Cebu Private Power Corporation

Old VECO Compound, Ermita, Cebu City

The Basic Crane Operation

and Rigging Safety

LIFTING AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFETY SPECIALIST OF ASIA CORPORATION

Unit 8, 2nd floor John Myr-Apt, National Highway, Paciano Rizal, Calamba City, Laguna
Telefax No: (+6349) 502-8610
Email Address :info@lhessa.com
Website: www.lhessa.com
DOLE - BWC Accreditation No. 1410 - 15020615 - 07

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 THE BASIC CRANE OPERATION AND RIGGING SAFETY
Mission of LHESSA Training Group
1. To provide concise informative training for our clients and their employees.
2. To reduce workplace accidents and increase safety by creating a more competent workforce.
3. To make safety training painless for our clients.
4. To equip participants with the knowledge on Basic Crane and Rigging associated with the operation
of overhead cranes and hoists.

MANUAL HANDLING
A major problem facing the builders of the Ancient Egyptian
Pyramids was that of getting the large stone blocks to the height
they required. The method shown at left is the only one proven to
have been used. The ramps were built on inclined planes of mud
brick and rubble. They then dragged the blocks on sledges to the
needed height. As the pyramid grew taller, the ramp had to be
extended in length, and its base was widened, else it would
collapse. It is likely that for the construction of each pyramid,
several ramps were probably used.

Read more: http://www.touregypt.net/construction/construc.htm#ixzz2PezyGjVK

Copyright © 1996-2013 Tour Egypt. All Rights Reserved.
If cranes were already available during ancient time… there could be more pyramids in Egypt. Injuries
or deaths could have been avoided.

BASIC INSPECTION

I. Items to be inspected:
• Hoisting system
• Trolley travel
• Bridge travel
• Limit switches, locking and safety devices
• Trip setting of hoist limit switches
• Load test of not more than 125% of rated load

II. Frequent Inspections

Items to be Inspected Frequency

Operating mechanisms for maladjustment Daily
Deterioration or leakage in pneumatic and hydraulic parts Daily
Hooks with deformation or cracks (visual) Monthly
Hooks with deformation or cracks
Monthly
(written record with signature of inspector and date)
Hoist chains and end connections for wear, twist or distortion
Daily
(visual)
Hoist chains and end connections for wear, twist or distortion
Monthly
(written record with signature of inspector and date)
Running Rope and end connections for wear, broken strands, etc.
Monthly
(written record with signature of inspector, rope identity and date)
Functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear As needed
Rope reeving according to manufacturers' recommendations As recommended

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III. Periodic Inspections
• Deformed, cracked or corroded members
• Loose bolts or rivets
• Cracked or worn sheaves and drums
• Worn, cracked or distorted parts, such as pins, bearings, gears, rollers, etc.
• Excessive wear on brake-system parts
• Inaccuracies in load, wind and other indicators
• Electric or fossil fuel motors
• Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and chain
• Deteriorated electrical components, such as pushbuttons, limit switches or contactor

Safety First!
Operator must understand and follow the safety requirements at the site.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

For safety, the operator or others in close proximity to the crane may be required to wear Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE). Various types of PPE are available and must be selected according to the
requirements of the working environment.
Typical PPE
• Hard hat
• Safety shoes
• Hearing protection
• Safety goggles
• Gloves, overalls
• Face mask
• Flashlight for use in case of power failure

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPERATING THE HOIST

• Read all the instructions supplied with the hoist. The hoist operator must be familiar with the
instructions and follow them.
• The hoist operator must be competent for the task, must know all the controls of the hoist and must
be able to use them correctly and safety.
• The hoist operator must know how to operate the hoist and must be aware of any risk of accident
posed by the operating site.
• Learn how to operate the hoist in safe conditions before actually starting to work with the hoist. Learn
how to control the movements of the hook and load. Use the Hoist Owner’s Manual to familiarize
yourself with the hoist and hoist controls.
• Familiarize yourself and the signs and warnings marked on the hoist. The direction symbols for the
hoist motions are the same as the symbols marked on the push button controller. Check the direction
symbols in the Hoist Owner’s Manual.
• Learn the hand signals for indicating hoisting motion, trolley traversing and crane travel. The hoisting
operator should only accept hand signals from a person authorized to give them.
• Ensure that there is adequate lighting as well as proper tools and equipment for the working site, and
appropriate working procedures and established.
• If the hoist is provided with motion locking devices (e.g. rail clamps), open the locking devices before
using the hoist
• Before switching the main current, ensure that all control are in the 0-position.
• Connect current to the hoist by turning on the safety switches for main current and for control
current.
• Close the main contactor by pressing that ‘START’ pushbutton.
• If the pushbutton incorporates as a selection switch, ensure that the selection switch is in the correct
position before using the control pushbuttons.
• Check that all safety switches operate.
• Check that the brakes operate.

