Rigging plays a vital role in the construction industry. All heavy loads must be rigged properly before they are lifted to prevent a potentially deadly accident.
The right preparation and execution of rigging techniques will secure a load, but the load must then be controlled before reaching its final destination.
Controlling a load is an important part of the rigging process that can be overlooked. Use these tips to help you better control your rigged loads in the future.
1. Use Proper Sling Angles
Once a load has been rigged and is ready to be lifted, the angle of the slings used to secure the load will need to be taken into consideration.
The angle of the sling has the potential to increase the tension factor being placed on the hitch and rigging components. This means that the sling angle could reduce the weight capacity of your rigging if not calculated carefully.
Using the proper sling angles for your rigging equipment is the easiest way to control and protect your heavy loads during lifting.
2. Use Turnbuckles Properly
Most rigging configurations can benefit from the addition of turnbuckles. A turnbuckle is essentially a piece of rigging equipment that is responsible for removing slack from the tag lines controlling a heavy load.
Any slack that exists within the tag lines could throw off the balance of a heavy load. Turnbuckles can easily be adjusted to provide more or less tension as needed.
You must be able to select and use the right turnbuckles if you want to maintain maximum control over the heavy loads you rig up on the construction site each day.
3. Select The Right Hitch
All of the slings used in modern rigging are designed to be paired with a range of hitch styles. The hitch is responsible for providing a secure connection point between the loaded sling and the mechanical component that will lift the load.
Vertical hitches and basket hitches are among the most common found on construction sites. It's important to select the right hitch for your load if you want to maintain total control.
Vertical hitches are great for heavier loads that require the full strength and support of the sling. Tag lines will be required to help guide a load secured via vertical hitch into place.
Basket hitches distribute the weight of a load over two separate connection points. Adjusting the angle of the connection points can either increase or decrease the weight capacity of the basket hitch.
For more information on rigging, contact a professional in your area.
