Sling Safety (Level 1 Rigger)

Objectives Be familiar with regulations regarding slings. Be familiar with regulations regarding slings. Understand safe sling use. Understand safe sling use. Be able to identify and describe conditions necessitating sling’s replacement. Be able to identify and describe conditions necessitating sling’s replacement. Know the universal crane hand signals. Know the universal crane hand signals.

Sling: An assembly which connects the load to the material handling (lifting) equipment. equipment.

Frequency of Sling Inspections All slings are to be visually inspected prior to each use. A thorough documented inspection is required to be performed before each day’s use by management. A thorough documented inspection is required to be performed before each day’s use by management. OSHA standard: The employer shall have each synthetic web sling marked or coded to show: - Name or trademark of manufacturer. - Rated capacities for the type of hitch. - Type of material. - Rated capacity shall not be exceeded.

Inspection Inspections - Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings shall be immediately removed from service.

Sling Inspections

Inspection Although it is the operator’s primary responsibility, no lift should be permitted if the connecting device/hook of the crane appears to be defective or unsafe.

Storage Slings should be stored indoors in a dry area and not in the truck storage box.

Typical technique for slinging drywall and metal. Choker hitch -

Typical technique for slinging drywall and metal continued…. Ensure that the crane hook is directly above the center of the load. The slings must be placed an equal distance from each end of the material. The slings should not be twisted and should be in the same configuration as each other. (Common lifts) The slings are typically about one foot from the end for twelve ft. material and typically 1-2 ft. from the end of material that is 14 ft.

Securing All Material The dunnage or spacers should be secured under the slings while hoisting the load.

Tag lines – use tag lines when possible to properly position the load. When retrieving a tag line do not position yourself under the load.

Material that should NOT be lifted with slings: Drywall Mud Ceiling Tile Grid Palletized Material Any material that is deemed unsafe or not secure to lift.