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• The useful lifetime of a hoist depends very much whether the hoist is correctly used of not. Use of the
hoist for other than the hoist group classification for which it was designed changes it’s useful lifetime.
• Before hoisting a load, make sure you know a safe and effective path for the load. Ensure that the
load will not collide against objects or people.
• Check that no servicemen or unauthorized persons are on the crane and that the rails and power
cables are clear of obstructing objects.
• Ensure that the loads must centre is on the centre line of the hook forging so that the load does not
bend the hook neck.
• Ensure that the force is applied only to the hooks bearing surface (the lowest point of the hook). Force
applied to other parts of the hook block will cause undesired stresses. Forces on ramshorn hook have
to be equal to both bearing surfaces.
• Before hosting, check that the load is balanced and safely fastened at the lifting points.
• Before hoisting, ensure that the load cannot slide, slip or detached itself when suspended.
• Before hoisting, ensure that the ropes are perpendicular and that the hoist is positioned
perpendicularly above the load to be lifted. A load must not be hoisted or dragged along the ground
in a way that causes side pull on the roping unless the hoist is designed and manufactured for this
purpose.
• When using a lifting accessories (sling, belt etc), always follow the instructions provided by the lifting
accessory manufacturer.
• If two cranes are needed to handle a load, a balancing beam must be used to equalize the loading.
Combined hoisting with two cranes must be supervised by a foreman knowledgeable about cranes,
or by a crane specialist, who is then in overall charge of the lifting operation.
• Start and stop the travelling motion at low speed to prevent the load from swinging excessively. Avoid
swinging the hook or load during travel motion.
• Do not lift people on the hook or load. Lifting people with a hoist is prohibited unless the hoist is
designed and manufactured for that purpose (this must always be agreed with the supplier of the
hoist).
• Don’t go under the hook or load. Don’t move the hook or load over a person. A load must never be
lifted in a way that can injure a person if the load drops.
• Don’t operate the hoist if you know that medication, an illness, injury or other such handicap impairs
your alertness or working ability.
• Don’t lift a load that is fastened to its base or that is heavier than the maximum permissible load for
the hoist or lifting accessories. A jerking or static load can cause an overload a hoist may only be used
for those loads and load combination, and at those speed, for which the hoist has been designed and
manufactured.
• Raise the load high enough to prevent it from hitting objects during travel. However, don’t raise it
higher than is necessary for the situation. Don’t raise to the top safety limit.
• During hoisting and travelling motion, ensure that the hook, the load, the crane and its moving parts
don’t collide with objects or people.
• If the hoist is provided with a horn, sound the horn when you move the load in the vicinity of people
who are not paying attention to the moving load.
• Don’t move the load until you have receive a signal from the person attaching the load to the hook or
lifting appliance.
• Don’t use the overload protection for weighing the load.
• Stop all hoisting and travel motions before the safety limit switches.
• Don’t adjust or bypass the limit switches or warning devices in order to go past motion limits. Don’t
use the hoist if the limit switches are inoperative.
• Don’t use the hoisting rope as a lifting lug.
• Don’t use the hoist if there are visible defects in or damage to the hoist, the hoisting rope, or any
other hoist structure or hoist function. Stop operating the hoist if it operates abnormally (for example,
a high noise level, uneven starting or malfunctions). Using faulty equipment is strictly prohibited.
• Don’t use the limit switches to stop the motions of the hoist. Hoist motions must be stopped with the
pushbutton controller or other control device intended for the purpose.
• Use the proper pushbuttons intended for controlling the hoist. If you feel you are losing control of the
hoist motions, press the emergency stop button. In a potentially dangerous situation all hoist motion
can be stopped by pressing the emergency stop button, but don’t the use the emergency stop

