Construction sites and other job sites rely on cranes and heavy machinery to safely move materials from one location to another. Without this equipment, we couldn’t build extravagant city skyscrapers or safely hang power lines in neighborhoods. Cranes are essential for getting the job done right—but that only happens when proper lifting and rigging safety steps are taken.
Lifting and rigging safety not only ensures that the job is completed correctly, but also protects everyone on the job site. If you want to learn more about crane rigging and how it keeps job sites safe, Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC) is here to help. We’ll guide you through the basics of crane rigging and explain how to properly rig a crane to prevent serious consequences.
What Is Crane Lifting & Rigging Used For?
Crane lifting and rigging play an important role in the efficiency and safety of a job site. This equipment easily moves materials around a construction site to where workers can easily access it. This saves workers the effort of manually carrying supplies, and it keeps the overall workplace more efficient.
Mobile crane lifting is the most common type of lifting on a job site, as mobile cranes can be positioned wherever they’re needed.
What Is Rigging Equipment?
Rigging equipment is the various tools and supplies you need to secure and move heavy loads with a crane. Each piece of equipment plays an important role in the process, and not one can be skipped or looked over. The key components of a crane rig include a sling, hooks, shackles, eye bolts, pulleys, ropes, and load binders. There are multiple versions of each piece, and they’re designed for different load types and sizes.
Rigging Methods and Techniques
Different loads require different rigging techniques to keep them secure. Common rigging methods include a choker hitch, a basket hitch, and a bridle sling. Each of these techniques has its strengths and the loads it works best on.
A choker hitch forms a noose around the load, adding tension and security to it. A basket hitch goes underneath a load and cradles it, which works great for larger loads. A bridle sling uses multiple slings connected to one lifting point.
Master Safe Rigging Practices: Guide To Ensuring Lifting Success
When it comes to rigging a crane, there’s more to it than simply strapping a load on there and getting a move on. It’s a specific and careful process that must be handled with care to ensure the job gets done correctly while keeping workers safe. Here are a few crucial elements of lifting and rigging safety to keep yourself and others safe while you work:
- Load Assessment: It’s important to know the logistics of the load you’re carrying so you can rig the crane properly to accommodate it. This can include figuring out the weight of the load, figuring out its center of gravity, and knowing where the load needs to end up. All of this information helps you decide how to rig the crane for maximum safety and efficiency.
- Rigging Selection: There are a handful of various tools and equipment you can use to rig a crane safely. From no-touch hand tools to lifting hooks with latches, it’s vital to pick the equipment that’s best suited for the job.
- Sling Angles: The angle of the crane’s sling determines the amount of tension that’s exerted on each leg. The tighter the angle, the more tension. Find a sling angle that secures the load without exerting excessive force on the legs of the sling.
- Hitch Selection: There are a couple of different types of sling hitches that work best for different types of loads. Vertical hitches work best for narrow loads, choker hitches need a secure and balanced load, and basket hitches work best for wider loads. Be sure to choose the proper hitch for the job.
- Equipment Inspection: Before rigging and transporting a load, it’s crucial to perform an inspection of the equipment. This ensures everything is working properly and nothing is damaged or worn down. Skipping this step could lead to catastrophic equipment failure or serious injuries.
- Communication Protocols: Open and effective communication keeps workers safe while improving job site efficiency. Communicate with the crane operator, leadership, and anybody else on the site to make sure the crane is rigged correctly and the process moves as smoothly as possible.
- Load Control: When moving a load with a crane, there are specific techniques and practices to keep control of the load. Ensuring control throughout the process prevents the load from swinging wildly and causing damage to the crane or surrounding equipment.
- Safe Work Practices: Everyone on the job site, including the crane operator, needs to follow basic safety protocols while working. From gear to proper site lighting, all of these small steps work together to keep you and other workers safe.
- Crane Positioning: Be sure the crane is positioned on even, solid ground to create a strong foundation. There shouldn’t be any rocks or debris under the crane, and the surrounding area needs to be clear of any obstacles.
- Qualified Personnel: Most importantly, a crane can only be operated by qualified and certified crane personnel. They have gone through extensive training and know how to properly rig a crane for safety and efficiency.
How Are Construction Cranes Built?
If you’re interested in learning more about how these cranes are built, this article will go over the history of cranes and how cranes are manufactured and assembled.
Consequences of Improper Crane Rigging
Not taking the proper steps to safely rig a crane can have serious repercussions. It can lead to lifelong injuries or costly damage to equipment. Potential consequences of improperly rigging a crane can include:
- Equipment Failure: Without the proper rigging, a crane can fail. This means it can’t do its job, and this puts the entire project on hold. Major equipment failures can lead to serious injuries or property damage.
- Personal Injury: You or other workers can quickly get injured due to improper crane rigging. Falling debris or equipment failure can lead to head injuries, significant internal damage, and even long-term injuries such as paralysis or chronic pain.
- Property Damage: When equipment breaks, this costs the company money and brings the entire project to a screeching halt. Repairs or replacements take time and money, both of which will impact the efficiency of the job site.
Want to Work as a Crane Operator?
Working as a crane operator takes more than just hopping in and taking it for a spin. It requires strict training and certifications from an accredited crane operator training school. At Heavy Equipment Colleges of America, we offer heavy equipment certifications in Oklahoma, Georgia, California, and Washington state. We offer the following crane operation certificates:
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Mobile Crane
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Tower Crane
- Certificate of Fixed Cab Crane Operation With Rigging and Signaling
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Lattice Boom Crawler Crane
Get in touch with one of our admissions advisers to go over the application process and any other questions you may have. Our team is more than happy to help you through the application process and get you on your way to becoming a certified crane operator.
