Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches

Overview:

One of the most commonly used items for lifting gear, has severe limitations in use and a high level
of accidents occur as a result of misuse. Eyebolts are used in a wide variety of applications to provide lifting
point on loads. Sometimes the hole they are screwed into is there specifically for the eye-bolt.
Alternatively, a hole which is primarily intended for some other purpose, such as stud, can be utilised.

Traditionally, eye-bolts were often fitted to their load and lifted in place for life, being regarded as
part of the load. However, modern practice is to treat detachable lifting points as lifting accessories. As
such, most countries require that they are periodically inspected or thoroughly examined. Therefore, good
practice is to remove eye-bolts, plug the holes and put the eye-bolts into storage until needed . This often
considerably reduces the quantity required and opens up their options.

In general, the best alternative to eye-bolts are the modern lifting points, swivel links and hoist
rings. Although there is not a specific standard for these, several reputable manufactures, including Crosby,
RUD and Yoke, who make them to their own designs. These new generation lifting points offer advanced
engineering and increased load capacities over standard eye-bolts.

Lifting safety offers a great variety of styles are offered to try to ensure that we have a fitting to suit
our customer’s application. Stainless steel lifting eye-bolts are used where there is the potential of
corrosion contamination or failure caused by corrosion. We offer different types of stainless steel eye-bolts,
including stainless steel swivel eye bolts with link that will automatically adjust to the direction of the load.
Other lifting eye bolts in this category include special manufactured bolt-on eye-bolt plates available for
permanent or temporary installation for fitting to an overhead beam to create a lifting point or fall arrest
anchorage point. We also offer in this category of the shop ISO container lifting eyes are also referred to as
container lifting lugs designed to connect to the top, side or bottom of ISO shipping containers
(International Organization for Standardization)

1. Definitions:

Eyebolts used for hoisting shall be fabricated from forged carbon or alloy steel and shall
have sufficient ductility to permanently deform before losing the ability to support the load
at temperatures at which the manufacturer has specified for use.

Each eye-bolt shall be marked to show:

1. Name or trademark of manufacturer.

2. Size or rated load.
3. Grade for alloy eye-bolts.

Eyebolts shall have a minimum design factor of 5:1.

Only shouldered eye-bolts shall be used for rigging hardware, except when prohibited by
the configuration of the item to be lifted. Where non-shouldered eye-bolts are required, they shall only be
used in vertical pulls or in rigging systems that are designed and approved by a qualified person.
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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
When eye-bolts cannot be properly seated and aligned, a steel washer or spacer with the smallest
inside diameter that will fit the eye-bolt shank may be used to put the plane of the eye in the direction of
the load when the shoulder is seated. The washer or spacer shall not exceed one thread pitch in thickness
or as recommended by the manufacturer. Eyebolts shall be tightened or otherwise secured against
rotation during the lift.

Only shouldered eye-bolts shall be used for angular loading. The shoulder shall be
securely tightened against the load and the eye shall be aligned with the direction of the loading.
The working load limit shall be reduced as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Types of Eyebolts:

 There are four specialized types of eye-bolts.

 Forged eyebolts are forged instead of formed. These one-piece fasteners that offer higher load
ratings.
 Screw eyes are screws with a head shaped into a loop or eye. They are often used in lifting and
rigging applications, or to guide wire or cable.
 Shoulder eyebolts have a shoulder under the eye. Typically, the shoulder is installed flush with the
mounting surface.
 Thimble eyebolts are designed with an opening that acts as a thimble for wire or rope to minimize
wear.
 Pivoting eyebolts are designed to pivot 180°. The base of a swiveling eyebolt is designed to swivel
360°.

 Shouldered:

Used for vertical and angular lifts; when used for angular lifts, the Safe Working Load (SWL) is to
be down rated . Angles less than 45 degrees are prohibited. The shoulder must be flush with the
surface and screw.

 Unshouldered – for vertical lies only, angular lifts will bend threaded shaft.

Shouldered eyebolts shall be used for all applications, except where it is not possible due to the
configuration of the item. When unshouldered eyebolts are used, nuts, washers and drilled plates shall not
be used to make shouldered eyebolts. Swivel eyebolts are also available in the tool crib.

