Revision history

Rev Date Description of Change

Approval Authority:

Owner Developer Reviewer Approver

Summary

This procedure has been designed as a basic reference for all crafts in applying
proper and safe rigging methods and equipment used in construction work. The sub-
sections of this work instruction are broken down by specific activities which contain
basic information on mechanical handling precautions relevant to various crafts.

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1.0 PURPOSE

This procedure has been designed as a basic reference for all crafts in
applying proper and safe rigging methods and equipment used in
construction work. The sub-sections of this work instruction are broken down
by specific activities which contain basic information on materials handling
precautions relevant to various crafts.
2.0 SCOPE

The handling, setting and erection of materials and equipment are a

hazardous occupation. Each operation presents its own peculiar problems and
no two jobs are alike. With proper consideration taken, each job can be
performed free of near misses, bodily harm to employees and without
damage to equipment.
The scope of this work instruction is to provide the projects with information
that may be used in craft training, craft orientation, Risk Analysis and tool box
safety meetings. While reviewing this work instruction, bear in mind that it
was not developed or intended to supersede or override established safety
regulations. Should a conflict exist between this reference manual and any
safety procedure, the more stringent precaution should be used.
3.0 WIRE ROPE

3.1 Types
Wire rope is described by several features, such as lay, preformed or non-
preformed wire material, core material, and construction.
3.2 Lay of Wire Rope
The term "lay" describes the construction of the wire rope in regards the
direction of rotation of the wires in the strands, and the strands in the rope.
The length of lay is the distance in which the strand makes one complete turn
around the core.
• Right Regular Lay - The strands in the rope spiral clockwise (right) and
the wires in the strands spiral counter clockwise (left).
• Left Regular Lay - The strands in the rope spiral counter clockwise (left)
and the wires in the strands spiral clockwise (right).
• Right Lang Lay - The strands in the rope spiral clockwise (right) and the
wires in the strands spiral clockwise (right).
• Left Lang Lay - The strands in the rope spiral counter clockwise (left) and
the wires in the strands spiral counter clockwise (left).
3.3 Performing
This is a method of presetting the wires making up the strands, and the
strands making up the rope, into the permanent spiral form they have in the
finished rope. In comparison to non-performing wire rope, the preformed wire
rope is "relaxed", does not break as quickly from bending fatigue; broken
wires do not stick out as readily, making the wire rope safe to handle, and
has greater resistance to kinking, crushing, and distortion.
3.4 Wire Materials
The five primary materials for wire in wire rope construction are as follows:

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 1. Iron Wire - Low breaking strength (approx. 100,000 p.s.i.), but is ductile
and can be bent over small sheaves.
2. Traction Steel - Breaking strength about 180,000 to 190,000 p.s.i. Resist
bending fatigue and causes a minimum of abrasion.
3. Mild Plow Steel - Breaking strength about 200,000 to 220,000 p.s.i. This is
a tough steel and combines fatigue resistance with strength.
4. Plow Steel - Breaking strength about 220,000 to 240,000 p.s.i. This steel
is tougher and stronger than mild plow steel.
5. Improved Plow Steel - The best grade with the highest strength (about
240,000 to 260,000 p.s.i. breaking strength) and abrasion-resistant
properties. Except in special cases this grade is most commonly used.
3.5 Core Materials
The core materials for wire rope may be either metallic or non-metallic.
• Metallic cores are of two types:
 Independent Wire Rope Core. This is the most commonly used metallic
core and is, in itself, a small wire rope.
 Wire strand core consists of a strand similar to the strands composing
the rest of the rope, or consisting of a strand having more wires in its
construction than are used in the other strands of the rope.
• Non-metallic cores are of two types:
 Fibre - a hard tough core, which has been standard for many years.
 Cotton - used only in a few small ropes where the service is light.
3.6 Wire Rope Construction
Natural construction of wire rope using all wires of the same size does not
have the required flexibility to bend over medium to small sheaves. With
repeated bending, the outer wires in the strands tend to nick and wear by
rubbing together. For this reason, many variations of wire rope construction
have been developed.
Some of the more common constructed wire rope is as follows:
• 6 x 19 Seale with fibre core. The Seale-lay rope consists of comparatively
small interior wires for flexibility, with larger outside wires to resist
abrasions.
• 6 x 19 Warrington with fibre core. The Warrington-lay rope has alternate
larger and smaller outside wires. Less flexible than Seale-lay but is more
rugged and better resists abrasion and crushing. Filler wire with fibre
core. This wire rope has the maximum flexibility of the 6 x 19 wire rope
group.
• Non-rotating wire rope. This rope is designed to handle free loads without
spinning or rotating. This is accomplished by using an outer layer of right
regular lay strands over an inner layer of left hand lay.
3.7 Selection
The selection of wire rope depends upon many factors. When selecting wire
rope for any service the following conditions of use should be considered:

