Toolbox 13- Sling and Errors

by: desertknighfm Rhojel 

Accidents with cranes and lifting equipment can be both costly and disastrous, particularly around critical equipment or in areas where an accident can fracture an oil or gas line and cause loss of product, an explosion, a fire, or any combination of these.  The people who use the equipment must take many important considerations into account to assure a successful lift; the skills of the personnel involved and the condition of the lifting device to be use are two of the most obvious, along with proper selection and condition of the associated rigging gear (slings, shackles, eyebolts, spreader beam, etc.).

Selecting the proper slings is extremely important, and the failure to give this step proper consideration can cause the most detailed, planned lift to go astray.  The following can help in proper sling selection:

1.      DETERMINE THE TOTAL WEIGHT.  This is crucial.  Be sure to count the weight of all rigging equipment as part of the load when figuring the total weight.

2.      SELECT THE HITCH.  The size and shape of the load, as well as its weight, will dictate the type of hitch to be used.  The hitch selected must be providing a positive attachment to the load; attach the load to the hook by sling or other rigging devices for the load to be lifted.

3.      INSPECT ALL LIFTING DEVICES.  All lifting devices must have a “safe work load” rating (which includes a safety factor of from 3:1 to 5:1, depending on the device) stamped or marked on them.

·         Closely scrutinize the attachment point (s) to the load and to the lifting device.  Failures have occurred at these points.

·         Examine all hardware, equipment, tackle, and slings immediately before using them; destroy damaged equipment to prevent its use by someone unaware of the defects.

·         Never use kink or damaged slings.

·         Inspect all sling and fittings regularly an thoroughly for signs of wear and abrasion, broken wires, worn or cracked fittings, loose seizing and splices, kinking, crushing, flattening, and corrosion.

·         Use corner pads, corner saddles, padding or blocking to avoid sharp bends, pinching, and crushing of slings.

·         Don’t allow wire rope sling to lie on the ground, on the ground, on damp or wet surfaces, or near corrosive substances.

·         Never make temporary repairs to a sling.

4.      REVIEW YOUR PLAN.  Using the rate capacity chart, review your selection criteria to be sure that the sling type, length, and diameter will successfully complete the lift as configured.  Whatever you do, DON’T GUESS! Failure can be instantaneous and catastrophic.

Cranes are only as safe as the people who rig and operate them.  Your safety depends on your HEAD and you’re HANDS.

THINK, PLAN, INSPECT before you lift.