Rigging hardware plays a vital role on many construction sites. Rigging hardware is typically used to lift and move heavy loads on construction sites. It takes knowledge and experience to ensure safe practices are followed when using rigging equipment. However, there are some common mistakes that many amateurs make when utilizing rigging equipment. Continue reading to find out the most common mistakes leading to rigging accidents on construction sites.
Not Knowing the Weight of the Load
It’s critical to know the exact weight of the load to properly lift it to the working load limit of the rigging equipment. This isn’t exactly as simple as it sounds. Here are a few common ways of determining the weight of the load:
- Check the bill of lading or the shipping documentation
- Examine the engineered prints or design plans
- Use an industrial scale, dynamometer, or load cell
- Go through the manufacturer’s specification
- Perform manual calculation
Skipping Equipment Inspection
One of the main reasons rigging accidents happen on construction sites is equipment failure. This typically occurs due to failure to inspect rigging equipment and hardware for damage, flaws, or distortions before and after each use.
Rigging equipment inspections should be performed regularly and thoroughly daily or at the very least before using the equipment.
Being Unaware of the Sling Capacity
Quality rigging equipment and hardware have the working load limit mentioned on them. Riggers must be aware of the capacity and avoid using any sling if the capacity isn’t known.
Failure to Ensure Sling Protection
Slings should be protected from potential damage from coming into contact with edges, protrusions, corners, and other instances that might happen during industrial lifting operations. Failure to adequately protect slings can result in injuries to workers, loss of life, high sling turnover, failed lifts, damage to the load, and more. This applies to all types of slings, including wire rope slings, chain slings, synthetic slings, and other slings used in heavy industrial lifting.
Ignoring Load Control
When it comes to the loading control, there are many factors to consider, including:
- Weather: Wind can wreak havoc on loads.
- Load support: Slings and hitches might fail to adequately support and distribute load weights adequately.
- Additional safety measures: The load might not necessarily be lifted and moved along the planned route. The load might get lifted over workers, which is incredibly dangerous.
Maintaining load control is immensely important and complex. It requires planned and informed decision-making. To maintain proper load control, the following things should be considered:
- The load’s weight
- The load’s center of gravity
- Utilizing the correct lifting and rigging equipment
- Utilizing the correct sling and hitch
- Ensuring load stabilization
- Deciding whether or not a tag line is required
- Taking note of the climate and environment
Not Safeguarding Against Electrical Contact
Another commonly occurring accident on construction sites involves electrocution. An electrical trail can be created when a part of a crane comes in close contact with a charged overhead powerline. All power lines should be considered energized unless an operator confirms it is de-energized to minimize this risk.
Not Training Workers to Safely Use Equipment
The lack of training can make workers ignorant of safety protocols, which can cause accidents at construction sites. All workers performing hoisting and rigging activities must be thoroughly trained in safety and operating procedures.
Your Rigging and Wire Rope Company
At Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging, our employees are adequately trained when it comes in all aspects of rigging operations. All of our equipment is top-of-the-line and adequately inspected before being sold. You can rest assured that all equipment you obtain from us will be in safe and proper working conditions. Contact us for more information.