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 • Strength - The wire rope should take care of the maximum load with a
minimum factor of safety of 5. Metallic cores will add additional strength
but reduce flexibility.
• Flexibility - Generally, the smaller the wires, the more flexible the wire
rope. A 6 x 37 wire rope will be more flexible than a 6 x 19 wire rope; 8-
strand ropes also are more flexible than 6-strand ropes. An 8 x 19 wire
rope is more flexible than a 6 x 19 wire rope. Non-metallic core wire
ropes are more flexible than metallic core wire ropes.
• Abrasion or Wear - Lang-lay wire rope is more resistant to abrasion than
regular lay. Where abrasion is the determining factor, the outer wires
should be larger as in the 6 X 19 Warrington-lay wire rope.
• Corrosion - The core of wire rope should be metallic in corrosive
atmospheres. The larger wires also will expose a smaller area for
corrosive attack.
• Heat - Where heat is a determining factor, metallic core wire rope is
required.
• Speed - The 8-strand fibre core wire ropes are smoother running over
sheaves and drums, and are more desirable than a metallic core rope.
• Free-Loading – Non-rotating rope is required for free loading to keep the
load from spinning. This wire rope has minimum flexibility.
• Drum Wind-Up - The direction of wind-up on a drum may make a
difference in the right or left lay of the wire rope.
• Reverse Bends - Where reverse bending is a factor, it is desirable to use a
small wire (6 x 37 or 8 x 37) fibre core Lang-lay wire rope.
3.8 Inspection and Pre-Use Inspection
Inspection for damage should be made of the exposed turns of coils and reels
when wire rope is received from the supplier.
Wire rope having been stored 3 months or longer should be completely
inspected for damage and corrosion immediately prior to installation.
Many wire ropes are permanently damaged by improper handling and use.
Kinks, twists, and untwisting are the results. A permanent bend caused by
pulling "out" a kink, seriously damages the line. These conditions are
especially likely to occur when rope is first unwound from the reel.
New rope should first be "run" without a load so that it becomes "set" before
a strain is placed on it.
4.0 IN-USE INSPECTION

Frequency - Wire rope should be inspected at frequent intervals as

established by project requirement and Country Safety regulations. Frayed,
kinked, worn or corroded rope must be replaced. The frequency of inspection
is determined by the amount of use of the rope.
Work Instruction - The weak points in the rope, or the points where the
greatest stress occurs, should be inspected with great care. In general,
examine the rope for worn spots and broken wires.
Worn spots will show up as shiny flattened spots on the wires. Measure some
of these shiny spots. If it appears that the outer wires have been reduced in
diameter by one-fourth, the worn spot is unsafe.

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 There may be several points in the rope where broken wires occur. Inspect
each point to determine whether it is a single broken wire or several.
If several wires are broken next to each other, unequal load distribution at
this point will make the rope unsafe.
Consider the rope unsafe if three broken wires are found in one strand of 6 x
7 rope, six broken wires are found in one strand of 6 x 19 ropes, or nine
broken wires are found in one strand of 6 x 37 ropes.
4.1 Handling
Leather palm gloves must be used at all times when handling new or used
wire rope.
Exposure of wire rope to dirt or grit should be avoided wherever possible (in
use or in storage). Dirt or grit between wire rope strands, or the wires within
the strands, will cause harmful erosion and scratching of the wires as the wire
rope flexes. This greatly reduces the wire rope strength.
Exposure of wire rope to wear or any corrosive material should be avoided
wherever possible. The outside or visible wires may be wiped clean, but the
inner wires and core of the wire rope cannot be cleansed nor can the
corrosion be detected during inspection.
Extreme precautions must be taken to avoid kinking wire rope. When a kink
has occurred in wire rope, the rope or the damaged section of the rope must
be removed from service.
Coiling or uncoiling wire rope: Reel or unreel slowly in a straight line. Keep the
wire rope taut and free of kinks or large loops which could form kinks.
When coiling or uncoiling wire rope without the use of a reel, the rope should
be placed on a clean surface.
Wire rope should be stored on reels whenever possible. When reels are not
available, rope should be stored in coils. Hanging on a broad support to
prevent concentration of the load of the coil on just a small area or a few wire
strands. Storage space should be free of abrasive dust, corrosive fumes, or
excess moisture.
4.2 Use
Wire rope is made as rugged and durable as possible and has considerable
strength. The individual wires however used can be damaged easily. For this
reason, wire rope should be used with respect and protected from damage.
Sudden stresses in wire rope should be avoided. Travelling over rough areas
with an automotive crane with a load suspended, or quick acceleration in
lifting, may cause stresses above the breaking strength of the wire rope.
After installing new wire rope on a crane or other hoisting equipment, the
equipment should be operated for about an hour with no load. This will ensure
that the rope will accommodate itself to the sheaves and drums before heavy
strain is applied.
Always select and use the proper wire rope for the job.
Avoid crushing forces on wire ropes at all times to avoid damage to fibre
cores and hidden wires.
Loose ends of non-preformed wire rope must always be "seized" to prevent
untwisting of wires and strands.

