1. Copyright Pro Crane Services
Presents
Basic Rigging
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2. Copyright Pro Crane Services
Introduction
Terry Elmy
retired, 31 years, Pt. Comfort, Massena, Pt. Henry, and Tennessee
started Pro Crane Services in 1996
services include operator & maintenance training, systems audits, crane procurement, accident investigation, and expert witness services
recently added structural and BTH device analysis capability
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3. SAFE LIFTING TRAINED, QUALIFIED OPERATORS
EFFECTIVE, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
PROPER EQUIPMENT DESIGN
THE SAFETY TRIANGLE
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Training Objectives:
Review fundamentals of rigging
the load
the hitch
attachments
sling angle
D/d ratio
General use guidelines
Provide answers to technical questions
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Rigging
The handling, setting and erection of materials and equipment is a hazardous occupation. Each operation presents its own peculiar problems and no two jobs are alike. With proper consideration taken, each job can be performed free of bodily harm to the employee and without damage to the equipment.
Every time a load is hoisted, the element of risk increases.
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Rigging
Rarely does the typical worker get the opportunity to actually select the rigging. It is normally provided at the work site by others. This in itself can create serious problems. Workers need to be trained in the proper use of rigging and not to use rigging improperly because “it’s all I had to work with.”
I have done it this way for 25 years.
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Rigging - Plan
Who is responsible for the rigging?
Is the equipment in safe condition?
Are the working load limits adequate?
Will the load be under control?
Are there any unusual loading or environmental conditions?
Communications established?
Appropriate type, proper identification?
Load weight known? Center of gravity? Sling angle? Any side loading? Capacity of rigging?
Tag line needed? Possibility of snagging? Personnel in area?
Wind, temperature, or dynamic effects?
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8. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load weight shall be within rated capacity of the sling* ASME B30.9
It is not always obvious what the loads are in each component leg of a sling.
*such that no part of the rigging
is overloaded
A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THE LOAD FORCES IS REQUIRED!
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9. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load weight may be obtained from:
equipment nameplate
packing list
drawings
shipping tag
weighing the load
an estimate or calculation of load weight
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10. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load information:
Size
Weight
Center of gravity
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11. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load information:
Size
Weight
Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which a load will balance - and that point must be directly below the hook or principal lifting point.
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12. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load information:
Size
Weight
Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which a load will balance - and that point must be directly below the hook or principal lifting point.
An object will tilt until its center of gravity IS directly below the hook.
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13. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load information:
Size
Weight
Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which a load will balance - and that point must be directly below the hook or principal lifting point.
An object will tilt until its center of gravity IS directly below the hook.
If an object is evenly shaped measure to find the center of gravity
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14. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load information:
Size
Weight
Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which a load will balance - and that point must be directly below the hook or principal lifting point.
An object will tilt until its center of gravity IS directly below the hook.
If an object is evenly shaped measure to find the center of gravity
Determination of center of gravity of unevenly shaped objects can be very complicated – mistakes or bad assumptions can result in disastrous consequences
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15. Rigging Basics – The Load
Load information:
Size
Weight
Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which a load will balance - and that point must be directly below the hook or principal lifting point.
An object will tilt until its center of gravity IS directly below the hook.
If an object is evenly shaped measure to find the center of gravity
Determination of center of gravity of unevenly shaped objects can be very complicated – mistakes or bad assumptions can result in disastrous consequences
Always make the load connection point is above the center of gravity
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16. Center of Gravity Finding the center of gravity based on weights
2000 #
3000 #
6000 #
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17. Center of Gravity Finding the center of gravity based on weights
6000/( )
= 3/4 = 75%
75%
2000 #
6000 #
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18. Center of Gravity Finding the center of gravity based on weights
8000/( )
= .73 = 73%
8000 #
73%
3000 #
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Center of Gravity
Other methods of establishing COG
require supplier to mark COG
find by trial lifts
find by trial and error
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20. Copyright Pro Crane Services
Center of Gravity
Other methods of establishing COG
require supplier to mark COG
find by trial lifts
find by trial and error
Caution: weight must be known and rigging may
need to be oversized before using any
trial method
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21. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Vertical – having the load suspended vertically on a single part or leg of the sling.
Characteristics:
Load capacity is 100 % that of a single part
Taglines should be used if the load tends to rotate as rotation can damage the sling.
Use on items with lifting eye bolts or shackles or when a second sling is used in a spreader bar application
Do NOT use when lifting loose or lengthy material, anything difficult to balance
Use: all types of slings
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22. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Basket - loading with the sling passed under the load and both ends on the hook, master link, or lifting device
Characteristics:
Effectively doubles the capacity of a single vertical sling
Stress on each leg tends to be equalized
Use on straight lifts when the load is shaped so that the sling (or slings) will not slide over the surface.
Do NOT use on loads that are difficult to balance and could tilt or slip out of the sling(s).
When terminating to a common point (like a hook), sling angle can reduce sling capacity.
Use: all types of slings
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23. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Choker – loading with the sling passed through one eye or choker hook and suspended by the other end
Characteristics:
Choker hitch is easy to attach & forms a noose
that tightens as the load is lifted
Rated capacity is 75% of the single part*.
Use to turn a load (if possible use a double
choker hitch) or when handling bundles of bars or
pipes
Do NOT use on loads difficult to balance or which may slip out the choke
Use: all types of slings
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* based on wire rope and chain slings, 120 degree angle of choke
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24. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Choke angle – the angle formed between the load line and the noose
Angel of Choke
Rated Capacity Factor*
° = 100%
° = 87%
° = 74%
° = 62%
0 - 29° = 49%
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*based on wire rope slings

25. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Do not confuse choke angle with angle of inclination of the load
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26. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Choker hitches are not suited to long loose bundles
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27. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Double Wrap Basket Hitch
adjustment of slings is required while taking up slack to avoid overloading one side of the sling (this applies to all basket hitches)
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28. Rigging Basics - Hitches
Turning loads with a choker hitch
Loads in legs will equalize
during lifting
Loads in legs will tend not
to equalize during lifting
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29. Rigging Basics – Sling Angle
Sling angle has a dramatic effect on the actual load on the sling. Take a sling that has a 1000 pound vertical lifting capacity in a basket hitch:
Sling with 500# vertical hitch capacity
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30. Rigging Basics – Sling Angle
As angle decreases - tension on each leg increases - increasing the strain on each leg
Sling with 500# vertical hitch capacity
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31. Rigging Basics – Sling Angle
A different look, with the same load and sling, changing the angle has a similar dramatic effect
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32. Rigging Basics – Sling Angle
A different look, with the same load and sling, changing the angle has a similar dramatic effect
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33. Rigging Basics – Sling Angle
The sling angle factor equals H divided by L, the inverse, L/H, can also be used to calculate sling load
L/H is useful to calculate sling load when the vertical force is known.
L/H for common angles is approximately: 60º - 1.2; 45º - 1.4; 30º - 2
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Rigging Basics
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35. Sling Angle Example Problem
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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36. Sling Angle Example Problem
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
First, we need to know the vertical load at each
connection point, A and B to support the load. A B
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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37. Sling Angle Example Problem
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
The vertical load is offset, proportioning gives
the following information:
ForceA x 10’ = 10,000# x 2’
ForceA = 2,000#
therefore, ForceB = 8,000# FA FB A B
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
We know we want to position the hook
directly over the center of gravity
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Next we know the sling furthest away from the hook
will have the smallest angle, so we’ll size it first and
base our sling angle at the optimal angle of 60º.
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Since the angle is 60º, the height of the hook is now
fixed as is the sling length. Because the angle is 60º,
the sling length is twice the base length (2 x 8’ = 16’).
16’
If the sling angle were 45 degrees, the height would also be 8 feet and we could use the ratio L/H to calculate the sling length. It would be: L/H = 1.4; substituting values, L/8 = 1.4, so L = (8)(1.4) = 11.2 ft.
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Cosine 60º = 0.5
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41. Copyright Pro Crane Services
Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Knowing the L/H = 1.2 for 60º sling angle, the height of
the hook is
L/H = 1.2
H = 16/1.2
H = 13.3 feet
16’
13.3’
A 45 degree angle would have saved 5.3 ft. in vertical height of the load assembly.
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Additionally, knowing that L/H = 1.2 for 60º sling angle, the load
on sling A = 1.2 x ForceA or 1.2 x 2,000# = 2,400#.
16’
13.3’
2,400#
At 45 degrees, the load would be 2800#.
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Sling B’s length can now be calculated to an exact number.
Length of Sling B = √(13.3)2 + (2)2 = feet
16’
13.3’
2,400#
13.44’
At 45 degrees, the length of sling B would be 8.24 ft.
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Sling B’s load can now be calculated:
L/H = 13.44/13.3 = 1.01
LoadB = 1.01 x 8,000# = 8,084#
16’
13.3’
2,400#
13.44’
8,084#
At 45 degrees, the load on sling B = 8,240#.
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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Sling Angle Example
Select slings to pick up the load shown below.
Using wire rope slings, EIPS grade, 6x19 class rope
with a mechanical splice,
Sling A needs to be 3/8-in. diameter min.
Sling B needs to be ¾-in. diameter min.
16’
13.3’
2,400#
13.44’
8,084#
60º
10,000# 8’ 2’ CG
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46. Rigging Basics – D/d Ratio
D/d ratio is the ratio of the diameter around which the sling is bent divided by the body diameter of the sling.  Whenever a sling body is bent around a diameter, the strength of the sling is decreased.
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Application: 6x19 and 6x37 Class rope, may not apply to cable laid or braided slings