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 function unnecessarily. Ensure that it is safe to recommence working after the emergency stop button
has been pressed.
• Avoid short, jerky motion. Unnecessary short starts cause the hoisting motor to overheat quickly. The
last controller step is for normal drive. The intermediate steps are normally used for short durations
only. Don’t switch the controller back and forth unnecessarily because it causes wear.
• Avoid violent collisions in to other hoists or against the buffers.
• Don’t leave a suspended load unattended. Don’t pull from the side. Lower the load with the ropes
perpendicular.
• Don’t hoist motions to remove the load from the hook.
• Don’t lower the hook so far that the ropes become slack.
• Don’t weld on a hook that is not isolated. Don’t fasten a welding electrode to the hoisting rope.
• Don’t change the side of fuses. A qualified electrician should carry out all electrical work.

Eccentric (Unbalanced) Reeving

Eccentric or unbalanced reeving of the boom tip will cause torsion (twisting) in the boom for which
there is no allowance in the load chart. Full chart ratings apply only when the tip is symmetrically.
If the hoist line is not cantered over the boom tip, the boom will twist when a load is added
Unsymmetrical reeving of the load block will cause it to tilt and creates rapid sheave wear.
Unsymmetrically reeved blocks will tilt under heavy load. When they are reeved symmetrically they
will run true.

Safety instruction for finishing work with the hoist

1. Raise the empty hook or loading device high enough to avoid it causing a hazard to traffic, but not to
the top safety limit.
2. Leave all control in the 0-position.
3. Press the emergency stop button to open the main contactor.
4. Turn off the safety switches for control current and main current.
5. Close any mechanical brakes, such as rail clamps, etc.
6. Inform your foreman of any defects you have noticed.
7. Inform the next operator of all abnormalities in equipment or operation that you noticed.

The Basic Steps of Moving a Payload

1. Prep work
a) Understand the payload
b) Select the rigging gear
c) Inspect all rigging gear
d) Assign responsibilities
2. Attach the rigging gear to the payload
3. Attach payload to a load hook
4. Move the payload
5. Secure the payload (balanced, stable, with tagline)
6. Detach the payload from a hook
7. Remove the rigging gear

Warn the personnel working within the crane operating area when any load handling operation starts.

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BASIC RIGGING SAFETY

Hand Signals

Hoist Lower Use Main Hoist Use Auxiliary Hoist

Trolley Travel Bridge Travel Move Slowly Little Bit

Stop Emergency Stop Dog Everything Multiple Trolleys

The rules for rigging equipment are established in 29 CFR 1910.184 Slings and 29 CFR 1926.251 Rigging
equipment for material handling.
The DOL incorporates additional rules by reference by citing additional standards within the regulations.
ASME B30 pertains to lifting and material-handling related equipment.
 There are 28 subparts to ASME B30

VITAL PARTS OF YOUR PREP WORK

I. Weight
• Can often be found in “notes” section of a part drawing
• Can often found on data plate, (if equipment is to be use)
• Calculations (volume x density)
• Talk to Mechanical Engineering

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Weight of Materials (Based on Volume)

Material Approximate Weight lbs. per Cubic Foot

Metals
Aluminum 165
Brass 535
Bronze 500
Copper 560
Iron 480
Lead 710
Steel 490
Tin 460
Masonry
Ashlar masonry 140-160
Brick masonry, soft 110
Brick masonry, common (about 3 tons per 125
thousand)
Brick masonry, pressed 140
Clay tile masonry, average 60
Rubber masonry 130-155
Concrete, cinder, haydite 100-110
Concrete, slag 130
Concrete, stone 144
Concrete, stone, reinforce (4050 lbs. per cu. yd.) 150

Estimating weights of steel shapes

The basic weight is that of 1 square foot of steel

an inch thick and is approximately 40 lbs. 2 steel plates
each measuring 1 ½ inches x 3 feet by 6 feet would
weigh a total of: 2 x 1.5 x 3 x 6 x 40 = 2,160 lbs.

• The weights of angles also can be approximated with close enough results for safe job use. An angle
is a structural shape which can be considered as a bent plate with some additional metal at the
center for strength and a lesser amount of metal at the tips for ease in rolling. If the angle is
flattened out, a plate results.