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 When applying a hitch on an object to be hoisted, care should be taken to
avoid damage to the sling. Use softeners to safely handle objects with sharp
corner or edges.
The safe working load should never be exceeded.
When lifting with angled slings (such as with bridle slings, basket, and choker
hitches) the actual load on the sling increases. A 30 degree angle to the
horizontal of any of the sling parts is the critical angle of lift. The lift angle
should never be less than 30 degree.
Care should be taken when using basket hitches to ensure that slings do not
slip off the object being lifted.
4.3 Splicing
The Flemish eye splice - develops only 70% of the strength of the rope and
should not be used for hoisting loads.
Mechanical eye splice - develops 100% of the strength of the rope. Steel
ferrules are squeezed under pressure onto the rope splice. These mechanical
splices should only be made in the plant of a reputable wire rope or sling
manufacturer.
4.4 Cable Clamp Splice
Clamps should be spaced not less than six rope diameters apart.
Clamps with corrugations in the forging should be used with the lay rope for
which they are designed (Left-lay or Right-lay). Cutting of the strands may
result when using ordinary right-lay devices on left-lay rope.
Do not use clamps made of malleable iron material.
U-bolt clamps must be place on the rope with U-bolts bearing upon the short
"dead" end of the rope. Properly made, a U-bolt clamp eye splice develops
80% of the strength of the rope.
Twin base clamps (double saddle clamps) have corrugated jaws on both
parts. They can be installed without regard as to which part bears on the line
or dead end of the rope. Properly installed, twin base clamps will develop 90%
of the strength of the rope and cause very little deformation to the wire rope.
Twin-base clamps are recommended when joining two ropes together in a lap
splice. U-bolts should not be used in a lap splice. The "U" of the "U-bolt"
clamp will permanently bend and weaken one of the wire ropes.
When forming a loop eye with a thimble, the clamp farthest from the eye
should be applied first (about 4 inches back from the end of the dead rope)
and tightened evenly. Next, apply the clamp close to the toe of the thimble
and fingers tighten. Space all intermediate clamps and finger tighten. Stress
the assembly and tighten all clamps evenly.
After the rope has been in use (under tension) retighten all clamps to
compensate for reduction in rope size.
When making a lapped splice to a stay rope or sling, apply a twin-base clamp
about 4 inches from each dead end and tighten evenly.
Space all intermediate clamps evenly and fingers tighten. Place the rope
under stress and tighten all clamps evenly.
Retighten clamps after rope has been in use a short time.

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 After using wire rope clamps on a wire rope, special inspection of the wire
rope in the area where the clamps are removed should be made. Look for any
possible damage to the rope.
4.5 Sheave and Drum Use
In all applications of wire rope wherein the use of sheaves and drums is
involved, the design of these sheaves and drums with respect to dimensions
and materials have considerable bearing on the service life received from the
wire rope operating on this equipment. The actual service received may be
decreased by 50% or more where faulty equipment is involved.
The four main factors to be considered from this standpoint are (1) design, (2)
materials used, (3) alignment, and (4) care of the equipment in service.
For all elevator ropes, the tolerances shall be +1/64 minimum to +1/16
maximum.
The use of sheave grooves smaller than (or in excess of) the tolerances may
result in materially reduced service.
Maximum efficiency will be obtained from sheaves whose flanges form an
angle of approximately 15 degrees with the vertical resulting in about 42% of
the circumference of the rope in contact with the groove of the sheave.
Grooves with vertical flanges are unsatisfactory because they result in
excessive chafing of the rope.
When wire rope is to travel over sheaves, use and check for the correct
sheave sizes.
When wire rope is to wind on a drum, it is desirable that the drum be of
sufficient size to accommodate all the rope on one smooth even layer. In no
case, should there be more than 3 layers of wire rope on a drum.
In winding wire rope on a drum, right-lay wire rope should wind on the drum
in a left-hand helix. Left-lay wire rope should wind in a right-hand helix.
When wire rope travels over a sheave and on to a drum, the fleet angle for a
smooth drum should not be greater than 1 1/2 degrees. The fleet angle, when
using a grooved drum, should not be greater than 2 degrees.
Installations which cause reverse bending of wire rope (when it passes over
two or more sheaves) should be avoided where possible. When it cannot be
avoided, a wire rope with greatest flexibility should be used.
4.6 Methods of Hanging Rigging
The method of hanging rigging depends largely upon the job to be performed.
It is important to check all phases of the job and all the potential possibilities
of job deviations which may affect the rigging components.
Before hanging any rigging, it is imperative that the overhead structures be
checked by a competent person to make certain that structural components
will withstand the stresses of the load to be lifted.
Lashing. Lashing consists of a straight piece of wire rope wrapped around an
overhead beam or strength member from which rigging can be fastened. The
wire rope ends are secured by cable clamps.
The number of wraps around the beam is determined by the load to be lifted.
When used for straight lifts, 3 wraps around the beam will normally be
sufficient to prevent slipping.