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Rigging Attachments
Sockets
swaged and poured socket assemblies shall be proof tested
mechanical splice single vertical leg slings test shall be 2 times vertical load limit
ASME B30.9
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Rigging Attachments
Shackles
used only those rated for overhead lifting
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Rigging Attachments
Shackles
synthetic web slings connected to shackles of sufficient size to not cause bunching or pinching of the sling
Use wide shackles to
prevent pinching or
bunching
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Rigging Attachments
Hooks – inspect before use, use ASME B30.10 or a recognized Engineering Standard
Spread
hook
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Where is the hook latch??

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Rigging Attachments
Hooks – avoid eccentric loading of hooks
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Rigging Attachments
Hooks
do not exceed 90 degrees included angle when connecting two slings in a hook. If you have an included angle more than 90 degrees, or more than two legs, use a shackle or a master link to connect.
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Rigging Attachments
Turnbuckles
Turnbuckles can be used to adjust sling length. Be sure to use only load rated components
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Rigging Attachments
Eye bolts
use only forged eye bolts rated for lifting
never use if damaged, bent, elongated
never use regular eye bolts for angular lifts
always seat shoulder against the load
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Rigging Attachments
Eye bolts
always shim eye bolts to seat shoulder in-line for angular loading
for angular lifts reduce working load
45 degrees – 30% of rated working load
90 degrees – 25% of rated working load
Angle of pull
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Rigging Attachments
Eye bolt - rigging
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57. Rigging Attachments Eye bolt - rigging How to prevent load buckling?
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58. Copyright Pro Crane Services
Rigging Attachments
Spreader beam - A below-the-hook lifting device that utilizes two or more hooks (attaching devices) located along a beam and the spreader beam attaches to the hoist by means of a bail.  The spreader beam is used to handle long or wide load and serves to "spread" the load over more than one lifting point. Often used in conjunction with slings.
Note: a common misconception of spreader beams is that they equalize the loading
along the beam. They do not! Spreaders only eliminate horizontal forces from affecting
the load being hoisted.
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Rigging Attachments
Spreader beam
1/2 L
1/2 L
Spreader Beam
¼ L Fa
With the CG off center of
the hook as shown, the vertical
force at Fa will be 75% of the
load weight and the vertical force
at Fb will be 25% of the total
load weight.
No horizontal forces will be
exerted on the load. Fb
Load
Center of gravity
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Total Weight = W

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Rigging Attachments
Spreader beam
1/2 L
1/2 L
Spreader Beam
¼ L Fa
With the CG off center of
the hook as shown, the vertical
force at Fa will be 75% of the
load weight and the vertical force
at Fb will be 25% of the total
load weight.
No horizontal forces will be
exerted on the load. Fb
Load
As shown, will the
load be level during
hoisting?
Center of gravity
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Total Weight = W