Eyebolts shall have a minimum thread engagement between the eyebolt and its tapped hold of 1-1
/2 times the diameter of thread engagement. Nuts on through-eyebolts shall be self-locking types. The
shoulders shall seat uniformly and snugly against the surface on which they bear.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
 Specifications:

 Specifications for eyebolts include:

 Maximum load capacity – The maximum load which an eyebolt can handle.
 Shank length – For fully-threaded eyebolts, shank diameter equals the thread length.
 Threaded length
 Eye inside diameter (ID)
 Eye section diameter or eye thickness
 Total weight

 Material and Finish:

Eyebolts differ in terms of material and finish. Plastic eyebolts and rubber eyebolts may be suitable
for some applications.

 Metallic eyebolts can be made of materials including:

 Aluminum
 Brass
 Bronze
 Steel
 Hardened steel
 Stainless steel
 Titanium
 Proprietary alloys

In terms of finish, eyebolts are often anodized, galvanized, or plated with gold, silver, tin, or zinc.
Black oxide is an eyebolt coating that causes virtually no dimensional change. Phosphate coatings provide
corrosion resistance and a better surface for the adhesion of primers and paints. Eye bolts with zinc
chromate finishes are also available.

 Operation Practices:

1) The size of the hole shall be checked for the proper size of eyebolt prior to installation. The
condition of the threads in the hole shall be checked to ensure the eyebolt will secure, and
the shoulder can be brought to a snug and uniformly engaged seat.

2) When installed, the shoulder of the eyebolt must be flush with the surface. When eyebolts cannot
be properly seated and aligned with each other, properly sized washers or shims may be inserted
under the shoulder to facilitate the eyebolts being tightened and aligned (firgure-1). However,
minimum thread engagement must be maintained.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
3) Angular loading of eyebolts should be avoided. Angular loading occurs in any lift in which the lifting
force is applied at an angle to the centerline of the shank of the eyebolt. Angular loading of the eyebolt
less than 45 degrees shall be prohibited. The eyebolt loading shall never exceed the values.

4) When more than one eyebolt is used in conjunction with multiple-leg rigging, it is recommended
that spreader bars, lifting yokes, or lifting beams be utilized to eliminate angular loading. When
these cannot be used, the values must not be exceeded.

5) To keep bending forces on the eyebolt to a minimum, the load shall always be applied in the plane
of the eye, never in the other direction (figure-2).

6) If the hook will not go completely into the eyebolt, a shackle will be used to avoid hoot tip loading.

7) Slings shall not be reeved through the eyebolt or reeved through a pair of eyebolts (firgure-3). Only
one leg should be attached to each eyebolt. Reeving slings through eyebolts adds greater load tension
in the eyebolt than normally calculated by using the sling angle.

3. INSPECTIONS:

 Initial Inspection:

Prior to use, all new, altered, modified, or repaired eyebolts shall be inspected by a designated
person to verify compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter. Written records are not required.

 Frequent Inspection:

1. A visual inspection shall be performed by the user or other designated person each shift before the
eyebolt is used. Semipermanent and inaccessible locations where frequent inspections are not feasible
shall have periodic inspections performed.
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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
2. Conditions such as those listed in section removal critieria or any other condition that may result in
a hazard shall cause the eyebolt to be removed from service. Eyebolts shall not be returned to service
until approved by a qualified person.

3. Written records are not required.

 Periodic Inspection:

 A complete inspection of the eyebolt shall be performed by a designated person. The eyebolt shall
be examined for conditions such as those listed in section removal criteria and a determination made
as to whether they constitute a hazard.

 Periodic inspection intervals shall not exceed one year. The frequency of periodic inspections
should be based on:
Frequency of use.

 Severity of service conditions.

 Nature of lifts being made.
 Experience gained on the service life of eyebolts used in similar circumstances.

 The guidelines for the time intervals are:

 Normal service – yearly.

 Severe service – monthly to quarterly.
 Special service – as recommended by a qualified person.

 Written records are not required.

4. REMOVAL CRITERIA:

Eyebolts shall be removed from service if damage such as the following is visible, and shall only be
returned to service when approved by a qualified person:

 Missing or illegible manufacturer’s name or trademark and/or rated load identification.

 Indications of heat damage including welding spatter or arc strikes.
 Excessive pitting or corrosion.
 Bent, twisted, distorted, stretched, elongated, cracked, or broken load-bearing components.
 Excessive nicks or gouges.
 A 10% reduction of the original or catalog dimension at any point around the body or pin.
 Excessive thread damage or wear.
 Evidence of unauthorized welding or modification
 Other conditions, including visible damage, that cause doubt as to continue use.

