Lift Planning and Evaluation

Before using any rigging device it is important to “plan your work and work your plan”. The “front end” time required to develop a successful lift plan may seem unnecessary for small or “non-consequential” loads. There’s always enough time to pre-plan “critical” lifts. After an incident involving what seemed to be a “non-consequential” amount of weight, the time required to mitigate the mess will dwarf the time spent on what was thought to be an unnecessary lift planning session. There’s always enough time to do the job right, the second time. We encourage you to make the “front end” investment in lift planning and successful rigging, before each and every lift.
A trained, qualified and knowledgeable user must take into account the following factors and issues and consider all relevant factors not addressed. Among the factors related specifically to slings and rigging, users must perform several activities, including (but not limited to) the following items:

Environmental Considerations

Load Considerations

Wind
Weather
Visibility
Object Temperature
Environmental Temperature
Chemical Conditions and Exposure
Stability of the Ground
Underground Installations

Weight
Dimensions
Center of Gravity
Attachment Point Integrity
Structural Stability: Bend and Flex
Susceptibility to Crushing or Compression
Secure or Remove Loose Parts
Combination Loads-Drain Fluids
Damaging Surfaces and/or Edges

Equipment and Lift Criteria

Rigging Considerations

Single or Multiple Crane/Hoists
Maximum and Planned Operating Radius
Allowable Load (From Load Chart)
Ratio of Lift to Allowable Load
Clearance between Boom and Lift
Clearance to Surrounding Facilities
Power Lines and other Hazards
Clear Path for Load Movement
Emergency/Contingency Set Down Area
Thorough Equipment Inspection

Sling selection: Type and Capacity
Load Control
Lift Point over the CG
Appropriate Hitch for CG and Load Control
Coordination of Multiple Slings
Positive Sling to Load Engagement
Coefficient of Friction: Sling to Load
Load is Free to Move and is not Snagged
Sling Capacity is Adequate (Angle and Tension)
Adequate Sling Protection

Personnel Considerations

Area Clear of Unnecessary Personnel
Personnel are Trained and Qualified
Tag Lines and Spotter Requirements

Signals: Visual, Audible, Electronic
Pre-Lift Plan and Meeting
Personnel Away from Danger

Engineering Services

Fee based engineering services, including analysis and consideration of the above variables are available. Please contact us for details.