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 Rope wrapped around the beam or strength member must be protected from
sharp corners by use of softeners.
If the load is to be lifted at an angle, a shackle should be placed through the
middle wrap only to ensure maximum resistance to slipping.
Extreme angle lifts may require use of additional wraps of lashing.
To eliminate the use of the cable clamps, a wire rope sling fitted with eyes on
both ends (of required length) may be used. In this case, a shackle may be
used to join the two ends of the sling.
Eyebolts should not be used when the load is to be lifted at an angle.
Eyebolts should be manufactured from fully killed steel by drop forging. Never
weld eyebolts or heat above 1000 degrees F.
Use of Eveners. Eveners should be used where the overhead structure will not
withstand point loading or where two overhead strength members must be
spanned to place rigging directly over the object to be lifted.
When an evener is used to distribute the load on the beam, it may be lashed
to the strength member in two or more places.
When used to span two or more overhead strength members, the evener
should be lashed to all strength members.
The rigging should be hung from the evener only, in the same manner as it
would be hung from the strength member.
4.7 Fiber Rope
Fibre rope may be classed as plant fibre or synthetic fibre.
Fibre rope usually is made up with 3 strands. However, in special cases, it
may be made up of 4, 5, or 6 strands.
When abrasion is a factor, a rope made up of four strands laid around a small
rope core may be used. This rope is more nearly round and smooth and
reduces the abrasion effect.
Fibre rope is generally laid right-handed. The strands may be laid either
tightly or loosely and classed as:
• Hard-Laid. Strands are laid tightly making the rope stiffer and more
resistant to abrasion.
• Soft-Laid. Strands are laid loosely making the rope more limp but
stronger than hard-laid.
• Medium-Laid. A compromise between the hard and soft-laid rope and is
recommended for general use.
4.8 Fibre Rope Materials
No. 1 manila rope is a plant fibre rope and issued for rigging. Manufacturers
of manila rope usually identify this grade of rope by some trade marker, such
as coloured inlaid fibres, bands, etc. Manila rope that has no manufacturer's
identification is usually of a lesser grade manila and is not recommended for
rigging use.
Plant fibres such as jute (50% strength of manila), sisal (60 to 75% strength of
manila) and hemp (80% strength of manila) are not recommended.
Nylon rope is a strong, tough rope, at least 2 ½ times stronger than manila
and stronger than any other synthetic fibre now available. It has very good (to

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 excellent) resistance to abrasion, and will absorb greater shock loads than
any other fibre rope.
“Dacron” polyester fibre rope handles much like manila rope, but is about
twice as strong. It has good resistance to abrasion and has application where
minimum stretch is desired.
Polypropylene rope is the lightest and lowest in cost of all synthetic fibre
ropes. It is flexible, has minimum stretch, and excellent shock resistance.
Generally, it is not affected by moisture, acids, alkalis, oil, grease, or other
chemicals.
Esterion rope is an inexpensive 100% polyester fibre rope. It may be used
where strength (1 ½ times the strength of manila), durability, minimum
stretch, and economy are needed.
Glass is a special rope with poor flexibility but with excellent resistance to
chemicals and heat. Strength is comparable to “Dacron” rope.
Saran rope is a low-strength rope with poor flexibility and poor resistance to
heat, but excellent resistance to chemicals.
4.9 Inspection
Look and feel for broken fibres or other signs of abuse of the rope. Broken
fibres are an indication of excessive abrasion or overloading. If approximately
5% of the fibres are broken, the rope should be condemned.
Fibre rope will naturally become dirty from use. However, inspect it for excess
dirt and grit penetrating between the fibres making up the strands. If
excessive to the point that it will cause internal wear in the strands, the rope
should be condemned for hoisting.
Inspect for excessive oil on the surface of the rope. This is an indication of
excess loading and rope should be condemned.
Check the rope for strand unlaying and high stranding, or the presence of a
spiral appearance. This will cause uneven distribution of the load on the
strands and early rope failure.
If manila rope is dry and brittle, it should be condemned. It has lost its life and
load capacity.
Inspect the outside of rope for evidences of exposure to heat, acid, or other
chemicals, or excessively moist atmosphere.
If manila rope has been exposed to these elements, it should be condemned.
Synthetic fibre rope should be condemned if not resistant to the above
exposures.
Open up the strands of the rope by twisting it in the opposite direction of the
lay. Do not open to the extent of kinking the fibres or damaging the rope lay.
Inspect for the following:
• If excessive broken fibres are found, the rope should be condemned. This
is a definite indication that rope has been overloaded.
• Interior of the rope should be as bright as the original new rope. If
discoloured or dirty, or if there are indications of chemical or dirt
penetration, the rope should be condemned.
• Inspect for the presence of powder-like sawdust. If present, there has
been severe internal wear and the rope should be condemned.

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 If possible to open up a strand, the following inspection inside the strand
should be made:
• Pull on several fibres near the centre of the strand. If they come out in
short pieces, the rope has been overloaded and should be condemned.
• Pull out some long fibres from the centre of the strand and check for
strength. If the strands break easily, the rope probably has been
chemically attacked and should be condemned.
A condemned rope should be cut into short pieces and scrapped. If
precautions are taken to properly tag, or otherwise identify it unsafe for
rigging, condemned rope may be used for hand lines barricades.
4.10 Handling, Use and Storage
In general, the uncoiling of rope should start with the loose end which is
located inside the coil. The coil can be laid flat and the rope uncoiled by
pulling the loose end away from the coil to obtain the desired length.
As the rope comes out of the coil, it should unwind in a counter clockwise
direction and may form loops. These loops should be removed carefully to
avoid damaging kinks in the rope.
Before cutting a fibre rope, whipping should be applied on both sides of the
intended cut to prevent unlay of the strands, or upsetting of the fibres in the
strands.
Does no drag rope over dirty or gritty surfaces? Abrasion of the outside of the
rope will occur immediately, and the picking up of gritty particles will cause
later internal abrasion.
In using rope slings, a thimble should be inserted in each permanent loop or
eye to prevent excessive wear and sharp bending of the rope.
Avoid wrapping fibre rope around sharp edges or corners. The use of padding
or softeners is recommended.
The legs of a sling, or the angle of lift with the horizontal, should never be less
than 30 degrees.
Do no use fibres rope in an atmosphere of acids or chemical fumes unless the
specific rope has properties to resist that atmosphere.
Do not bend or flex frozen fibre rope. Wet or frozen rope should not be placed
against steam pipes for thawing or drying.
Fibre rope should be stored in a clean, well-ventilated area. Preferred storage
is hanging loosely on large-diameter pegs.
If the rope has become damp or wet in use, it should be dried before storing.
Excessive heat or extremely dry storage conditions should be avoided.
Never use rope that shows signs of cutting, unravelling or breaking.
Keep rope ends seized.
5.0 COME-A-LONGS/CHAIN FALLS, HOOKS, SHACKLES AND BEAM CLAWS

(This section pertains to come-a-longs and chain fall rigging only.)

