Rigging is an essential part of any crane or hoist equipment.We use different types of rigging and lifting equipment for industrial applications, and it is vital to operate these safely. Lifting, rigging, or hoist has standard national and international guidelines and safety inspection checklist to follow. In general, with common sense and workmanship, every individual should ensure precautions at the workplace.
Due to overloading the parts of lifting equipment like chains, shackles, wire ropes, hooks, clamps, slings can be prone to wear and tear, so it requires regular maintenance and inspection. As per the federal regulation of OSHA, the personnel operating these types of equipment must be well trained and certified to reduce lifting and scaffolding accidents to lessen the damage to life or property.
Lack of maintenance, poor planning, improper inspection, and the untimely replacement of these material handling devices are the cause of these potential hazards. Lack of implementing health and safety programs and competency training is yet another reason for failure.
The manufacturers guidelines and safety rules change for every equipment. Cranes, hoists, conveyors, structural steel, beam including aerial lifts, and scaffoldings have industry-specific policies and safety instructions to follow on its operation. Likewise, while changing from mechanical to hydraulic cranes the operators require to understand the standard rules to manage safe lifting operations on this new material.
Effective planning and risk assessment are essential to avoid malfunctioning. Here is a list of certain precautionary checks while working with lifting equipment.
- Operators should be trained and competent for the safe use of equipment.
- They must have relevant experience to perform operations.
- Equipment should be set for the purpose and certified for use.
- Conduct a lift assessment to determine the type of lift.
- Any signs of wear and tear, lack of lubrication, destructive, and non-destructive testing need to be carried out for effective functioning.
- Inspect every hidden corner out of the vicinity to ensure equipment is in proper working condition.
- Check lifting gears regularly and make sure no lifting is done until faults are clarified.
- Verify that maintenance, inspection, and testing of the operating equipment remain up-to-date.
- Never use uncertified material or worn out parts.
- Operators must be aware of the safety instructions in the manual to know the capabilities and limitations of each equipment at work.
- The operators must have an understanding of SWL and the load should not exceed its capacity.
- Operators must strictly use PPE at work.
Before conducting any lifting operations, we need to prepare a lift assessment with work plans recommended by OHSA to ensure safe lifting and operating practices. Be responsible to thoroughly check and inspect your lifting and material handling equipment that includes rigging hooks, cranes, hoists, and slings to remove all potentially unsafe conditions.
You have an obligation to your employees, for yourself and your family. Global Pageant will ensure the safety at your workplace while commissioning lifting equipment. Our network of inspectors is available worldwide to review, evaluate, and assess your asset. We verify your rigging equipment and materials to comply with the national and international standards.