe Rigging’). Verify that all the equipment inspections have been conducted.

These checks include:

• rope
• hook
• webbing
• bridge bumpers and trolley
• machine wheels, breaks and bearings
• control buttons.

By carrying out these five steps, you will raise their chances of carrying out a lift project without incident.

Reef Rigging has undertaken various rigging projects and has a great safety record. Our projects include boilers, steel erections, food and dairy, manufacturing and factory relocations.

Take a look at our Case Studies for further information.

If you need an experienced team to handle your rigging and lifting needs, contact admin@metalprojects.co.za or call on (+27) 82 659 3315.

Source: Constructionmachine