5.1 Basic Rules
Only ONE eye in hook. Use a shackle to hold 2 or more eyes.

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 The pin of a shackle should be placed in the hook with the eyes of chokers
bearing on the shank.
All hooks should either bear a safety latch or be moused. Never overload a
hook beyond its rated capacity. Hooks must be replaced when inspection
shows spread, distortion, wear or fracture.
Never place a load on the point of a hook - always in the centre. Get approval
before applying a beam clamp to any structural member to assure that
structural member will support the load being raised.
Use only approved type beam clamps for lifting any load. No welded rings or
field fabricated lifting devices are to be used. Check to make sure that the
beam clamp fits the beam and is adequate to support load to be handled.
(Consider strength of flange of beam.) Beam clamps should be securely
fastened to the beam. The use of beam clamps is not recommended when
angle lifts are to be made.
The design calculations for beam clamp capacity are made for straight lifts.
Lifting at an angle places the beam flange under multiple stresses and the
beam clamp under point loading, making it possible to exceed design
capacities.
Never use plate grips, tongs, girder hooks, pipe clamps, etc., as substitutes
for beam clamps.
The rigging should be attached to the beam clamp using a shackle. Do not
place a hoist hook directly in the beam clamp-lifting eye.
Beam clamps should be visually inspected before each use by checking
hooks, locking pins, and lifting eyes for distortion or other defects; inspecting
welds for checks or cracks; checking bolts or locking devices for case of
operation; making sure that identification numbers, capacity and beam size
are clearly marked on the clamp.
6.0 CHAIN FALLS

The spur gear chain hoist is the most efficient of all chain hoists. Chain falls
must be marked with capacity in tons. Use correct size falls for the weight to
be lifted.
During use, be certain that the attachment and the supporting structure will
safely carry the load.
The term "heavy-duty chain hoists” refers to the job it is capable of
performing, and not the abuse it will stand.
Chain hoists should be equipped with an automatic load brake to prevent the
load from dropping. The load brake should be the fail-safe type.
A chain hoist should never be used beyond its rated capacity.
Do no leave a load hanging on a chain-fall unattended, or for any lengthy
period of time. Block up the load or attach lashing around the load and
support member. A load hanging from a chain fall is the same as an
unattended load suspended by a crane.
Do not stand below or have any parts of the body below a load suspended on
a chain hoist.
Do no wrap the load chain around the load to be lifted.

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 Do not load the "point" of the chain hoist lifting "hook". Make sure the load is
"bottomed" in the hook. Safety latch or mouse all hooks.
If more than one lifting cable is to be handled by one chain hoist, use a
shackle to join the lifting cables before placing them in the chain hoist lifting
hook.
Chain hoists are designed so that one man can operate the hand chain to lift
a full capacity load. If the load cannot be lifted by one man on the chain, use
larger chain fall.
Avoid making angle lifts with a chain hoist wherever possible. Never use a
chain hoist for a horizontal pull, as design chain sprocket engagement is not
obtained. Lever hoists or com-a-longs should be used for these conditions.
When drifting loads using two or more chain hoists, use extreme care in
operation of the hand chain so that it is pulled in line with the sheave. The
angle of lift should not exceed 30 degrees with the vertical. This is one of the
few permissible chain fall angle lifts.
6.1 Inspection
All chain hoists should be inspected visually before making any lift. Visual
inspection should include:
1. Check hooks for any irregularities,

2. Check chain for wear or damage,

3. Check housing and sheaves for any signs of damage from abusive
treatment

Check top and bottom hooks. Never try to straighten a bent hook.
Check load chain at inter-link points, for signs of wear. Check pitch of chain
against the original pitch, as recorded in inches of length per twenty links of
chain. If the pitch shows and increase of 3 percent elongation due to stretch
or wear (or a combination of both), it must be replaced.
Lubricate the load chain as often as use warrants. Do not oil clutch.
7.0 LEVER-OPERATED HOISTS

 Rig carefully keep hoist chain straight

 Don't use cheaters on hoist handle.

 Don't overload, stay within rated limit.

 Load hook properly and inspect for open hooks.

 Handle carefully, don't throw or drop them.

 Don't use hoist chain as a sling or choker.

 Never let the hoist chain gouge the side of the frame, keep aligned with
the work.

 Bending hoist chain under load could cause serious damage or breakage.

 Make sure of your footing before use, to avoid slips, falls and strains.

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  Inspect periodically for defects, with a visual inspection prior to each use.

 Lever-operated hoists may be used safely to lift or pull a load, or to stretch

cable or wire at any angle or in any position.

 A lever-operated hoist under strain should not be left unattended for any
lengthy period.

 Always stand clear of load being lifted or away from the path of a load
being pulled.

 If more than one cable or chain is to be handled by one hook use a shackle
to join the cables or chains and place the shackle in the hook.

