When it comes to rigging, efficiency and safety are two of the most important factors. Without following the right procedures, any number of issues can arise. That’s why operators require special training and use the best rigging equipment available.
Problems Specific to the Rigging Industry
Although different challenges arise, you have viable solutions. For instance, you can avoid some of the problems simply by using the proper rigging hardware. The following are some of the main issues associated with the rigging industry.
Crashing, Crushing, and Pinching
All three of these represent the biggest risks that riggers face. In most cases, these problems occur when using taglines. To avoid these, it’s important to inspect the taglines beforehand to confirm they’re free of knots.
Also, workers never want to come into direct contact with a load that’s higher than waist level. One other thing: Riggers should never try to secure a load by hand. They need to wait until the rigging hooks set the load down firmly and completely.
Damaged, Bent, or Stretched Chain Links
Along with using the proper rigging hardware, always make sure the chain links don’t have any damage or stretching. For this, it’s important to inspect each chain one by one. You also want to check this part of the rigging equipment often.
In particular, look for damage caused by heat or friction. Also, you want to identify bent links, gouges, or an improper WLL. If you spot any of these, make corrections immediately.
Unqualified or Apathetic Inspectors
Inspectors play a critical role. It’s their responsibility to look at taglines, rigging hooks, chains, and more. Unfortunately, some inspectors either aren’t qualified or are too relaxed in their duties. To ensure your inspector performs their job correctly, provide frequent training. It’s also helpful to conduct performance checks often.
Bad, Unfit, or Unlabeled Slings
As another critical type of rigging equipment, you need to use the right slings for your load capacities. At the same time, make sure you use only protected slings. However, labeling the slings is perhaps the most crucial point. If one doesn’t have a label, remove it from service right away.
As far as the best type of this rigging hardware goes, choose slings made of polyester, nylon, or something similar. The reason is that this material is strong and non-abrasive, and it resists heat and friction.
Uncertain Weight Loads
For safe and effective rigging, you must know the exact weight of every load. Not knowing this information is also illegal. Because the load weight determines the type of rigging hooks, slings, and other hardware, you can’t ignore this.
Quality Rigging Hardware From a Trusted Source
Murphy Industrial Products offers a broad range of industrial solutions. That includes all the different components of rigging hardware. For a quality product and professional service, give us a call.