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820 Cranes and Derricks Safety I
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Synthetic Slings

When using synthetic slings during assembly or disassembly, you must follow the synthetic sling manufacturer's instructions, limitations, specifications and recommendations.

Synthetic slings must be protected from abrasive, sharp or acute edges, and configurations that could cause a reduction of the sling's rated capacity, such as distortion or localized compression.

Outriggers and Stabilizers

The purpose of crane outriggers is to distribute the load over a larger area, increasing the crane's stability and capacity.

Outrigger and stabilizer blocking must be the correct size, amount, and condition.

By extending the outriggers to specific positions and angles, the crane's center of gravity is effectively widened, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safe lifting operations.

When outriggers or stabilizers are used:

  • The outriggers or stabilizers must be either fully extended or if manufacturer procedures permit, deployed as specified in the load chart.
  • The outriggers must be set to remove the equipment weight from the wheels, except for locomotive cranes. This provision does not apply to stabilizers.
  • When outrigger floats are used, they must be attached to the outriggers. When stabilizer floats are used, they must be attached to the stabilizers.
  • Each outrigger or stabilizer must be visible to the operator or to a signal person during extension and setting.
  • Outrigger and stabilizer blocking must be the correct size, amount, and condition. The blocking must be placed only under the outrigger or stabilizer float/pad of the jack or, where the outrigger or stabilizer is designed without a jack, under the outer bearing surface of the extended outrigger or stabilizer beam.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-7. Synthetic slings must be protected from which of the following?