Crane Operator Rigger Training

OVERVIEW Basic Types and Configurations Types of Rigging Rigging Inspection Procedures Rigging Techniques Hands-On Training Crane Pre-Op Inspection

The

Crane Operator is

Responsible for the Safety of the Lift.

Basic Types and Configurations

The evolution of the mobile crane has led to many types and designs. to satisfy both the general as well as the specific needs of construction and industrial operations

Basic TypesThe basic operational characteristics of all

mobile cranes are essentially the same. They include:

1. Adjustable boom lengths

2. Adjustable boom angles

3. Ability to lift and lower loads

4. Ability to swing loads

5. Ability to travel about the jobsite under their own power

Boom Trucks

Rigging Responsibility

The person authorized and qualified to do rigging must always pay close attention to details. One careless moment or act can result in serious injury or death and tremendous property damage. Proper rigging is a skill and should never be left to the inexperienced. If you don’t know how to do it properly, then don’t attempt it.

Common Types of Slings

Wire Rope SlingsADVANTAGES Inexpensive Excellent strength to

weight ratio Light weight Easy to inspect Known capacity

DISADVANTAGES Less durable Stiff around small

objects Kinks easily Shorter lifespan

Alloy Chain Slings

ADVANTAGES Highly durable Flexible Adjustable Compact storage Easy to

manufacture

DISADVANTAGES Heavy and bulky May damage load Difficult to inspect

Synthetic Webbing Slings

ADVANTAGES Lightweight Very Flexible Easy to store Will not damage load Inexpensive

DISADVANTAGES Easily damaged by

heat, abrasion, environment, chemicals, etc.

Stretches under load Less durable under

heavy use Cuts easily under

load

Synthetic Rope Slings

ADVANTAGES Lightweight Flexible Compact storage Will not damage load Inexpensive

DISADVANTAGES Easily damaged by

heat, abrasion, environment, chemicals, etc.

Stretches under load

Less durable under heavy use

Metal Mesh Slings

ADVANTAGES Lightweight Flexible Compact storage Stabilizes load Durable

DISADVANTAGES Limited application Expensive Limited durability

Sling Inspection

Wire Rope Sling Inspection

INSPECT FOR:

Missing or Illegible ID TagDistortion of the RopeKinkingCrushingUnstrandingBirdcagingCore ProtrusionBroken or Cut StrandsCorrosionStrand DisplacementLoss of DiameterBroken Wires

REMOVAL CRITERIAMissing Sling ID10 randomly

distributed broken wires in one lay, or,

5 broken wires in one strand in one rope lay

Severe abrasion Evidence of heat

damageEnd attachment

damageSevere corrosionHook damage

Alloy Chain Sling Inspection

INSPECT FOR:

Missing or Illegible ID TagWeld SpatterCracked linksCrushed linksBent LinksGougesEvidence of heat damageNon approved attachmentsExcessive CorrosionSevere abrasionHook openings for stretchExcess wear on any part Incorrect grade of chain

REMOVAL CRITERIAMissing Sling IDWeld spatter on any

link or attachmentBent, cracked or

crushed links Evidence of heat

damageDamaged

attachmentsSevere corrosionHook damageNon approved

hardware

Synthetic Webbing InspectionINSPECT FOR:

Missing or Illegible ID TagHolesTearsCutsSnagsVisible inner coreBroken or worn stitchingNon approved attachmentsAcid or caustic burnsOil or chemical soakingKnotsExcess wear on any part or

attachmentDry rotting

REMOVAL CRITERIAMissing Sling IDWeld spatter on any

link or attachmentBent, cracked or

crushed links Evidence of heat

damageDamaged

attachmentsSevere corrosionHook damageNon approved

hardware

Metal Mesh Sling InspectionINSPECT FOR:

Missing or Illegible ID TagHolesCrushingCut linksCorrosionWeld SpatterNon approved attachmentsAcid or caustic burnsExcess wear on any part or

attachment

REMOVAL CRITERIAMissing Sling IDWeld spatter on any

link or attachmentBent, cracked or

crushed links Evidence of heat

damageDamaged

attachmentsSevere corrosionMissing linksNon approved

hardware

Shackle InspectionINSPECT FOR:

DistortionsBends or TwistsWeld SpatterShackle Opening SpreadPeeningPin SeatingExcessive WearLoose or Missing HardwareCracks, Gouges or NicksThread DamageNon OEM Accessories

REMOVAL CRITERIABent pinDistorted bodyWorn threadsImproper pin fit Any type of crackWeld spatterExcessive wearNon-OEM hardware

BASIC HITCHES

IT’S THE LAWSling tags must display capacities in the 3 basic sling

configurations – NO TAG – NO GOOD

Vertical

Total weight carried by single leg

Angle is 90 degrees

Weight of load equal to sling capacity

Self-centering loads only

Pick point must be secure

ChokerTightens as load is lifted

Reduces sling capacity

Does not provide 360 degree contact w/ load

Load balance is required (single choker)

Basket

True basket = 90 degree legs

Consider sling angles if not a true basket

Increases sling capacity x2

Consider D/d ratio

Load balance required

Best if used in pairs

Double Wrap Choker

Same as choker, but with an additional wrap

More secure than single choker

Helps prevent load slippage

Good for loose bundles

Sling must not wrap over itself

Finding COG

Manufacturer’s documentation Calculations/ measurements Test picks

CENTER OF GRAVITYAND LOAD STABILITY

CENTER OF GRAVITY

IS DIRECTLY BELOW

THE LOAD HOOK

CONNECTION TO

LOAD IS ABOVE

CENTER OF GRAVITY

(RRPCD44)

Center of Gravity

COG can be adjusted usingproperly sized lever orchainfall hoists.