8.0 USE OF JACKS

Jacking metal against metal is not permitted - use wood softeners. Never jack
against rollers.
Use proper handles for jacks and remove handles from jacks when not in use.
Jack handles are to be used with the hands only - never step on a jack handle
to get additional force.
When jacking, always follow with chocks as a precaution against the jack
kicking. Never leave a jack under a load without having the load blocked up.
Care must be exercised to ensure that jacks are properly positioned and the
load raised uniformly to reduce the tendency of the load to shift
unexpectedly.
When using jacks always make sure that the base is placed firmly and evenly
on a good solid footing. Never place a jack directly on the ground.
Jacks should be used in such a position that the direction of force is
perpendicular to the base and the surface of the load to be moved.
Never exceed the capacity of the lift distance of the jack.
Do not use extensions to the handles furnished with the jacks.
If a load is to be raised in its entirety by several jacks, it should be braced
laterally by struts. This will prevent all the jacks from upsetting in unison.
When using jacks in a horizontal position to move an object, the jacks should
be lashed or blocked.
When using more than one ratchet-type jack for lifting, it is desirable to
obtain matched jacks for uniform lifting.
9.0 USE OF ROLLERS

Rollers should not be used metal to metal - provide softeners. Avoid pinch
hazards - keep fingers and feet clear of rollers. Loads must be properly
chocked when they are to be left on rollers. Use wood softeners under rollers
when positioned on smooth hard surfaces.
Material or loads to be moved must be firmly bolted or lashed to the skid to
prevent any shifting on the skid. On loads moving down a slope, restrainers
lines should be used, securely fastened to both the load and the skid or dolly.
Force to move the load along the rollers or dollies should be applied to the
skid and not the load itself.

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 Force to move the skid may be applied by a winch, jack, come-along (tug-all),
or manually with the use of lever bars.
When using dollies, they should be selected of sufficient capacity so that each
dolly will take equal weight of the total load.
The load will be moved on rollers in a direction perpendicular to the centre
line of the rollers. To change the direction of movement, the rollers should be
moved accordingly. Never drag a load over the rollers.
Force to move a skid on rollers should be applied in the direction of
movement as near as practical.
To change direction of movement of the skid, the rollers may be moved by
holding one end securely with a lever bar and moving the other end in the
desired direction using jacks, lever bar, or a maul.
A minimum of three rollers must be under the skid at all times, and be spaced
so that one roller is located forward of the load centre of gravity and one
roller located after the load centre of gravity. Long skids will require
additional rollers.
The forward end of the skid beams shall be tapered on the bottom for easily
start on the roller.
10.0 TURNBUCKLES

For rigging use, turnbuckles should be made of dropforged steel. Welding on

the turnbuckle is not permitted.
Turnbuckles may be used where precise load balancing is required.
When using turnbuckles with multileg slings, do not use more than one
turnbuckle per leg.
When using a turnbuckle in the leg of a sling, the angle of the leg with the
horizontal should never be less than 30 degrees. The size of turnbuckle
selected should be of sufficient capacity to support the entire load, since at
30 degrees each leg of a two-leg sling must support the full load.
Turnbuckles should never be turned with long levers such as bars or pipe. The
maximum torque applied to turn the turnbuckle should be the same as that
required to tighten a bolt of comparable size.
Avoid shock loading of turnbuckles at all times.
Turnbuckles may be used in temporary guy lines to align structural steel or
equipment supporting steel.
Turnbuckles must be free of contact with any other stationary objects when
supporting a load.
Turnbuckles must be secured so they will not unscrew under load. Make sure
threaded portions are fully engaged.
Inspect the threads, male and female, for wear or damage. If turnbuckle does
not turn easily on the threads, overloading is indicated and the turnbuckle
should be discarded. Check the body for nicks, signs of abuse, corrosion, the
jaws, hooks, or eyes for signs of overload and wear; inspect the rods for
straightness.

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11.0 DEFINITIONS

The following terms are commonly used in the subject of rigging. Each term is
defined in brief to give the correct usage, and to clarify meanings used
throughout the industry.
A-FRAME -A framework made in the form of an A, either from wood, metal
tubing or structural shapes, from which a load can be suspended.
ALTERNATE LAY - Lay of wire rope in which the strands are alternately
regular and Lang lay.
ANCHOR KNOT - A means of fastening a rope to a ring or post. The anchor
knot is often called the fisherman's bend or the bucket hitch.
BACK SPLICE - A stopper to prevent unlaying of strands at the end of a rope.
It starts as a crown knot and then has several additional tucks.
BARREL HITCH - A hitch for hoisting a barrel or similar objects.
BIGHT - A simple loop. A part of all knots.
BIRD CAGING - The twisting of fibre or wire rope in an isolated area in the
opposite direction of the rope lay, causing it to take on the appearance of a
bird cage.
BLACKWALL HITCH - A means of temporarily attaching a load rope to a
hook.
BLOCK AND FALL - Sometimes referred to as a rope fall and consists of two
single or multiple pulley blocks complete with load hooks, and with rope
reeved between to give a mechanical advantage in lifting.
BOLT ROPE - A high-grade manila rope, about 10 to 15% stronger than No. 1
grade manila.
BOOM - The long, usually fabricated, part of a crane that makes it possible
for the load sheaves to be manoeuvred directly over the load to be lifted.
BOWLINE - A non-slipping eye knot.
BREAKING STRENGTH - The load or tension required to break a fibre or wire
rope.
BREAST DERRICK - A frame, similar to an A-frame, but equipped with its
own operating drum.
BRIDGE CRANE - A fabricated structural crane operating on elevated tracks
and bridged over the area of lifting.
CANTILEVER - A beam or crane section supported rigidly at or near one end
only.
CHAIN GAGE - A positive measuring device used to measure the wear or
elongation of chain links.
CHAIN HOIST - A portable lifting device geared to give mechanical
advantage for hand operation and using chain to transmit the load to the
hoist.
CHOKER - A hitch made using a sling in a manner so that the heavier the
load, the tighter the sling will hold it.
CLEVIS - A U-shaped or stirrup-shaped device used to connect two or more
lifting members. This usually is referred to as a shackle.

