Perhaps you're new to the rigging industry or looking to hire a professional rigging service to move equipment or
materials. Either way, it's crucial to understand some basic rigging terminology you'll encounter.
Rigging can be incredibly complex since it involves a broad range of equipment and applications. Knowing what the
core terms mean will help you communicate effectively with rigging contractors and personnel to establish what you
need to do the job.
Essential Rigging Terminology
First, it's essential to highlight that "rigging" is both a noun and a verb. When used as a verb, "rigging" refers
to the act of executing rigging activities. However, in noun form, "rigging" refers to the equipment used to conduct
rigging operations.
With those definitions in mind, let's explore some common rigging terminology to help you make more sense of this
highly involved service and industry.
Rigging Safety Terminology and Load Limit
Moving heavy and awkward loads is complex and potentially dangerous, so safety is paramount. These are some
standard terms related to the organizations that oversee rigging safety standards:
- ASME: Creating the most current and detailed engineering industry standards, the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) publishes requirements that include specific rigging and rigging equipment
regulations. - OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces federal standards
and regulations within every industry, including specific requirements for professional rigging services. Failure to adhere to OSHA regulations carries legal implications and is typically punishable with penalties and
fines. - ANSI: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides a framework for developing
U.S. standards in various industries, including rigging, and works closely with numerous organizations to ensure
these standards are regulated.
The essential load limit safety terms you should familiarize yourself with include:
- MBL: A minimum break load (MBL) figure for rigging equipment lets you know the maximum load
the equipment can handle before it reaches its breaking point. - WLL: Determined by dividing the minimum breaking load by the relevant safety factor, the
working load limit (WLL) indicates the maximum permitted weight or force the rigging equipment can safely
support. - Proof test: This non-destructive test involves a proof load applied to a specific rigging
equipment component to ensure its rated working load limit is correct. - Load test: Below-the-hook lifting devices undergo a load test where a load of up to 125% of
the device's rated working load limit is applied to ensure accuracy.
Rigging Personnel
It's also helpful to know the different personnel types involved in rigging, which include:
- Certified operator: Someone is certified when they have a certificate or official
endorsement related to rigging or machine/crane operating per OSHA regulations. - Qualified rigger: This title refers to someone with a tertiary qualification in rigging,
such as a degree or professional certificate. - Spotter: The spotter works closely with the crane operator during lifting to identify
potential hazards and will assess the rigging plans, assembly and equipment beforehand to verify that everything
is in order. - Lift director: A life director oversees the lifting process and site from start to finish,
including ensuring that all personnel are qualified and perform their duties safely.
Rigging Components and Equipment
A rigging assembly comprises several components which vary slightly by application. That said, the core rigging
assembly components and related equipment are as follows:
- Lifting sling: This length of rope or chain attaches to or wraps around the load and
lifting hook. - Rigging hooks: These thick, hardwearing metal hooks hold shackles or slings, suspend
rigging assemblies and tow, lash, log or haul a load. - Rigging shackles: Shackles come in different forms, but they're typically U-shaped metal
elements closed with a pin, and their primary function is to link to rigging assembly components. - Eye bolts: Most often used for secure anchoring, eye bolts are metal bolts with a nut and
an eye or loop on one side and come in various sizes. - Turnbuckle: Comprising a threaded central element and eyes, hooks, jaws or stubs at either
end, turnbuckles serve to adjust the tension of the rigging assembly ropes or cables.
General Operational Rigging Terms
Apart from the rigging terminology detailed above, you'll also encounter these terms related to the operation of
rigging equipment:
- Static load: A static load is lifted, in suspension and devoid of movement.
- Shock load: If a static load experiences a sudden impact or rapid motion, it exerts an
increased force on the rigging equipment called a shock load. - Axial load: An axial load is in effect when the central point of the structural support
carries the load. - COG: A load's center of gravity (COG) will depend on its shape, but it refers to the point
where the distributed weight of the load is even and balanced.
Crane Rigging Terms
Here are a few vital crane rigging terms to know:
- Portable gantry crane system: This freestanding mobile overhead crane on wheels or casters
can move smaller loads in and out of workshops and warehouses wherever needed. - Semi-gantry crane system: A fixed overhead runway on one side and a leg on wheels or rails
on the other supports a semi-gantry crane system. - Bridge crane: Bridge cranes comprise fixed overhead runway supports on either side and can
include two or more girders each, with a trolley or hoist mechanism attached. - Static crane: This type of crane is fixed to the ground or a structure and is used to lift
machinery and materials along a fixed path.
Safe and Reliable Rigging With Equip Trucking and Warehousing, LLC
Rigging operations are complex and can expose teams to hazardous situations if not executed professionally.
Ensuring the rigging team has the required skills, expertise and high-quality rigging equipment to carry out the job safely and efficiently is critical.
With decades of expert rigging experience serving clients in PA, DE, NJ and MD and the ability to handle loads of
any size, Equip Trucking and Warehousing, LLC, is perfectly poised to take care of your rigging needs. Our
professional team can assess your requirements, advise you on the best approach and create tailored rigging systems
to adapt to your circumstances. Ensure you hire a professional rigger by reaching out to our team now for a free rigging quotation!