For example, a 5 x 3 x 1/4 inch angle

would flatten out to approximately an 8 x 1/4
inch plate. This should weigh 40 lb. x 8/12 x
1/4, or 6.65 lb. per foot of length.

• Weights of any structural shape can be computed in this manner by separating the parts or
flattening them into rectangles which, in turn, become parts or multiples of a square foot of steel an
inch thick.

Plate, however, are often rolled into tanks or other shapes. It is necessary to determine the area of such
parts before the weight can be calculated. This necessitates learning the two simple formulae for computing
the circumference and the area of a circle.

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 Circumference = 3.14 x diameter Area = 3.14 (diameter/2)2

A stack 6 ft. in diameter would have a circumference of 6 ft. x

3.14, or 18.84 ft. To compute the weight of this stack, if it were 30 ft.
high and made of 3/8 in. plate, mentally unroll it and flatten it out.
This gives a plate 18.84 ft. wide by 30 ft. long by 3/8 in. thick. The
weigh is: 18.84 x 30 x 3/8 x 40 = 8,478 lbs.

If the stack had an end cap 3/8 in. thick and 6 ft. in diameter the cap's
surface area would be 3.14 x 6/2 x 6/2 = 28.3 sq. ft. and would weigh 28.3 x
3/8 x 40 = 425 lbs.

APPROXIMATE WEIGHT PER FOOT OF LENGTH OF ROUND STEEL BARS AND RODS
Diameter (Inches) Weight (lbs) per ft. of length Diameter (Inches) Weight (lbs) per ft. of length
3/16 0.094 1 3/8 5.05
1/4 0.167 1 1/2 6.01
5/16 0.261 1 5/8 705
3/8 0.376 1 3/4 8.18
7/16 0.511 1 7/8 9.39
1/2 0.668 2 10.68
9/16 0.845 2 1/8 12.06
5/8 1.04 2 1/4 13.52
3/4 1.50 2 3/8 15.06
7/8 2.04 2 1/2 16.69
1 2.67 2 5/8 18.40
1 1/8 3.38 2 3/4 20.20
1 3/16 3.77 2 7/8 22.07
1 1/4 4.17 3 24.03

A load of 50 bars of reinforcing steel each 5/8 in. diameter and 40 ft. long would weigh 50 x 40 x
1.04 = 2,080 lbs.

II. Center of Gravity

1) Drawings will sometimes denote CG
2) Test lift to determine CG

The center of gravity of any object is the point in the object where its weight can be assumed to be
concentrated or, stated in other way, it is the point in the object around which its weight is evenly distributed.
If you could put a support under that point (the center of gravity) you could balance the object on the support.

The symbol for center of gravity is

III. Path of Travel

1) Know that destination is clear and ready to accept the payload
2) Insure the path is clear of any obstructions and personnel that will hinder movement

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RIGGING GEARS

Select rated rigging equipment based upon the payload and how it is used.
1) Know the load capacity of the overhead hoists and support structures.
‒ This includes hoist(s), bridges, jibs, or gantries
2) Know the load capacity of rigging hardware used in the rigging operation.
‒ This includes the shackles, hoist rings, straps, etc.
3) Know how use of the equipment affects the load rating.
4) Use only load rated products.
5) NEVER exceed the rated load capacity of any piece of rigging equipment.

Synthetic Slings
Made of either polyester or nylon
Various widths available – Most common at LEE are from 1” to 3” wide
Information sewn into the sling label
• Manufacturer’s name
• Serial number
• Load ratings (per hitch style)
• Material
• Length
• Sling type

SLING MANUFACTURE

Webbing material capacity:

• (6) Light Duty
• (9) Heavy Duty
• (M) Monster Edge Heavy
Duty Edge Protector

Sling Type (2 Indicates Webbing Webbing

letters) the number material width in
of plies in capacity. inches.
sling. (6, 9 or M) (1 to 12)
(1, 2, 3 or 4)

Types of Synthetics Sling

Triangle & Choker (TC) hardware on each end manufactured

Type I from either steel or lightweight aluminum. Most effective for
choker hitch, can also be used in vertical or basket hitches.
Triangle & Triangle (TT) hardware on each end manufactured
Type 2 from either steel or lightweight aluminum. For use in either
basket or vertical hitches only.
Flat Eye & Eye (EE) sewn on each end. Choice of either straight
Type 3 (easy to remove from underneath loads) or tapered eyes. For use
in vertical, choker or basket hitches.

