Safety Tips and Requirements for Industrial Rigging
Industrial rigging safety is necessary to lift heavy materials with cranes or other devices. When you understand industrial rigging and material handling safety guidelines, your riggers can avoid improper rigging, rigging failure or the potential for nearby hazards. Since rigging is so dangerous, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set strict safety requirements for maintaining your equipment and training employees.
Learning how to safely use industrial rigging equipment and follow OSHA safety rules for industrial rigging can keep all parties safe and prevent a costly fine or lawsuit. Read on to learn about the top industrial rigging safety tips.
OSHA’s Safety Rules for Industrial Rigging
When you create your own safety plan, it must include OSHA’s requirements to stay compliant:
- Inspect your rigging equipment before every shift
- Remove any defective equipment from service immediately
- Always inspect the ground before working
- Never load more equipment than the recommended safe working load
- Remove equipment from the immediate work area when not in use
- Record the most recent month in which you thoroughly inspected every alloy steel chain sling and keep it available for examination
- Train employees on the proper rigging materials, usage of equipment and hazards
- Provide proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and ensure employees use it
- Establish and maintain effective signaling procedures
How to Safely Use Industrial Rigging Equipment
Before using any of your equipment, you need to inspect the working conditions of both the equipment and your job site. Know the highest amount of weight your crane and other heavy equipment can lift, the type of hitches required, the number of legs and more. Any material or equipment you will use must go through a proper inspection before every shift that you use it.
While you’re rigging, make sure the upper suspension and the load hook form a straight line. The chain and hoist body should not come into contact with the load. Any unbalanced load could cause your entire crane to tip over, so you should also be aware of the load’s center of gravity. As a rigger, you may not have a full view to make sure you’re following the proper safety calls. That’s why you should designate a spotter who can direct the loads and ensure proper clearance.
Work With Qualified People
Beyond your equipment, you need to ensure every worker at the site understands the laws for industrial rigging. They need to comply with all procedures and understand how to operate the equipment. Make sure every worker receives training on how to anticipate problems before they happen and stop equipment if conditions become unsafe. Also, ensure no one stands under a suspended load and that those near the lifting keep their hands, fingers and feet free from pinch points.
Work With Equip Trucking
Industrial rigging is a dangerous job, but you can mitigate some of the risks by working with Equip Trucking. We have over 30 years of experience in moving and rigging, and we can be the go-to source for all of your rigging needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.