5. REPAIRS:

a. Repairs, alterations, or modifications shall be as specified by the eyebolt manufacturer or a qualified

person.

b. Replacement parts shall meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer’s specifications.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
 EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT:

a. When alloy steel eyebolts are to be used at temperatures above 400°F (204°C) or below- 40°F (-
40°C), the eyebolt manufacturer or a qualified person should be consulted.

b. Carbon steel eyebolts shall not be used at temperatures above 275°F (135°C) or below 30° F (-1°C)
unless approved by manufacturer or a qualified person.

c. The strength of eyebolts can be affected by chemically active environments such as caustic or acid
substances or fumes. The eyebolt manufacturer or a qualified person should be consulted before
eyebolts are used in chemically active environments.

6. Eye bolt identification markings:

 Shoulder Nut Eye Bolt – Installation for In-Line and Angular Loading:

A. The threaded shank must protrude through the load sufficiently to allow full engagement of the nut

B. If the eye bolt protrudes so far through the load that the nut cannot be tightened securely against
the load, use properly sized washers to take up the excess space BETWEEN THE NUT AND THE LOAD

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
C. Place washers or spacers between nut and load so that when the nut is tightened securely, the
shoulder is secured flush against the load surface

D. Thickness of spacers must exceed this distance between the bottom of the load and the last thread
of the eye bolt

 Regular Nut & Shoulder Nut Eye Bolt – Installation for In-line Loading with a tapped hole:

 More than one eye bolt diameter of threads, only (1) nut is required
 Tighten hex nut securely against load
 One eye bolt diameter of threads or less, use two (2) nuts
 Tighten hex nut securely against load

 Minimum engagement depth is 2 x Diameter

 One eye bolt diameter of threads or less is not allowed

 Machinery eye bolts must be used with great care:

 Working load limits for eye bolts are based on a straight vertical pull “in a gradually increasing
manner”
 Angular pulls will significantly lower working load limits (see Shoulder Pattern) and should be
avoided whenever possible
 If an angular pull is required, a properly seated Shoulder Pattern eye bolt must be used
 Loads should always be applied to eye bolts in the plane of the eye, not at an angle to this plane
 Angular pulls must never be more than a 45° pull

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
 Loads must always be applied to eye bolts in the plane of the eye:

 Side pull in the plane of the eye.

 Sling angle must not exceed 45 °.
 Side pull out of the plane of the eye. This configuration must not be used.

 Do not reeve slings between attachment points:

 Reeving introduces side pull.

 Although the upper sling angle is 60°, the resultant sling angle is 30°.
 For 1 lbf at 60° there is also a 1 lbf lateral load. The resultant load on the eye bolt is 1.73 lbf at 30°.

7. How should you use eye bolts safely:

 Orient the eye bolt in line with the slings. If the load is applied sideways, the eye bolt may bend.
 Pack washers between the shoulder and the load surface to ensure that the eye bolt firmly
contacts the surface. Ensure that the nut is properly torqued.
 Engage at least 90% of threads in a receiving hole when using shims or washers.
 Attach only one sling leg to each eye bolt.
 Inspect and clean the eye bolt threads and the hole.
 Screw the eye bolt on all the way down and properly seat.
 Ensure the tapped hole for a screw eye bolt (body bolts) has a minimum depth of one-and-a-half
times the bolt diameter.
 Install the shoulder at right angles to the axis of the hole. The shoulder should be in full contact
with the surface of the object being lifted.
 Use a spreader bar with regular (non-shoulder) eye bolts to keep the lift angle at 90° to the
horizontal.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
 Use eye bolts at a horizontal angle greater than 45°. Sling strength at 45° is 71% of vertical sling
capacity. Eye bolt strength at 45° horizontal angle drops down to 30% of vertical lifting capacity.
 Use a swivel hoist ring for angled lifts. The swivel hoist ring will adjust to any sling angle by
rotating around the bolt and the hoisting eye pivots 180°.

 Dangerous alterations:

In general, a lifting eye must never be altered by such means as grinding, machining, or cutting.
Dangerous alterations of eyebolts that can contribute to catastrophic failures include:

 Machining an undercut in a shoulder lifting eye if a non counter bore/countersunk hole is used.
 Cutting undersized threads on a blank lifting eye to make it fit.
 Welding another piece of metal to the eye or heating it in any way.
 Rapidly loading the lifting eye in shock, especially at ambient temperatures below 30 F.
 Grinding the eye to make it fit a tight space.