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 Twisted Eye & Eye (EE) sewn on each end. Eyes are turned at a
right angle to sling body and choice of either straight or tapered
Type 4
eyes. Forms effective choker hitches, also used in vertical or
basket hitches.
Endless Grommet slings (EN) sewn together to form an endless
Type 5
loop. Versatile sling for all hitches.
Basic types of Synthetic Sling are Type 3, Type 4 and Type 5. Type 3 is the most common.

Environment Considerations
Chemical active environments Nylon Polyester
All slings should be stored in a cool, Acid NO *
dry, and dark place away from harmful Alcohol NO OK
ultra-violet rays (sunlight) and Arc Welders in Aldehydes OK NO
operation. Continuous exposure to sunlight Strong Alkalies ** **
can affect the strength of synthetic webbing
Bleaching Agents NO OK
in varying degrees, ranging from total
Dry Cleaning Solvents OK OK
degradation to slight degradation. Nylon and
Ethers OK NO
Polyester slings shall not be used with
Halogenated Hydrocarbons OK OK
temperatures in excess of 194 degree F (90
Hydrocarbons OK OK
degrees C).
Keytones OK OK
* Disintegrated by concentrated acid Oil, Crude OK OK
** Degraded by strong alkalies at elevated Oil, Lubricating OK OK
temperatures. Soaps, Detergents OK OK
Water, Seawater OK OK
Weak Alkalies OK OK

Rejection Criteria Synthetic Slings

Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions
exist.
Acid Damage Abrasion Damage
Heat Damage (Burn Damage) Face Cuts
Cuts Punctures and Snags
Cut and Tensile Damage Tensile Break
Broken or Worn Stiches Illegible or Missing Tag

Vertical Hitch Choker Hitch Basket Hitch

Hitch Type

Sling rating are specified for each of three basic styles; vertical, choker and basket

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  Vertical Hitch

The single vertical hitch can be used to support a load by a single vertical part or leg of the sling. The
total weight of the load is carried by a single leg; the angle of the lift is 90° and the weight of the load can
equal the maximum safe working load of the sling and fittings.

 Bridle Hitch

In a bridle hitch, two, three, or four single hitches are used together to hoist objects that have lifting
lugs or other attachments.

• Bridle hitches can be assembled from individual components (slings, shackles, hooks, etc.).
• Bridle synthetic slings are permanently
assembled units consisting of a number
web slings grouped together on a master
link.
• Bridle sling typically have 1-4 legs.
• Sling ends can be either eyes or various
types of hooks.

It provides excellent load stability when the load is distributed equally among the legs, the hook is directly
over the center of gravity of the load, and the load is raised lever. To distribute the load equally, it may be
necessary to adjust the leg lengths with turnbuckles. The sling angles must be carefully determined to ensure
that the individual legs are not overloaded.

 Choker hitch
‒ Single Chocker Hitch

Due to the stress created at the choke point, slings rigged with
this hitch achieve only about 75% of their potential capacity.

Always pull a choker hitch tight before a lift is made

- never during the lift.

‒ Double Chocker Hitch

A double choker hitch consists of two single chokers

attached to the load and spread to provide load stability. Like
the single choker, they do not grip the load completely, but
because the load is less likely to tip, they are better suited for
handling bundles, pipes, rods, etc.

‒ Double-wrap Chocker Hitch

A double-wrap choker hitch is one in which the rope or chain is

wrapped completely around the load before being hooked into the
vertical part of the sling. The hitch is in full contact with the load
and tends to draw it tightly together. It can be used either singly on
short, easily balanced loads, or in pairs on longer loads.

