1. Shipbreaking Module 4: Heavy Equipment & Material Movement
4.2 Winch rig, Cables, Hooks, & Clamps
Susan Harwood Grant Number SH F-23

2. Disclaimer
This material was produced under grant number SH F-23 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

3. Objectives Recognize the difference between slings, gear, and rigging
Describe inspection and documentation of gear
Describe winch operations and safety concerns

6. Rigging and gear is just as important as the equipment itself.
Figure 1 Crane moving section around the yard

7. Gear is the working part of the operations that constantly comes in contact with the material and hoist.
Figure 2 Cargo boom and rigging on vessel

8. There should be a regular visual and documented inspection on all working gear and rigging.
Figure 3 Block and with suspended load

9. Inspect synthetic and natural rope and slings for abrasions, wear, and cuts.
Figure 4 Natural and synthetic rope

10. Knots can not replace splices and clamps must be designed for the application.
Figure 5 Knots in the mooring line

11. Wire rope and slings become damaged by kinks, crushing, and overloading.
Figure 6 Close up view of wire rope and corrosion

12. When putting eyes in wire rope check the chart to ensure that a sufficient number of clamps are used and facing properly.
Figure 7 Crane moving rigging and slings into position

13. Common phase: “Never saddle a dead horse”
Figure 8 Bridle properly made up during hoist

14. Remove wire rope from service if damage is observed from heat, deformity, or corrosion.
Figure 9 Wire rope close up view of damage and corrosion

15. Hooks have to be replaced if the opening is more than 15 percent of the original diameter.
Figure 10 Hook with proper mousing

16. Chains must be visually inspected prior to being used.
Figure 11 Chain and shackles on pallets in the yard

17. Chains and slings must be thoroughly inspected every three months and tagged. Written documentation must be kept.
Figure 12 Used wire rope being surveyed

18. Remove chains and slings if there is evidence of being stretched, kinked, bent or twisted in any fashion.
Figure 13 Chains and rigging removed from the vessel

19. Do not shorten chain by means of bolting, wiring, or knotting.
Figure 14 Chain shorted by use of screw pin shackles

20. Do not use any gear or rigging that is questionable
Do not use any gear or rigging that is questionable. Report immediately to the supervisor.
Figure 15 Three cranes and rigging suspended

22. The winch is the work horse of the operation.
Figure 16 Slip area near the winch

23. As the vessel is being lightened the winch continues pulling the vessel to the bank.
Figure 17 Winch secured to the hull

24. Potential problems are centered around personnel getting crushed in the moving parts of the rigging.
Figure 18 Workers performing hot work on the bow area

25. Failure of the rigging can severely injure or cause death by gear snapping back after failure.
Figure 19 Head block aligned

26. When making the connection to the vessel ensure that workers have been briefed and minimize workers in the area.
Figure 20 Close up view of attachment point

27. Watch overhead as the crane moves the rigging in place and that personnel have the appropriate PPE.
Figure 21 View from the cargo hold to the winch area

28. The supervisor must carefully watch the operation and look for safety violations or problems with the rigging.
Figure 22 Winch at the head of the slip

29. Prior to operating the winch check the rigging for alignment, proper connections, and personnel are clear of the area.
Figure 23 Cables are aligned with the winch and block

30. During hauling in watch the rigging from a safe distance, for overloading or problems.
Figure 24 Rigging in alignment and under static load

31. After the operation is completed block the rigging in place and secure the winch.
Figure 25 Winch secured with brake applied

33. Action Discussion
What are the potential affects if the winch is improperly used?

34. References

35. Worker safety is a priority