 Machinery eye bolt Do’s:

 Visually inspect eyebolts for any damage or corrosion on threads and body
 Always be sure threads on the shank and receiving holes are clean
 Insure the eyebolt has proper identification markings
 Always countersink receiving hole or use washers to seat the shoulder properly
 Always screw the eye bolt down completely for proper seating
 Always tighten nuts securely against the load
 When using blind tapped holes, make sure thread engagement is more than 1.5 times the
diameter of the thread in steel and 2.5 times in aluminum

 Machinery eye bolt Don’ts:

 Do not use the eyebolt if it is bent, damaged, or has been modified.

 Do not use if the eyebolt if it does not have proper identification markings.
 Do not use shouldered eyebolts at angles between 45 and 90 degrees to bolt axis.
 Do not repair, replace, or modify an eyebolt.
 Do not use if a gap exists between the part and eyebolt.
 Do not use a hook larger than the diameter of the eyebolt opening.
 Do not use a plain pattern eye bolt for angular pulls
 Shock loading must be avoided.
 Never machine, grind, or cut an eye bolt.
 Never use eye bolt that shows signs of wear or damage.
 Never use eye bolt if eye or shank is bent or elongated.
 Never exceed the load rating.

 Examples of non-load rated eyebolts that should never be used for rigging:

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
1. Over view:

There are many rigging methods for different kinds of loads being handled. It should be noted that
a rigging method which is suitable for handling one load might not be suitable for handling another load. In
fact, each rigging method has its limitations. The methods shown in this section are intended to be typical
examples and should not be regarded as exhaustive.

It should be noted that, though wire rope slings are used for illustration, the methods shown in this
section are also applicable to the use of a suitable chain sling.

The owner of any double or multiple sling shall ensure that it is not used for raising or lowering or
as a means of suspension if –

 The upper ends of the sling legs are not connected by means of a shackle, ring or link of adequate
strength; or
 The safe working load of any sling leg is exceeded as a result of the angle between the sling legs.

Slings carry their loads in one of three primary sling hitches. Most slings can be used in all three
sling hitches, but some slings are designed for use in only one hitch. Slings have the largest work Load Limit
when used in a basket hitch.The vertical hitch Work Load Limit is 50% of the basket hitch. The synthetic
choker hitch work Load Limit is a maximum of 80% of the vertical hitch work Load Limit.

Slings must be securely attached to the load and rigged in a manner to provide for load control to
prevent slipping, sliding and/or loss of the load. A trained, qualified and knowledgeable user must
determine the most appropriate method of rigging to help ensure load control and a safe lift.

 CHOKER HITCH:

Sling passes through one end around the load, while the other end
is placed on the hook. Load control is limited with only one sling rigged in a
choker hitch. A choker hitch will never provide full 360 degree contact. For
full contact, use a Double Wrap Choke Hitch. See Choker Hitches. The
Choke Point should always be on the sling body, not on the sling eye, fitting,
base of the eye or fitting, splice or tag.

 VERTICAL HITCH:

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
One end is on the hook, while the other end is attached directly to the
load. Use a tagline to prevent load rotation.

 BASKET HITCH:

The sling cradles the load while both eyes are attached
overhead. As with the choker hitch, more than one sling may be
necessary to help ensure load control.

 Sling-To-Load Angle:

The Sling-to-Load Angle is the angle formed between a

horizontal line and the sling leg or body. The Sling-to-Load Angle
has a dramatic effect on sling Work Load Limits. Slings with
adequate capacity to handle the “scale” weight of the load have
catastrophically failed because the Sling-to-Load Angle and
increased tension were not taken into account.

This principle applies in a number of conditions, including

when one sling is used to lift at an angle and when a basket hitch or
multi-leg bridle sling is used. When selecting a sling, always
consider the Sling-to-Load Angle and the tension that will be
applied to the sling. As the Sling-To-Load Angle decreases, the
tension on the sling leg(s) increases.

2. Single-leg sling:

 Vertical or straight lift (Fig-1) :

A vertical or straight lift is only suitable for lifting a load that will be stable when suspended from a
single lifting point.

 Basket hitch (Fig-2 ):

A basket hitch should only be used when the sling is passed through part of the load and the load is
balanced on the sling. The lifting should not commence until a shackle is connected to the sling legs. The
included angle of the sling should not exceed 90 degrees.