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 ‒ Improper Setting of Chocker Hitch

• Set the sling angle to > 120o for a full load rating
• Improperly setting the choke can reduce the load
rating by as much as 50%

Angle of Choke, (degree) Rated Capacity (%)

Over 120 100
90 -120 87
60 – 89 74
30 – 59 62
0 -29 49

 Basket Hitch
‒ Single Basket Hitch

A single basket hitch can be used to support a load by attaching one end
of a sling to a hook, wrapping the sling around the load, and securing the other end
to the hook. It cannot be used on a load that is difficult to balance because the load
can tilt and slip out of the sling. Loads having inherent stabilizing characteristics
will be automatically equalized with each leg supporting half the
load. Ensure that the load does not turn or slide along the rope
during a lift, because both the load and rope will be damaged.

‒ Double Basket Hitch

A double basket hitch consists of two

single basket hitches passed under the load in
such a way that it is properly balanced. The legs
of the hitches must be far enough apart to
provide balance but not so far apart that
excessive angles develop or the legs tend to be
pulled in toward the center. On smooth
surfaces, both sides of the hitches should be
snubbed against a step or change of contour to prevent the rope from slipping as the load is applied. The
angle between the load and the sling should be approximately 60° or greater to avoid slippage.

‒ Double Basket Hitch

A double–wrap basket hitch is a basket

hitch that is wrapped completely around the load,
rather than just supporting as does the ordinary
basket hitch. Like the double basket hitch, it can be
used in pairs. The double-wrap basket hitch is
excellent for handling loose material, pipe, rod or
smooth cylindrical loads because the rope or chain
is in full 360° contact with the load and tends to
draw it together.

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 Angle Sling Factor for 2 leg
90° 2
75° 1.9
60° 1.73
45° 1.30
30° 1

• With 3 and 4 leg sling bridle hitches, only 2 legs will likely carry the load while the other two steady
(balance) the load
• Use only 2 legs when calculating the required load rating for rigging equipment
• Use the smallest sling angle when calculating load rating

Do’s Don’ts
• Visually inspect sling for any damage and • Do not use if any part of sling is damaged
remove from service if necessary • Do not use if safety information if missing
• Insure safety tag is attached, legible, and or not legible
has all pertinent information • Do not tie slings together
• Verify load ratings per hitch style • Do not use a sling that has been shock
• Use “softeners” on sharp corners as loaded (remove from service)
necessary • Never exceed the load rating

Wire Rope Sling

• Replace rope if there are

‒ 6 or more broken wires in one Lay
‒ 3 or more broken wires in one strand in one Lay
• Wear must be less than 7% of the nominal diameter.
• Must be free from extreme deformation, kink and corrosion.
• No extreme breaking and corrosion at the rope end.

THREE PRIMARY PIECES OF HARDWARE

• Swivel Hoist Ring

• Eye Bolts
• Shackles

Swivel Hoist Ring

Swivel hoist rings are able to accommodate various use angles.
• Load ratings based on:
‒ Size
‒ Ring size and thread size
‒ Material
‒ Commonly alloy steel or stainless steel
‒ Thread length
‒ Longer length usually designed for soft metals (aluminum)
‒ Shorter lengths can be used in ferrous metals (steel)
• Each hoist ring is load tested and comes with a factory certificate
• Many different types and sizes are available

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Do’s
• Visually inspect hoist ring for any damage or corrosion on threads and body
• Insure placard information is attached, if not remove from service
• Must use a torque wrench for installation
• Make sure the thread engagement is appropriate for the base metal being threaded into
o Approximately 1 times the diameter when threading into steel
o Approximately 2 times the diameter when threading into aluminium
• Verify swivel function after installation
Don’ts
• Do not use if any part of hoist ring is damaged
• Do not use if placard information if missing or not legible
• Do not use a hoist ring if it is not tightened to recommended torque
• Do not use if hoist ring does not swivel
• Do not use washer in between hoist ring and mounting surface
• Do not repair, replace, or modify any piece of a hoist ring
• Do not use if gap exists between part and hoist ring
• Do not use a hook larger than the diameter of the hoist ring opening
• Never exceed the load rating

Eye Bolts
There are two styles of eyebolts

Reeving introduces side pull. Although

the upper sling angle is 60O, the resultant sling
angle is 30O.
For 1 lbs at 60O there is also a 1 lbs
lateral load. The resultant load on the eye bolt is
1.73 lbs.

Manufacturer and Size

Eye bolts are not required to be marked with the WLL or required
installation torque. The user must look up this information prior to use.
Do not use any eye bolt for rigging unless there are clearly legible
identification marks.

