Types Of Rigging Equipment Used In The Construction Sector

Are you considering embarking on a significant construction project or undertaking a task involving heavy lifting? If so, contemplating the utilisation of a crane could prove instrumental in efficiently moving and managing substantial loads. The evolution of cranes over the years has rendered them indispensable assets in projects or worksites that entail the movement of heavy materials. Without these versatile and robust machines, constructing modern marvels such as high-rises, skyscrapers, and bridges would be an immensely challenging endeavour.

The diverse array of crane types available in the current market may leave you pondering which one is most suitable for your needs. Furthermore, the proper rigging equipment is essential to securely hoist items during projects. Familiarising yourself with the various types of rigging gear will facilitate the selection of compatible hardware for your rigging tasks. Here, we provide an in-depth exploration of crane rigging and the different types of rigging equipment required for a secure and successful building and construction project.

Understanding Crane Rigging

Rigging and lifting are often used interchangeably when dealing with heavy equipment like cranes. Although they possess distinct meanings, these terms ultimately complement each other to achieve a common goal.

So, what precisely is rigging? Crane rigging involves the secure fastening of a load using various pieces of equipment before a lift. Subsequently, lifting ensues, involving the hoisting and movement of the load throughout the worksite.

Responsibilities of a Crane Rigger

A crane rigger plays a crucial role in setting up or preparing construction sites, worksites, warehouses, or any location where heavy hauling is required. Key responsibilities include:

1. Developing a rigging plan
2. Participating in worksite preparation
3. Anchoring and aligning machinery
4. Adding and attaching loads
5. Coordinating the movement of heavy machinery using hand signals
6. Adhering to the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Association
7. Calculating the weight of loads

Determining Rigging Weight

Before initiating the rigging process, determining the weight of the load is essential to ensure a safe lift. While there are instances where load weight may be readily available, other situations may necessitate calculations. Here are some basic calculations to determine the weight:

1. Establish the load’s volume
2. Confirm the type of material being lifted
3. Read the load’s weight using industrial scales, design plans, or manufacturer specifications

Best Rigging Safety Practices

Apart from calculating load weight, adhering to rigging safety practices is crucial. These practices include:

1. Regular inspection of rigging gear, as per ASME and OSHA standards
2. Choosing rigging gear based on Working Load Limit (WLL) and rating
3. Determining the proper sling type and hitch configurations
4. Understanding the ideal sling angle for various lifts

Rigging Equipment Hardware

Rigging hardware refers to the diverse equipment employed in securely lifting and moving loads within a crane system. Various types of rigging hardware are integral to construction, transportation, shipping, manufacturing, event staging, and more.

Selecting the Right Rigging Hardware

Choosing the appropriate rigging equipment is crucial for efficient and safe operations.

Considerations for projects include:

1. Environmental conditions and weather at the site
2. Quality of rigging materials to ensure long-term safety
3. Weight of the load and adherence to working load limits

Types of Crane Rigging Hardware

Several types of rigging hardware are commonly used in commercial building projects, including:

1. Eye bolts and steel nuts
2. Rigging hooks
3. Wire ropes
4. Spreader bars and lifting beams
5. Pulleys and blocks
6. Other hardware such as shackles, synthetic slings, turnbuckles, and tie-down straps

Safety Measures for Rigging Hardware

Given the potential risks associated with handling heavy loads, strict adherence to safety measures is paramount. These measures include:

1. Using properly maintained rigging equipment
2. Following manufacturer specifications for each piece of hardware
3. Regular professional inspections of equipment
4. Avoiding working under suspended loads
5. Ensuring secure and balanced loads on rigging equipment

Finding the Right Rigging Equipment

To minimise risks and enhance project efficiency in rigging projects, it is crucial to have access to the right rigging crane equipment and expertise in heavy lifting. Companies like Ascent offer comprehensive rigging training courses for all your rigging requirements.

Contact their team of experts for guidance on cranes, rigging and EWP tickets, ensuring that your project is equipped with the ideal rigging gear. Get in touch today to receive personalised assistance and a quote tailored to your requirements.