Safe Lifting Starts With These Rigging Best Practices
When it comes to lifting operations on a job site, safety should never be an afterthought. Rigging, the process of setting up the gear to lift and move heavy loads, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and secure operation. Without proper rigging practices, the chances of accidents, injuries, and costly damage to equipment or property increase dramatically. Rigging isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Different lifting scenarios require different approaches and tools. Therefore, understanding how to choose and apply the correct rigging methods is essential for everyone involved in lift operations. The following best practices can help reduce risks and ensure every lift is carried out with maximum safety and efficiency. 1. Conduct thorough equipment inspections and ensure proper training Before any lift begins, it’s vital to inspect all rigging equipment thoroughly. This includes checking slings, wire ropes, chains, hooks, shackles, and any lifting hardware for signs of wear and tear. Equipment with issues such as broken wires, cracks, chemical burns, UV damage, or heavy abrasions should be immediately removed from service. Routine inspections help prevent unexpected failures. Even a small defect in a sling or hook can compromise the safety of the entire lift. Maintenance must be consistent and well-documented to ensure all gear remains in good working condition. Equally important is the training of personnel. Workers who are involved in lifting activities must undergo comprehensive training to understand how to handle equipment safely, recognise potential hazards, and carry out proper lifting techniques. Key concepts such as load weight estimation, centre of gravity, and load balancing should be clearly understood. This training initiative should not be a one-time thing and must remain consistent and ongoing, which is something that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has recognised. For instance, a related training requirement that’s now part of the new requirement under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act Section 31(4) calls for all forklift operators to attend a refresher training course at least once every three years. Measures like these and others that will inevitably follow are part of a broader effort to reduce workplace accidents, improve operational safety, and equip operators with up-to-date knowledge and best practices. 2. Know the load weight and equipment capacity One of the key principles of safe rigging is accurately determining the load’s weight before lifting using tools such as load cells and dynamometers. Lifting gear and cranes have specific capacity limits, and exceeding those limits can lead to equipment failure or accidents. It’s equally important to understand the load-bearing capacities of the slings, shackles, hooks, and other hardware. Overloading equipment not only increases the risk of failure but can also void warranties and breach safety regulations. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and ensure that all lifting gear is used within safe working limits. 3. Use the right slings and hardware for the job Slings are one of the most common rigging tools, but they must be used correctly to be effective. The angle at which a sling is applied significantly affects its performance. A smaller angle between the sling and the load increases tension, reducing its capacity and increasing the risk of failure. Ideally, sling angles should fall between 45 and 60 degrees. Meanwhile, selecting the right hitch type ensures the load remains stable and doesn’t shift, tilt, or rotate during the lift. Different hitch types serve different purposes: In addition to proper hardware selection, always remember to never tie slings directly to loads; always use appropriate rigging hardware such as hooks, eye bolts, or shackles. These components must be inspected before every use. Look out for weld splatter, corrosion, deformation, or signs of fatigue. Rigging components that are not aligned correctly or used at an angle, like in a bridle hitch, must have their rated capacities adjusted accordingly. 4. Ensure the load is balanced An unbalanced load can shift suddenly, swing unpredictably, or even topple a crane. To avoid this, rigging should be arranged around the load’s centre of gravity so that the weight is evenly distributed. Here are a few key checks to ensure balance: It’s best to conduct a test lift by raising the load just a few inches off the ground to verify balance and stability. This allows the crew to make adjustments before proceeding with the full lift. Another practical tool is the use of tag lines, which are ropes attached to the load that help guide and stabilise it during lifting. Only trained personnel should handle tag lines, maintaining a safe distance while doing so to prevent injuries. 5. Establish clear communication protocols Successful lifting operations depend on teamwork and effective communication. All personnel involved, including crane operators and riggers, must use standardised signalling protocols or two-way radios to communicate clearly and avoid misunderstandings. Before the actual lifting procedure, conduct a safety briefing and ensure everyone understands their role and responsibilities. The area where the lift is taking place should also be properly assessed: Red warning tape or fencing should be placed around the perimeter, along with signage to indicate potential risks. These practices are especially important in high-traffic industrial areas or construction sites, such as those involved in a safe lifting operation in Singapore, which they might commonly encounter. 6. Monitor the entire lift operation Monitoring doesn’t stop once the load is in the air. Continuous observation throughout the entire lifting process ensures that the plan is followed and that any deviations are corrected immediately. Supervisors and safety officers should pay close attention to: Every rigging team should have a contingency plan in place in case something goes wrong mid-lift. 7. Always use a qualified spotter Spotters (also known as signalpersons) play a crucial role in maintaining visibility and guiding the crane operator, especially when the load or the route is obstructed. Spotters must be trained to give clear hand and voice signals and should stay in constant contact with the operator throughout the lift. An experienced spotter can detect issues early, such as an unstable load, shifting weight, or overhead hazards, and direct the operator to lower the load before a mishap occurs. The key is early detection and fast communication to prevent minor issues from turning into major incidents. 8. Store rigging equipment properly after use Once the job is done, don't neglect your tools. Rigging gear should be stored in a dry, organised area to prevent exposure to harsh weather, chemicals, or mechanical damage. Regular post-use inspections can also detect wear and tear before the next job begins. Proper storage and maintenance extend the lifespan of equipment and ensure it’s safe and ready to use for future operations. Conclusion Safe rigging is a commitment to the well-being of every person on site. With the right equipment, proper training, effective communication, and constant vigilance, lift operations can be completed without incident. As industry standards continue to evolve, especially with new training requirements imposed by MOM, companies must stay up to date to ensure compliance and safety. By putting these best practices into action, businesses can create a safer work environment and prevent accidents before they happen. Elevate your career in crane operations with Wong Fong Academy’s trusted training programmes. Whether you're aiming to become a certified lifting supervisor or looking to upskill in rigging, our targeted courses, like the Supervise Safe Lifting Operations Course and the Performing Rigger and Signalman Task course, offer hands-on learning with real-world application. Join us and take the next step toward safer, smarter lifting practices on-site.
