2. Overview
Terms & definitions
Terms & definitions
Planning the lift
Planning the lift
The lift
The lift
Landing the load
Landing the load
Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s & Don’ts
Slinging methods
Slinging methods
Safe slinging practice
Safe slinging practice
02/18/25 2
3. Terms & Definitions
Crane driver/operator
The person who is operating the crane to
position the loads.
Slinger/signaler
The person responsible for
attaching and detaching the load,
The use of correct lifting accessories,
Initiating and directing the safe movement
of the load
02/18/25 3
4. Terms & Definitions
Competent person:
A person or an institution recognized as such by
the Chief Inspector for the purpose of carrying
out tests, examinations and inspection and
certify hazardous machines, equipment and
atmospheres for safe use in a factory.
The qualifications, training and experience for the
CP is as prescribed in the Rules.
02/18/25 4
5. Terms & Definitions
Lifting appliance:
Any appliance capable of being operated by
mechanical, manual, or other means to raise or
lower a load in a vertical or near vertical plane,
and includes any lifting tackle.
02/18/25 5
6. Terms & Definitions
Lifting tackle:
Means any
Sling,
Shackle,
Ring,
Hook Or
Appliances such as lifting beams, frames
and spreaders, used in connection with a
lifting appliance
02/18/25 6
7. Definitions
Reeving:
To place the rope or webbing sling
through a block or eye.
SWL:
Safe working load.
WLL:
Working load limit. Normally relates to
SWL and is the same.
02/18/25 7
8. Definitions
Tag line:
A rope of suitable strength, construction
and length attached with an appropriate
recognised bend or hitch to the load,
used to control the load during lifting or
positioning.
Test certificate:
A certificate issued by an authorized person
02/18/25 8
9. Planning the lift
Planning the lift
Planning the lifting operation is essential
Planning the lifting operation is essential
to ensure that the lift is carried out
to ensure that the lift is carried out
safely and efficiently
safely and efficiently
02/18/25 9
10. Planning the lift
Planning the lift
Absence of planning leads to
Short cuts, using unsafe procedure, equipment
&
It may cause
An ACCIDENT OR DELAY
02/18/25 10
11. Planning the lift
Planning the lift
The following points must be
considered during planning:
Where the load is to be picked up from?
Where the load is to be placed?
What areas are to be passed over?
Any obstructions in the way?
How the load is to be slung?
How the slings are to be removed and
access to them?
02/18/25 11
12. Planning the lift
Planning the lift
For complex lifts, following points may have
to be considered:
Special lifting accessories such as spreader
beams to ensure that the load is safely lifted and
without damage to the product (large
machineries, generators, etc.)
Special connectors to connect special built in
connecting points. The operations may involve:
Turning loads over or standing them upright
Using more than one crane to lift a load.
02/18/25 12
13. The lift
The lift
Are the slings undamaged and properly attached
to the load?
Is the crane hoist rope vertical?
Is the load free i.e. not attached to any thing
else?
Are the legs of multi legged sling equally loaded?
Are all spare legs of the sling hooked up to the
master link on the lifting hook?
After slinging but before lifting, the following
After slinging but before lifting, the following
must be considered
must be considered
02/18/25 13
14. The lift
The lift
Are all personnel clear of the load?
Is the landing site prepared to take the
load?
If required, is hand/tag lines attached to
the load?
After slinging but before lifting, the following
After slinging but before lifting, the following
must be considered
must be considered
02/18/25 14
15. The lift
The lift
Now lift the load a short distance above the
ground and check that:
The load is balanced and stable.
The legs of the slings are at correct angles.
Any packing pieces used, are in place and
sound.
The load itself is not stressed, especially when
lifting packing cases, timber etc, which can fail
under the loads applied due to lifting.
After slinging but before lifting, the following
After slinging but before lifting, the following
must be considered
must be considered
02/18/25 15
16. Landing the load
Landing the load
The load should be landed gently to ensure
that it is not damaged and that the crane
does not receive any shock loading.
Before landing the load check that:
The landing area will take the weight of the load.
There is sufficient space for the load.
There are strips of timber or similar material on
which to land the load such that the slings can
be easily removed by hand.
02/18/25 16
17. Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s & Don’ts
Ensure that only
authorized
slingers/signalers attach
or detach loads, or signal
the crane operator.
Discuss operations with
the crane operator
(special operations).
Ensure that the capacity
of the crane is sufficient.
Seek expert advice when
using eye bolts, plate
clamp etc.
Wrap tag line around
hand or body.
Leave a suspended load
unattended.
Pass loads over people.
Ride or climb on
suspended loads.
Stand or walk beneath
the loads.
Always Never
02/18/25 17
21. Slinging Methods
Single leg slinging method
1 Straight lift
Under normal conditions
the SWL will be the SWL
for single leg slings.
