Heavy Equipment
Properly securing a load with appropriate rigging is crucial to lifting by heavy equipment on the job-site.
Crane hoisting a cement slab.
If the rigging fails, the results can cause serious injury and even death. Before a load is lifted all components of the rigging hardware should be evaluated to ensure they can withstand the forces of the load.
Below is a list of safe work practices when rigging and hoisting.
- Guard exposed gears, rotating shafts, pulleys, sprockets or other moving parts to prevent contact with employees.
- Stay away from heavy equipment whether in use or not.
- Do not enter a swing radius zone.
- Inspect slings, chains, ropes, and other rigging equipment prior to each lift.
- Remove defective equipment immediately from service.
- Inspect hooks, clamps, and other lifting accessories for their rated load.
- Stay clear of lifted loads and never work under a suspended load.
- The signal person is trained and must stay in visual contact with the operator.
- Notify the operator if unbalanced loads occur.
- Workers should confirm and receive acknowledgment from the operator that they are visible.
- Drive equipment/vehicles only on roadways that are safely constructed and maintained.
- Verify workers and others are clear before using dumping or lifting devices.
- Lower or block blades, buckets, dump bodies, etc., when not in use, and leave all controls in neutral position.
- Vehicles loaded by heavy equipment must have a cab shield or canopy to protect from falling materials.
- Do not exceed a vehicle's rated load or lift capacity.
- Do not carry personnel unless there is a safe place to ride.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. Before loads are lifted, all components of the rigging hardware should be evaluated to ensure _____.
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