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CLOVE HITCH - A temporary method of fastening a rope at right angle to a
post. Consists of two half hitches.
CROWN KNOT - A stopper to prevent unlaying of strands at end of rope.
DEAD MAN - A dead weight or anchor to which guy lines are attached.
DEAD WEIGHT - The total weight of all the suspended rigging.
DERRICK -A structural or fabricated member of considerable length or height
used to provide a fixed stable point above the load from which a lift can be
made.
DESIGN FACTOR - The factor by which ultimate strength is divided to
determine safe working load.
DIFFERENTIAL HOIST - A chain hoist consisting of two sheaves at the top or
mounting hook and one sheave at the load hook, with chain reeved between
to give a mechanical advantage in lifting.
DRIFTING - The act of moving a suspended load in a horizontal direction
using two or more pieces of hoisting equipment.
EVENER - A beam arrangement suspended from overhead supporting beams,
in two or more places, from which single point loading can be made. Used to
distribute load over greater area of overhead structural member or members.
EYE SPLICE - A splice made at the end of a rope by forming a loop and
splicing the running end of the loop into the standing portion of the rope.
FACTOR OF SAFETY - See Design Factor.
FIBRE ROPE - A rope made from non-metallic materials such as vegetable,
animal, or synthetic fibres.
FLEET ANGLE - The angle of deviation from the centre line of the sheave to
the point where the rope winds on the drum in a crane or hoisting operation.
For smooth drums, the fleet angle should not exceed 1 1/2 degrees, and for a
grooved drum not over 2 degrees.
FULCRUM - A fixed point on a lever, beam or boom around which the lever,
beam or boom rotates.
GANTRY CRANE - A fabricated structural crane operating on tracks at or
near ground level with the traverse beam elevated and bridged over the area
of lifting.
GIN POLE - A pole firmly held or anchored at the bottom and held in place at
the top by guy wires, usually erected at a small angle with the vertical, so
that the top of the pole is above the load to be lifted and supports the lifting
sheave or hoist.
GIRDER - A permanent strength member in building construction from which
rigging often is hung.
GROMMET - An endless rope of one strand only making three complete
interwoven loops.
GUYS - Rope, usually wire rope, used to hold the top end of a boom, derrick,
or gin pole in a fixed position. Must be used in sets of three or more.
HALF HITCH - A temporary method of fastening a rope at right angle to a
post. This is not recommended unless the end of the rope is strongly seized to
the standing part.

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HITCH - The attachment of a rope to a post pole, ring, hook, or other object.
HOIST - May be a complete hoisting unit mounted overhead in a fixed
location or suspended from a small trolley attached to an I-beam track. The
term "hoist" can also be applied to the power-driven mechanism and drums
that are used in conjunction with a derrick, gin pole, or even a material-
hoisting elevator.
HOOK GAGE - A fixed gage used to measure the allowable hook opening
caused by excessively loading the hook.
JIB CRANE - Consists of a beam or crane section secured at one end and
allowed to rotate around its axis with a hoist or lifting device at the
unsupported end.
KINK - The making of a loop in the rope so small that it will destroy the lay of
the rope. This is one cause of bird-caging and also weakens the strands of the
rope.
KNOT - The intertwining of the end of the rope with a portion of the same
rope or another rope of the same size.
LANG LAY - The laying of the strands in the rope in the same circular
direction as the laying of the wires (or fibres) in the strands.
LASHING - The use of rope to hold two or more objects together.
LAY OF ROPE - A term used to describe the forming (not twisting) of wires
(or fibres) into strands and strands into rope.
LIFE BELT - A webbing-type belt that can be fastened above and hanging
near a work area to which the workman can attach the tail line of his safety
belt.
LIFE NET - A springy-type rope net used directly below an elevated work area
to catch any workman who should lose his footing and fall.
LIFT ANGLE - The angle between an imaginary line vertical to the load to be
lifted and an imaginary line between the load and the hoist or lifting device.
LINE - A term often used to describe a fibre or wire rope. This is a carry-over
term from nautical rigging.
LOAD (DEAD) - The total weight of all the suspended rigging.
LONG SPLICE - A method of joining two ropes of equal size together where
any increase in rope diameter is objectionable.
MANILA ROPE - A high-strength fibre rope made from manila fibres obtained
from the abaca or wild banana plant grown in the Philippines.
MARLIN SPIKE - A long slender tool used to separate rope strands when
making rope splices.
MOUSING - A rope, cord or wire placed on a load hook to prevent the load
line from becoming detached.
OUTRIGGER - A part built or arranged to project beyond the natural outline
of a piece of equipment to provide additional support in preventing the
equipment from overturning.
PARACHUTE HARNESS OR BODY HARNESS -A webbing type of harness
which fits snugly around a man's body and practically takes no more room
than his body; used to lower a man through a maze of piping or other
obstruction where space is limited.