Re-calculate sling anglesto ensure slings or hoistare not overloaded

HAND SIGNALS IN THE WORKPLACE

Purpose The hand signals used in the operations of

mobile cranes are universal around the world. This form of communication is a vital part of safe

crane operations and the giving and receiving of clear signals is a key requirement for any competent crane operator. Hand signals should only be given when visibility is good.

HAND SIGNALS

STOP (A)Extend one arm and hold palm horizontal

EMERGENCY STOPIndicated by holding both arms up.Arms extended, palm down, move handright and left. Usually different leveloperations.Specifically for high operations

HAND SIGNALS

HOLD EVERYTHINGHands clasped in front of body

HOISTWith forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move hand in horizontal circles.

HAND SIGNALS

LOWERWith arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move arm in horizontal circles.

LOWER BOOM RAISE LOADOne arm extended, fingers close and open, thumb pointing downward.

HAND SIGNALS

MOVE SLOWLYDirectional signal given with righthand using a pointing forefinger – in conjunction with the other hand held flat across the pointing forefinger.

RAISE BOOM & LOWER LOADOne arm extended, fingers close and open, thumb pointing upward.

HAND SIGNALS

RAISE BOOM (LUFF UP)Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward

LOWER BOOM (LUFF DOWN)Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward

HAND SIGNALS

SWING (SLEW) TO THE LEFTArm extended, point finger in direction of swing.

SWING (SLEW) TO THE RIGHTArm extended, point finger in direction of swing.

HAND SIGNALS

EXTEND BOOMBoth fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outwards

RETRACT BOOMBoth fists in front of body with thumbs pointing towards each other.

HAND SIGNALS

AUXILIARY HOIST (OR WHIPLINE)Tap elbow with one hand, then use regular signals

USE MAIN HOISTTap fist on head, then use regular signals

REVIEW

Step 1

Determine the weight of the objectManufacturer’s DocumentationShipping DataKnown Material WeightLoad CellDesign DrawingsCalculation/ estimateNEVER LIFT A LOAD OF UNKNOWN WEIGHT!

RIGGING REVIEW

RIGGING REVIEW

Step 2

Chose the correct type of riggingSling tonnage should meet or exceed load ratingConsult sling data tag for proper rigging configurationConsider sling anglesSling should not cause damage to load Load should not cause damage to slingRigging should be inspected and in good conditionNEVER USE RIGGING THAT IS NOT TAGGED

RIGGING REVIEW

Step 3

Inspect rigging, attachments and cranePre-Op inspect your craneCheck for capacity informationReview sling angle informationReject any sling that is questionable Inspect shackles, eye bolts, rings, hooks, etc.Remove from service and destroy defective or damaged slingsNEVER USE RIGGING THAT IS NOT TAGGED

RIGGING REVIEW

Step 4

Locate the center of gravityRig load using best estimate of COGPerform a test lift – observe load for shifting.Lower and reposition rigging if necessaryUse additional rigging if necessary If pick point cannot be placed directly over the center of gravity,

maintain the longest possible sling angleNEVER LIFT AN UNBALANCED OR UNSTEADY LOAD!

RIGGING REVIEW

Step 5

Lift the loadLift the load several inches and holdVisually inspect the rigging and the load stabilityCheck the path of the load to ensure safe travel Lift the load only as high as necessary for safe movementMove the load in a slow, safe and predictable mannerPay careful attention the load, the crane and your surroundings.NEVER LIFT A LOAD OVER PERSONNEL!

Rigging TipsMake sure the load can handle therigging. In this type of pick, the stresscreated by the sling angle on the top of thebox could cause the load to crush (and potentially fall)

Pad all sharp corners to avoid sling damage

No more than 2 slings in a crane hook – usea shackle if more sling attachments are needed.

Over-rigging is always better than under-rigging

Ensure even loading on all sling legs, hardware,etc.

PREVENT RIGGER MORTIS

Proper Sling Selection Pre-use sling inspection Determining the correct capacity Correct rigging procedures Crane pre-operation inspection Competent Crane Operation

= SAFE LIFT

LOAD WEIGHT

TOTAL LOAD IS LOAD

WEIGHT PLUS RIGGING

WEIGHT

THE LOAD CAN EASILY BE DOUBLED IF LOAD IS

HANDLED WITH HARSH MOVEMENTS

+

SHOCK LOADING CAN OVERLOAD SLINGS!

SHOCK LOADINGINCREASES EFFECTIVE LOAD

A SHOCK LOAD RESULTS FROM A SUDDEN

APPLICATION OF A LOAD

"IMPACTING", "JERKING" OR "FREE

FALL" ARE SUDDEN

ACTIONS THAT WILL

CREATE A

SHOCK LOAD

Reeving through connections to load increases the load on the connection fittings by as much as twice. DO NOT REEVE!

WARNING

Clearances

No employee shall be permitted to work under any suspended loads.

Riding on loads, hooks, hammers, buckets, material hoists, or other hoisting equipment not meant for personnel handling is prohibited.

Prohibited Loads

Overhead Crane Hand Signals

Hold your hands away from your body so that the operator can clearly see them. Always give signals according to the operator's right or left.

Do not give more signals than the operator can perform at one time.

Use a middle-man to transfer hand signals when you can't see the operator

Hands-On TrainingPractice, practice, practice…