Lifting & Rigging Operations basic Awareness

What do we mean when we say “Lifting & Rigging Operations”?
Every type of lift has a set of risks that need to be managed if the lift is to be undertaken in a safe and
efficient manner.
To give a clear focus on this issue, we all as a team have to follow safe procedure of Lifting & Rigging Operations.

Hazards during lifting operations
 Unauthorized people
 Overhead power line electrocutions
 Crane failure
 Rigging failure
 Overloading
 Weather
 Falls


Responsibilities of Lifting Supervisor

 Ensure that all existing accessories are regularly inspected, properly maintained and stored
correctly;
 Ensure all inspected and re-certified equipment is marked with the relevant colour code, and that
the ID No’s on gear conforms to that on certification;
 Ensuring that the Crane Operators are certified for all crane operations;
 Suspending crane operations in the event of a general alarm or emergency.
 Is responsible for ensuring load transfers are correctly planned and rigged for lifts on. For routine
lifts he may delegate this responsibility to the Rigger Foreman.
 The lifting slings or chains are correctly secured to the load;
 Equipment is clearly identifiable and inspected (e. g. types/capacity/ID numbers etc.);
 Each item marked with current colour code;
 All rigging gear without valid certification is kept in a segregated location, clearly labelled, not for
use/quarantined, and cannot be used (tied-up by chain and pad lock awaiting the certification).
 Every 6 months for lifts & hoists, 12 months for all other lifting equipment (by 3 rd party authorized firm).
He shall ensure that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person, appropriately
supervised and carried out in a safe manner

Lifting operations using cranes, hoists or other mechanical devices can only be performed if:

 A risk assessment and a lifting plan have been prepared for the operation. The lifting equipment
and method must be selected by a qualified person;
 The weight of the load is known and falls within the safe working load for the equipment to be
used;
 The operators are fully trained and qualified. The cranes and other lifting equipment must be
operated by trained workers;
 The lifting equipment’s safety devices are in good working order;
 An identification system (color code or equivalent) is used to certify that the lifting accessories
have been inspected at regular intervals;
 The lifting devices and accessories such as slings and shackles have been visually inspected
before use;
 The lifting area has been barricaded;
 The signal man must be present at working Location

During Work
 Do not walk or stand under a load while lifting is taking place.
 The load must be securely slung and properly bundled.
 The moving load must be controlled at all times.
 Do not Perform Lifting activities during Bad Weather.

What do Employees/Operators needs to know?

 Proper equipment operator instructions.
 Load limits and capacities of each payload.
 Safe Rigging practices.
 Operator inspection requirement at the start of each shift.
 Equipment inspection and maintenance at regular intervals.