 Simple Choker Hitch (Fig-3) and Double and Choked (Fig-4) :

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches

These two slinging methods do not grip the loads completely and should be used only when the
loads are easily stabilized or cannot slip out of the sling.

 Choker hitch double wrapped (Fig-5) :

The general limitations for this sling method is similar with simple choker hitch, except that with
the double wrapped choker hitch the load is gripped more fully, and hence is secured more effectively.

The simple choker hitch or choker hitch double wrapped method should not be used for handling
composite loads such as loose bundles of tubes, or bars or wooden battens unless the friction grips
between the parts is sufficient to prevent them slipping from the sling. As far as possible, such composite
loads should first be tied up securely at their ends by steel wires or similar means of adequate strength.

Fig – 1 Vertical or straight lift Fig – 2: Basket hitch Fig-3: Simple Choker Hitch

Fig 4- Doubled and choked Fig- 5:Choker hitch double wrapped Fig 6:Two single-leg slings used
with direct attachment

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches

3. Multi-leg sling:

A multi-leg sling may have two, three or four legs (Fig-6 to 12 ). It provides a more stable lifting
arrangement than a single-leg sling.

 Generally, multi-leg sling methods are :

 Two-leg slings used with direct attachment (fig. 6);

 Two-leg slings used in choker hitch (fig. 7);
 Two-leg slings used in basket hitch (fig. 8);
 Two-leg slings used in double wrap choker hitch (fig. 9)
 Two-leg slings used in double wrap basket hitch (fig. 10);
 Three-leg slings used in direct attachment (fig. 11); and
 Four-leg slings used with direct attachment (fig. 12).

 When using multi-leg slings, care should be taken to ensure that:

1. The slings are of the same length;

2. Where the slings have different safe working load ratings then the load that can be lifted is related
to the least safe working load; and
3. The attachment points of a two-leg sling to the load are far enough apart to give stability without
exceeding 90 degrees (fig. 6, 7 & 9). In the case of two-leg sling used in basket hitch or a four-leg
sling, the angle between any two diagonally opposite legs should not exceed 90 degrees (fig. 8, 10
& 12) unless the sling is so marked. In no circumstances should the included angle exceed 120
degrees. For a three-leg sling, any one leg should make an angle of not greater than 45 degrees
with the vertical.

The two-leg slings used in choker hitch, basket hitch, double wrap choker hitch and double wrap
basket hitch should not be used for handling composite loads such as loose bundles or tubes, bars or
wooden battens unless the friction grips between the parts is sufficient to prevent them slipping from sling.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
As far as possible, such composite loads should first be tied up securely at their ends by steel wires or
similar means of adequate strength.

 BASKET HITCHES -Right / Wrong:

Inverted basket hitches are referred to as equalizing hitches because the sling is free to slip through
the hook based upon the load weight distribution. Be sure to employ the “four ends down”, North to South,
load engagement system.

Slings “skipping” through hardware components can become damaged. Balancing the load is critical
and necessary to prevent sling damage and failure . Extra care should be taken when using slings in a
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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
basket hitch to balance the load to prevent slippage. As with the choker hitch, more than one sling may be
necessary to control the load.

As with the choker hitch, more than one sling may be necessary to control the load.If practical, take
a full wrap around the load to grip it firmly; be sure when using multiple slings that they do not cross over
each other. Wrapping the load is a legitimate method of minimizing excessive sling length. Other methods,
such as, twisting and knotting radically reduce sling Work Load Limits. When the load is “wrapped” the
sling Work Load Limit is not increased, but load control is.

 CHOKER HITCHES – Right / Wrong:

The choke hitch should always be pulled tight before the lift is made, not pulled down during the lift.
A sling rigged in a choker hitch (not double wrapped) does not make full contact with the load. Use
multiple slings to balance the load, and wrap the load to ensure full contact. Ensure multiple slings do not
cross. Choke on opposite sides of the load, if this action will not damage the load and maintain load control.

Always use a choker hitch when turning a load. If the sling is not rigged properly, the turning action
will loosen the hitch, resulting in load slippage. Place sling eyes on top of the load, pointing the opposite
direction of the turn. The body is then passed under the load and through both eyes. Blocking should be
used to protect the sling and facilitate removal. Basket hitches should not be used to turn a load. Always
downgrade the choker Work Load Limit when the angle of choke is less than 120°.

