Series 318: Rigging/Equipment Installation

Course 318: Industrial Rigging Principles and Practices

Covers techniques and safeguards in the use of rope, chain, hoists, and scaffolding when moving heavy plant equipment and maintaining plant utilities.

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Industrial Rigging

Topics:

Rigging tools; Determining weight and center of gravity; Vertical and horizontal force; Slings; Hooks; Hoist hooks; Special-purpose rigging hooks

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the tools used in rigging and explain the purpose of each.
• Give examples of three methods of calculating the weight of a load.
• Explain center of gravity and its importance in rigging a load.
• Describe four common sling arrangements and the relation between sling angle and horizontal force.
• Name five types of hooks frequently used in rigging and explain the purpose of each.
• Discuss proper hook use and cite four reasons for removing a hook from service.

Lesson 2 - Wire Rope and Wire-Rope Slings

Topics:

Wire rope construction, classification, and strength; Seizing, cutting, and splicing; Wire-rope slings; Inspection

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the component parts of wire rope and describe its construction and classification.
• Identify and discuss the factors that affect wire rope strength.
• Describe the basic single-leg and multiple-leg slings and the calculation of their allowable loads.
• Enumerate the signs of damage that would probably cause a wire rope to be removed from service.

Lesson 3 - Chain and Metal-Mesh Slings

Topics:

Welded-link chain; Chain grades and strength; Chain slings; Inspecting slings; Metal mesh slings; Sling materials

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the different grades of chain and name some of their applications.
• Define the terms working load limit, proof test, and minimum breaking force.
• List and discuss four factors that affect the strength of chain slings.
• Describe three types of damage you might see in a daily inspection of chain slings that would lead you to set the sling aside for more thorough examination.
• Describe the two standard types of end fittings for metal mesh slings and the hitches for which each can be used.
• Name several advantages of, and applications for, metal mesh slings.
• List the visible signs of damage that would cause you to recommend a sling's removal from service.

Lesson 4 - Fiber Rope and Webbing Slings

Topics:

Natural and synthetic-fiber rope; Sling strength; Whipping rope ends; Splicing fiber rope; Synthetic webbing; Inspecting slings

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the grades of manila rope that can be used for overhead lifting.
• Name the three commonly used synthetic-fiber ropes and list three of their advantages over manila.
• Discuss the factors that affect the strength of fiber rope.
• Name the signs of wear or damage that would warrant setting a fiber-rope sling aside for more detailed inspection.
• Describe an encased polyester fiber sling.
• Explain the construction of synthetic-web slings and name four of the basic types.
• List examples of visible damage that should cause a synthetic-web sling to be removed from service.

Lesson 5 - Industrial Hoists and Cranes

Topics:

Overhead manual chain, power, and wire-rope hoists; Side pull; Overload limit device; Underhung and top-running cranes; Jib cranes; Inspection

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the characteristics of the various kinds of overhead hoists.
• Explain the differences between single and double reeving.
• Explain the proper function and operation of an upper limit switch and an overload limit device.
• Describe and contrast the construction of top-running and underhung cranes.
• Identify the three basic types of jib cranes.
• Describe what the rigger's daily visual inspection should include.
• List examples, from the additional criteria given in this Lesson, of conditions that should warrant removal of wire rope or hoist load chain from service.

Lesson 6 - Operating Practices

Topics:

Hoist and crane operation; Special heavy lifts; Pulling, setting, and turning a load; Eyebolts; The thought process of rigging

Learning Objectives:

• Enumerate the general operating practices that apply to all tools of rigging.
• Explain the 11 operating practices that apply to slings.
• Discuss nine operating practices that should be observed when using a hoist or crane.
• Detail the special circumstances under which a hoist or crane may be used to pull a load or lift a load heavier than the equipment's rated capacity.
• Describe three methods of turning a load.
• Discuss the eight questions that a rigger must answer in the thought process that should precede any lift.

Lesson 7 - Scaffolds and Ladders

Topics:

Types of scaffolds; Guy lines; Accessories; Ladders; How to raise and inspect a ladder; Life belts; Scaffold and ladder safety

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the construction of pole and suspension scaffolds and lift platforms, and the safety measures that apply to them.
• Name several scaffolding accessories and explain their use.
• Discuss recommended usage and inspection of the three common types of ladders.