Comment: A suitable
method of lifting an
effectively balanced load
from a single lifting point.
02/18/25 21
22. Slinging Methods
Single leg slinging method
2 Choker hitch
SWL: The SWL should be
not more than 75% of the
SWL for single leg slings.
Comment: This method
forms a loop which
tightens as the load is
lifted. Do NOT attempt to
force the bight into closer
contact with the load.
Allow the chain to assume
its natural angle.
02/18/25 22
23. Slinging Methods
Single leg slinging method
3 Single leg in basket hitch
(back hooked into top link)
SWL: Under normal conditions the
SWL will be the SWL for single leg
slings.
02/18/25 23
24. Slinging Methods
Single leg slinging method
4. Two Single Leg Slings Used
Together
Two Single legs in a straight lift.
SWL: Rate as a two leg sling.
The SWL will, therefore, be the
same as an equivalent two leg
sling.
02/18/25 24
25. Slinging Methods
Single leg slinging method
4. Two Single Leg Slings
Used Together
Two Single legs in choker hitch
SWL: The SWL should be the
SWL for the equivalent reeve
sling.
02/18/25 25
26. Slinging Methods
4. Two Single Leg Slings Used
Together
Two single legs in basket hitch
SWL: Rate as a two leg sling. The
SWL should not be more than that
applicable to an equivalent two leg
sling.
Single leg slinging method
02/18/25 26
27. Slinging Methods
Single leg slinging method
Note:
Two single leg slings should not be used together to form a pair
unless:
a. They are of the same type, grade, size and length
b. They are both marked with the same SWL
c. The included angle between the two legs does not exceed
120. (measured between diagonally opposite legs)
d. The crane hook is large enough to comfortably accept both
upper terminal fittings of the slings.
02/18/25 27
28. Slinging Methods
Two leg slinging method
1. Straight lift
SWL: Under normal
conditions the SWL will
be the SWL for a two leg
sling.
2.Choker hitch
SWL: The SWL should
be no more than 75%
of the SWL for a two
leg sling.
3. Basket Hitch
SWL: Rate as a two
leg sling.
02/18/25 28
29. Slinging Methods
Endless slings
1. Choked endless
SWL: Under normal conditions
the SWL will be the SWL for
endless slings.
Comment: There is no need to
de-rate in this instance by
virtue of the choked
configuration
02/18/25 29
30. Slinging Methods
2. Double Endless
SWL: Under normal conditions
the SWL will be the SWL for
endless slings.
Endless slings
02/18/25 30
31. Slinging Methods
Three leg slings
1. Straight Lift
SWL: Rated as
two leg sling.
2. Choker Hitch
SWL: Rated as two leg
sling
02/18/25 31
32. Slinging Methods
Four leg slings
1. Straight Lift
SWL: Rated as a
two leg sling
2. Choke Hitch
SWL: Rated as
a two leg sling
in choke
02/18/25 32
35. Safe Slinging Practice
This load is not stable. The
CG is above the lifting hook.
This load is top heavy, and could
overturn while being lifted
02/18/25 35
37. Safe Slinging Practice
The hook is not over
the centre of gravity
The load will shift until the
CG is under the hook.
This will make landing the load
very difficult, and could cause
major problems in crainage
Unstable
02/18/25 37
38. Safe Slinging Practice
Can carry
88% of
rated load
Can carry
100% of
rated load
Can carry
80% of
rated load
Can carry
70% of
rated load
Can carry
40% of
rated load
Balanced
load
¼” off
centre
1/2” off
centre
3/4” off
centre
Point
loading
Safety latches
omitted
02/18/25 38
44. Unsafe Slinging Practice
02/18/25 44
Never allow a
shackle to be
pulled at an
angle- the legs
will open up
Pack the pin with
washers to
centralize the
shackle
47. Unsafe Slinging Practice
Before attaching
chain pulley block
to any structure,
ensure that the
structure is capable
of taking this
additional load
02/18/25 47
54. Know the Weight of the Load
Know the Weight of the Load
Refer to shipping ticket or other documentation
Ensure lift calculations are correct
Ensure load is within load chart rating for boom
length and load radius of crane
Crane is rated by the maximum weight it will lift at a
minimum radius and minimum boom length, the
further from its center point, the less it will lift
02/18/25 54
55. Load Limiting Factors
Not level
Wind
On its wheels
Lifting over the side
Use of extensions, jibs and other
attachments
Limits of wire rope, slings and lifting
devices
02/18/25 55
56. Load Example – 30 ton crane
Will lift 27 Tones at 3m from the center pin of
the crane
Based on level surface, no wind, and outriggers fully
extended
At 7.6m from the center pin with an 80 foot
boom, the capacity is only 6.7 Tones
At 22.5m from the center pin, the capacity is
only 2 Tones
02/18/25 56
57. Major Causes of Crane Accidents
Major Causes of Crane Accidents
Contact with power lines
Overturns
Falls
Mechanical failures
02/18/25 57
58. Instability – unsecured load, load capacity
exceeded, or ground not level or too soft
Lack of communication - the point of
operation is a distance from the crane
operator or not in full view of the operator
Lack of training
Inadequate lighting
Inadequate maintenance or inspection
How Do Accidents Occur?