For a tighter choke hitch, which provides full, 360° contact with the load, take a full wrap around
the load before choking the sling. Ensure that multiple slings do not cross. When the load is “wrapped” the
sling Work Load Limit does not increase, but load control does.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches

 Double Choker Hitch:

The Double Choker Hitch if applied properly will facilitate equalization of the loading on the sling
legs over the lifting hardware. If applied improperly, one of the legs will share a greater portion of the load
and equalization will not occur. The Double Choker Hitch Work Load Limit is twice the regular Choker Hitch
Work Load Limit.

 Sling tension – Different horizontal planes :

 Sling Tension – Leg Length/Headroom:

Calculating the tension imposed on slings or individual legs of a multi-part sling system will enable
the sling user to select slings with adequate work Load Limits.

Use the following steps to calculate the tension imposed upon the individual sling legs, when you
know the leg Length (L) and Headroom (H).

1) Determine the Load Factor (LAF):

Divide the leg length (L) by the headroom (H)
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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
L ÷ H = LF
Example: 20 ÷ 15 = 1.33 Load Factor (LAF)

2) Determine the Share of the Load (SOL) for the individual sling legs:
Divide the load weight by the number of sling legs.
Load weight ÷ number of legs = Share of the Load (SOL)
Example: 12,000 lbs ÷ 3 legs = 4,000 lbs. (SOL)

3) Multiply Load Factor by the Share of the Load to determine Sling Tension
Load Factor x Share of the Load = Tension
LAF x SOL = Tension
Example: 1.33 x 4,000 = 5,320 lbs.

 Please Note: Tension calculations are based upon:

 Sling attachment points being equidistant from the center of gravity

 Sling attachment points being equidistant to each other.
 Sling attachment points being on the same horizontal plane
 Equal sling leg lengths

4. Planning all Lifts:

Lifting operations must be planned to ensure that lifts are carried out safely and efficiently. The
following points must always be considered:

 Where loads are to be picked up

 Where loads are to be placed
 What areas are to be passed over
 Proximity of the public
 Any obstructions in the way
 How the load is to be slung
 How slings are to be removed and access to them
 How the crane driver will be directed
 The weight of the load
 The radius of the lift
 Any loads from a crane or outriggers and the capacity of the ground or slab to support them
 Weather conditions and light.

The Project Health and Safety Plan will record the overall project specific arrangements for the
control of lifting operations. The Project Lifting Plan will detail the specific arrangements for lifting.

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 Rigging Hardware Eye bolt and Methods of sling hitches
The Schedule of Common Lifts will define and describe the ‘common lifts’ on the project.
Depending on the nature and complexity of the lift, these could be categorized as:

 Basic
 Standard
 Complex.

 Basic lifts involve:

Loads of established weight where there are no hazards or obstructions within the area of
operation. Typical examples are pallets of bricks or blocks, bundles of re-bar, scaffold tubes.

 Standard lifts involve:

The lifting of general, frequently handled items of established weight,with no special lifting
accessories being required. This booklet describes the slinging of this type of load and the methods shown
are to be used, unless stated otherwise by the appointed person.

 Complex lifts may include:

Large pre-cast units, plants such as air handling units, generators etc.

 Therefore, complex lift operations will require:

 Consultation with the manufacturer, supplier or designer regarding the correct way of slinging
complex loads
 Careful planning
 The production of a specific method statement.

5. Do’s:

 Ensure that only authorized slingers / signalers attach or detach loads or signal the crane operator.
 Discuss operations with the crane operator.
 Ensure the capacity of the crane is sufficient to land load before lifting.
 Include the weight of the slings etc in the load on the lifting hook.
 Seek expert advice when using eye-bolts, plate clamps, bull dog grips, chain blocks etc.
 Obtain confirmation that pre-fabricated rebar assemblies such as pad foundations and beams
have been fabricated to allow safe lifting.
 Ensure that scaffold towers you are asked to move are designed to be lifted safely.

6. Don t’s:

 Wrap hand/tag lines around hand or body.

 Use tie wires or banding to lift loads.
 Leave a suspended load unattended.
 Pass loads over the public.
 Use lifting accessories for towing or pulling.
 Ride or climb on machines or suspended loads.
 Lift near power lines.
 Stand or walk beneath a load.
 Connect two or more independently slung loads at different levels on the same lift (sometimes
known as chandelier lifts).
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