It is quite important to ensure the safety of workers involved in rigging, oil& gas and shipping industries. Therefore, it is equally important to make sure they are trained in safety and operating procedures. Equipment or tools used in these industries should be handled by the trained personnel only. The cause of accidents in any of these industries can be associated with the lack of knowledge on any of the equipment or tools used. Safe rigging operations require the professional to know three basic things the load of the weight and the rigging hardware used, capacity of the hoisting device, and the operational load limits of the wire rope, slings and other hardware.
When the weight and capacities are known to the operator, he knows how to manage the lifts and work with the equipment so that both remain stable. Training coupled with experience enables the operators to recognize the hazards that can impact the operations. The workers must be wary of elements which can affect safety, factors which can reduce the capacity, and viable safety practices in lifting and landing loads etc. Also, he must be aware of proper inspection and use of slings, wire rope clips and other equipment used. Many of these accidents can be prevented by following basic rigging practices.
When an operator is working at the area with the crew, it is vital that he is familiar with every aspect of the lift including the communication among them and the signals used while working.
Factors affecting safety
Defective components: The snatch blocks, slings, rope or any hardware used should be scrutinized well before putting into application. It should be ensured that the defective piece has been discarded while ensuring that everyone one in the crew is aware of the fact so that no one can use it by mistake.
Suspected equipment: Never use any equipment whose efficiency has been under question. If equipment is suspected to be unsafe or unsuitable for an operation it should not be put into practice until it is verified by an expert.
Doubtful working load limits: One must not assume the working load limits of the equipment. But, it should be confirmed to ensure that the limits do not exceed.
Weather conditions: When the visibility of the crew members is impaired by the bad weather conditions like snow, fog, dust, darkness, rain, etc. then caution must be taken. The work should be postponed until weather clears. In extremely cold conditions, the equipment or hardware may become brittle and prone to damage when put under operations. So, needed caution should be exercised.
When the weight and capacities are known to the operator, he knows how to manage the lifts and work with the equipment so that both remain stable. Training coupled with experience enables the operators to recognize the hazards that can impact the operations. The workers must be wary of elements which can affect safety, factors which can reduce the capacity, and viable safety practices in lifting and landing loads etc. Also, he must be aware of proper inspection and use of slings, wire rope clips and other equipment used. Many of these accidents can be prevented by following basic rigging practices.
When an operator is working at the area with the crew, it is vital that he is familiar with every aspect of the lift including the communication among them and the signals used while working.
Factors affecting safety
Defective components: The snatch blocks, slings, rope or any hardware used should be scrutinized well before putting into application. It should be ensured that the defective piece has been discarded while ensuring that everyone one in the crew is aware of the fact so that no one can use it by mistake.
Suspected equipment: Never use any equipment whose efficiency has been under question. If equipment is suspected to be unsafe or unsuitable for an operation it should not be put into practice until it is verified by an expert.
Doubtful working load limits: One must not assume the working load limits of the equipment. But, it should be confirmed to ensure that the limits do not exceed.
Weather conditions: When the visibility of the crew members is impaired by the bad weather conditions like snow, fog, dust, darkness, rain, etc. then caution must be taken. The work should be postponed until weather clears. In extremely cold conditions, the equipment or hardware may become brittle and prone to damage when put under operations. So, needed caution should be exercised.