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502 EM 385-1-1 Sections 14-19
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502 EM 385-1-1 Sections 14-19

15.C Multiple Lift Rigging (MLR) ("Christmas Tree Rigging").

USACE allows multiple lift rigging practices for the purpose of erecting/placing structural steel ONLY.

Multiple-Lift Rigging
A lift using a MLR Assembly is considered a critical lift.

15.C.01 Strict compliance with this section and 29 CFR 1926.753 Subpart R must be mandated.

15.C.02 A lift using a MLR Assembly is considered a critical lift. It requires a carefully detailed, written critical lift plan per Section 16.H. In addition, all details and requirements of this section are required to be addressed:

  1. Identifying all multi-lift hazards on the job site;
  2. Beam list;
  3. Determining load capacity;
  4. Determining weight of a member;
  5. Proper crane hand signals;
  6. Safety rules for MLR;
  7. Seven-foot rule;
  8. Safe route/path of load and crane;
  9. Power line issues;
  10. Crane requirements;
  11. Marking centerlines;
  12. Use of tag line;
  13. Qualifications and/or certifications of the operator(s) and rigger(s) to be performing these operations;
  14. Rigging equipment: wire rope slings, hooks & shackles;
  15. Clean lay-down area;
  16. Cribbing;
  17. Storage/staging;
  18. Wind/environmental limits; and
  19. Personal protective equipment.

15.C.03 A lift using a MLR Assembly may only be performed if the following criteria are met:

  1. A MLR assembly is used;
  2. A maximum of five members are hoisted per lift;
  3. Only beams and similar structural members are lifted;
  4. All employees engaged in MLR must be trained in the following:
    • (1) The nature of the hazards associated with multiple lifts;
    • (2) The proper procedures and equipment to perform multiple lifts required in this section and as per 29 CFR 1926.753(e).
  1. All loads must be rigged by a QR per Section 15.B;
  2. No crane is permitted to be used for multiple lift where such use is contrary to the manufacturer's specifications and limitations;
  3. Components of the MLR assembly must be specifically designed and assembled with a maximum capacity for total assembly and for each individual attachment point. This capacity, certified by the manufacturer or a QR, must be based on the manufacturer's specifications with a 5:1 safety factor for all components.
  1. The total load must not exceed:
    • (1) The working load limit (WLL) of the hoisting equipment specified in the hoisting equipment load charts;
    • (2) The rigging capacity specified in the rigging rating chart.
  2. The MLR assembly must be rigged with members:
    • (1) Attached at their center of gravity and maintained reasonably level;
    • (2) Rigged from the top down; and
    • (3) Rigged at least 7 ft (2.1 m) apart.
  3. The members on the MLR assembly must be set from the bottom up.
  4. Controlled load-lowering must be used whenever the load is over the connectors.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

15-3. What is the lift capacity safety factor for a Multiple Lift Rigging (MLR) assembly?

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