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PITCH - The length of rope required for one strand to be layed completely
around the centre.
PLOW STEEL - A steel that is tougher and stronger than mild grades of steel
used in making wire rope. Strength is about 220,000 to 240,000 p.s.i.
POWER HOIST - A hoist with high gear reduction and usually powered by an
electric motor.
PREFORMING - The bending slightly beyond the elastic limit in the curve the
wires and strands will take in a wire rope before laying them into the strands
of rope. This is done to prevent unlaying when the rope is cut.
REEF KNOT - A method of joining two ropes of equal size together. This is
more commonly called the square knot, and sometimes called the sailor's
knot or flat knot.
REEVING -The threading of the rope between the blocks in rope blocks and
falls.
REGULAR LAY - The laying of the strands of a rope in the opposite circular
direction of the laying of the wires (or fibres) in the strands.
ROLLERS - Long pieces of hardwood about 7 or 8 inches in diameter (or long
pieces of pipe) used to place under heavy pieces of equipment to facilitate
rolling along flat surface.
ROLLING HITCH - A method of attaching a smaller rope to a larger rope or
pole parallel to it, such as attaching the tail line of a life belt to the hanging
life line.
ROPE FALL - A term sometimes used to describe a block and fall.
SAFETY CLIPS - A double-base wire rope clip generally having corrugate
jaws to fit both parts of the rope, which can be installed without regard as to
which part bears on the live or dead part of the rope.
SEIZING - The wrapping at the end of a rope with wire or cord to keep the
strands and lay of the rope in place. Seizing should be applied before cutting
the rope.
SHACKLE -A U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped piece of metal provided with a
means of applying a bolt or pin through the ends, and used to hold several
lifting members together; sometimes called a clevis.
SHEEPSHANK - A method of shortening fibre rope without cutting it. Will
hold under a steady pull but will come apart if the load is slackened.
SHORT SPLICE - A means of splicing two ropes together. Strands are
intertwined but none are removed as in the long splice, thus resulting in an
increased diameter of the rope at the splice.
SKID - Normally a heavy timber used under heavy machinery or other
equipment that is being moved on rollers.
SLING - A length of wire rope, webbing, fibre rope, or chain fitted at each end
with an eye splice, or some other special rope or chain fitting, and used to tie
on to the materials to be lifted.
SLIP KNOT - A simple overhand knot tied over the standing end of the rope
which allows the overhand knot to slip up or down the standing end of the
rope. Sometimes called a running knot.

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SNUBBER -The wrapping of a rope around a stationary object for holding or
slowly lowering a heavy load. Friction of the wrap causes strain on the hand
line to be only a fraction of the strain on the load line.
SOFTENER - Wood or other soft materials placed over the sharp edges of
objects to be lifted to keep them from cutting or damaging the slings making
the hitch.
SPLICE -The method of permanently attaching two ends of rope together or
joining one to the standing portion of the rope, to form an eye in the case of
the eye splice.
SPUR GEAR HOIST -The most common type of chain hoists, and utilizes spur
gears to gain the mechanical advantage for ease of lifting.
SQUARE KNOT - A method of joining two ropes of equal size together.
Sometimes called the reef knot, sailor's knot, or flat knot.
STRAND - The result of twisting or forming several fibres or wires together.
The strands then are formed in a twisted fashion to form a rope.
SURGEON'S KNOT - A method used for tying up a compressible bundle such
as canvas.
THIMBLE - A metal-formed piece inserted in the eye of an eye splice to
prevent the wear on the rope in the eye-splice area.
TIMBER HITCH - A method for fastening a rope at right angle to a post. Will
not slip under load but will readily loosen when strain is relieved.
TRACTION STEEL - steel used in making wire rope with a strength of about
180,000 to 190,000 p.s.i. Principally used for traction-drive elevators. It
resists fatigue due to bending and causes a minimum of abrasion.
TURNBUCKLE - A fitting used to tighten or loosen the stress on a rope by
utilizing right- and left-hand threads at opposite ends and a common
threaded centrepiece.
WEAVER'S KNOT - Method of joining ropes or cords in a net. Sometimes
called a sheet bend, hawser bend, mesh knot, or netting knot.
WEDGE SOCKETS - A socket attachment for the end of wire rope that
employs the wedge principal to hold the rope in the socket.
WHIPPING - A wrapping to prevent the unlaying of strands at the end of
rope, to bind a split pole, or for locking two poles together.
WINCH - A power source for hoisting or moving. Usually consists of a cable
drum with a gasoline-engine drive, or with a gear-reduction unit for hand
operation.
WIRE ROPE - A rope made from steel or metal wires formed into strands
which are, in turn, layered into the complete rope. Sometimes referred to as
cable.
WIRE ROPE CLIPS - A mechanical means of temporarily joining two wire
ropes together.
WORM-GEAR HOIST - A chain hoist employing worm gears to obtain the
mechanical advantage to lift heavy loads.
YACHT ROPE - The highest quality manila rope of very fine appearance.
Costly, but used on special jobs where appearance is an important factor.

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