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Rigging Attachments
Spreader beam
Spreader Beam
The load will tilt until
the center of gravity
aligns with the hook.
Load
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Rigging Attachments
Spreader beam
¼ L Fa Fh
Without the use of a spreader
beam, the vertical forces remain
the same, however, the sling load
is a function of the sling angle and
the sling load will be higher than
the sling between the spreader
and the load.
There will, in this case, be
horizontal forces exerted upon
the load, dependent upon the
sling angle. Fb Fh
Center of gravity
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¼ L
Total Weight = W

63. General Use Guidelines
Pre-use and periodic inspection is required on all sling and rigging components
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OSHA ,

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Periodic inspection frequency/records
Periodic inspection performed by ?
Frequent inspection frequency/records
Label*
Chain slings
OSHA (e)(3) – at least annually with records
ASME: normal – annually; severe service – monthly to quarterly with records
OSHA – competent person
ASME - competent person
OSHA – before use
( (d) w/o records
ASME: normal –monthly; severe service – daily to weekly w/o records
OSHA – size, grade, rated cap., & reach
ASME: mfgr., grade, size, no. of legs, reach, rated load for hitches
Wire rope slings
OSHA – none
ASME – based on service, at least annually with records
OSHA – no periodic
ASME – competent person
( (d)
ASME – daily w/o records
ASME – mfgr., size, rated load for type of hitch & angle
Synthetic web slings
ASME – recommended at least annually based on service, records recommended
ASME - daily w/o records
OSHA – each type of hitch, type of material
ASME – mfgr., mfgr. Stock no., rated load for each type of hitch, material type & construction
Metal mesh slings
ASME - based on service, at least annually; records recommended
OSHA – vertical and choker hitch loading
ASME – mfgr., rated load for hitch & angle, width and gauge
* Sling I.D., per ASME B30.9, shall be maintained to be legible for the life of the sling
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65. General Use Guidelines
Rigging equipment shall not be loaded beyond its recommended working load limit (WLL)
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OSHA

66. General Use Guidelines
When not in use, rigging shall be removed from work area and properly stored
OSHA
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67. General Use Guidelines
During lifting, personnel shall be alert for possible snagging
ASME B30.9
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68. General Use Guidelines
Slings should be long enough so that rated load is adequate
ASME B30.9
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69. General Use Guidelines
Multiple leg slings shall be selected so as not to introduce into the leg, a load greater than permitted
Note: select multiple leg slings based on two
legs supporting the entire weight of the load and
the other leg(s) balancing the load.
ASME B30.9
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70. General Use Guidelines
Shock loading should be avoided
ASME B30.9
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71. General Use Guidelines
The load shall be applied to the center of the hook (unless the hook is designed for point loading)
ASME B30.9
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72. General Use Guidelines
When used in a choker hitch, prevent the load on any portion of the sling from exceeding the rated load
ASME B30.9
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73. General Use Guidelines
Slings shall not be shortened by knotting or twisting
ASME B30.9
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74. General Use Guidelines
Slings should not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling
ASME B30.9
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75. General Use Guidelines
Slings should not be dragged on the floor
ASME B30.9
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76. General Use Guidelines
Sharp corners in contact with the sling should be padded
ASME B30.9
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77. General Use Guidelines
The following slide is not for the faint of heart. If you are are bothered
by accident scenes, do not look at the screen until the “All Clear”
signal is given.
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78. General Use Guidelines
Do not place body, fingers, etc. between the sling and load or hook
ASME B30.9
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79. General Use Guidelines
Personnel shall not ride the sling (or load)
ASME B30.9
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80. General Use Guidelines
Personnel should stand clear of suspended load
ASME B30.9
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81. General Use Guidelines
And not “Be” the suspended load!!
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82. No wire rope sling shall be fabricated using wire rope clips!!
No Homemade Slings
WARNING
No wire rope sling shall be fabricated using wire rope clips!!
Preferred sling construction is to use
a Flemish eye splice with a mechanical
sleeve (turn back construction is not
recommendable)
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Questions?
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