How Do Accidents Occur?
02/18/25 58
59. Improper load rating
Excessive speeds
No hand signals
Inadequate
inspection and
maintenance
Unguarded parts
Unguarded swing
radius
Crane Hazards
Working too close to
power lines
Shattered windows
No steps/guardrails
walkways
No boom angle
indicator
Not using outriggers
02/18/25 59
60. Summary on crane safety
• An unstable load, lack of communication, lack of
training, and inadequate maintenance or inspection
are major contributors to crane accidents.
• Operators or others working in the area can be
victims to “struck by" and "caught in" injuries.
• Contact with power lines causes many accidents.
• A competent person must inspect a crane
regularly to insure it is in proper order.
• Planning and training reduces accidents.
02/18/25 60
61. Objective Of Good Slinging
Objective Of Good Slinging
The sling and its method of use should be
suitable for the load.
The method of attachment of the sling to
the load and the sling to the lifting
appliance should be secure.
No part of the sling should be overloaded
either by the weight of the load or by the
method of slinging.
02/18/25 61
62. Objective Of Good Slinging
Objective Of Good Slinging
The slinging method should ensure
that the load is secure and that the
load will not fall from the sling.
The load should be balanced and
stable and should not violently
change its altitude when lifted.
The load must not be damaged by,
or cause damage to, the sling.
02/18/25 62
63. If we remember & achieve
this Objective…..
The probability of
accident will be minimum
02/18/25 63
#54:OVERTURNING ACCIDENTS
Basically, overloading is responsible for a relatively small portion of mobile crane
accident simply because a very small portion of lifted loads are at or near rated loads.
In concept, load and load-moment indicators are ideal means to assure cranes will not
be overloaded. In practice, they fall short of the ideal. The reasons are many and can
only be briefly mentioned here.
Some reasons that load or load-moment indicators are not reliable:
the device has been turned off or is down due to malfunction,
the device is out of calibration, or
operating conditions (wind or operating speeds or out of level) are so far from ideal
that the published rating can lead to failure. The mounting of a device is itself no
assurance operations will be safe. Just like oil pressure or temperature gauges, those
devices are not safety devices; they are indicators that advise a knowledgeable
operator of load parameters as an aid in making operating judgments.
Some authorities overstress the value of, or need for, load or load-moment indicators.
There is no doubt that there are operating situations that require a device of that type,
but on the other hand, in certain situations they offer mixed blessings. It has been
demonstrated that there is a tendency for some operators to become overly reliant on
the devices and to use them in place of judgment. This can lead to accidents when
conditions are not ideal. An untrained or inexperienced operator may use the device
as a prop and as a substitute for knowing the machine, the load, and the rating chart.
Operators who do not fully understand the meaning of the values on the rating chart,
and who do not understand the limitations of the crane and its ratings, will operate carelessly or will allow untrained, inexperienced supervisors to tell them to pick an unsafe load. The number of operators who do not understand rating charts is surprising. The number of supervisors who know little or nothing about cranes is shocking.
#56:Note: the center of rotation is the center pin of the crane which is used for load chart calculations and measurements; however, be aware on some cranes there may be another location used to measure the radius. Consult the manufacturer or supplier when in doubt.
#57:OSHA identified the major causes of crane accidents to include:
boom or crane contact with energized power lines (nearly 45% of the cases),
under the hook lifting device,
overturned cranes,
dropped loads,
boom collapse,
crushing by the counter weight,
outrigger use,
falls, and
rigging failures.
Also, some cranes are not maintained properly nor inspected regularly to ensure safe
operation.
#58:In addition to instability factors, communication, and training, some cranes are not maintained properly nor inspected regularly to ensure safe operation.
#59:Hazards Associated with Crane Operations
OSHA's analysis of crane accidents in general industry and construction identified an average of 71 fatalities each year.
A study conducted by OSHA showed that nearly 30% of work-related electrocutions involved cranes.
Although mechanical failures represent only 11% of the causes of crane accidents, they usually result in the major accidents involving injuries, fatalities, substantial material costs, and usually spectacular media coverage. Studies and analyses often show they are frequently due to a lack of preventive maintenance or adequate training and/or experience on the part of the personnel involved. Crane operators and other personnel working with cranes need to receive training in crane operations. Cranes and associated rigging equipment must be inspected regularly to identify any existing or potentially unsafe conditions. Regular inspections are before use and during use. If there are problems, get them fixed before continuing work. Preventive maintenance must also be done per crane manufacturer and/or the supplier specifications.