Page 14 of 20
 A. The threaded shank must protrude through the load sufficiently
to allow full engagement of the nut
B. If the eye bolt protrudes so far through the load that the nut
cannot be tightened securely against the load, use properly
sized washers to take up the excess space BETWEEN THE NUT
AND THE LOAD.
C. Place washers or spacers between nut and load so that when
the nut is tightened securely, the shoulder is secured flush
against the load surface.
D. Thickness of spacers must exceed this distance between the
bottom of the load and the last thread of the eye bolt.

Shackles

Shackles are used for connecting various pieces of rigging equipment together
• Used as a connecting link between items
‒ Strap to hoist ring or eyebolt
‒ Strap to strap
‒ Used as single attach point for multiple straps
• Load rating based on:
‒ Size
‒ Material
• Many different types and sizes

 Round Pin Shackle

Round Pin Shackles can be used in tie down, towing, suspension or lifting applications where
the load is strictly applied in-line.
Round pin shackles should never be used in rigging applications to gather multiple sling legs,
or where side loading conditions may occur.

 Screw Pin Shackle

Screw Pin Shackles are used in Pick and Place applications.

For permanent or long-term installations, Crosby recommends the use of bolt type
shackles. If you choose to disregard Crosby’s recommendation, the screw pin shall be secured
from rotation or loosening.
Screw pin shackles can be used for applications involving side-loading circumstances
Reduced working load limits are required for side loading applications.
While in service, do not allow the screw pin to be rotated by a live line, such as a
choker application.

 Bolt-Type shackle

Bolt-Type Shackles can be used in any application where round pin or screw pin shackles
are used.
In addition, they are recommended for permanent or long term installations and where
the load may slide on the shackle pin causing the pin to rotate.
The bolt-type shackle’s secondary securement system, utilizing a nut and cotter,
eliminates the requirement to tighten pin before each lift or movement of load.

Shackle identification markings

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 Side loading of screw pin and bolt type shackles results in a reduction of the working load
limit 90° In-line.

Angle of side load from

Adjusted WLL
vertical In-Line of shackles
0° In-Line 100 % of Rated WLL
𝟒𝟓° from In-Line 70 % of Rated WLL
𝟗𝟎° from In-Line 50 % of Rated WLL

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 Folding, bunching, or pinching of synthetic slings
can occur when used with shackles

Folding, bunching, and pinching of synthetic slings

reduces the sling load rating

Screw pin shall be fully engaged.

If designed for a cotter pin, it shall be used and maintained.
Applied load should be centered in the bow to prevent side loading.
Multiple sling legs should not be applied to the pin.
If side loaded, the rated load shall be reduced.
Never have the pin against the live line in a choker. The pin must go
through the eye of the sling.

Do’s Don’ts
• Visually inspect shackle for any damage or • Do not use shackle if it bent or damaged or
wear on ring and pin has been modified
• Insure shackle has proper identification • Do not use if shackle does not have proper
markings identification markings
• Finger tighten pin into ring of shackle • Do not use a tool to tighten a shackle pin
• Check for proper fit of pin into ring • Do not repair, replace, or modify a shackle
• Check load ratings according • Do not use shackle if pin is replaced with a
manufacturer recommendations bolt
• Do not use a hook larger than the

The Load Hook

• Always inspect the hook and latch before use

• Insure there is no excessive wear in the saddle of the hook
• Never use a latch that is distorted or bent
• Always make sure spring will force the latch against the tip of the hook
• Always make sure the hook supports the load. The latch must never support
the load
• Latches are intended to retain loose sling or devices under slack conditions
• Latches are not intended to be an anti-fouling device
• Only load the hook in the “saddle” or “bowl” within ±45° of vertical
• Hooks are only to be loaded In-line

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  Loading the load hook
• When placing two sling legs in a hook, make sure the angle between
the legs is less than 90° and if the hook or load is tilted, nothing
bears against the bottom of this latch
• For two legged slings with angles greater than 90°, use an
intermediate link such as a master link or bolt type shackle to collect
the legs of the slings. The intermediate link can be placed over the
hook to provide an in-line load on the hook. This approach must also
be used when using slings with three or more legs.
• Make sure all rigging materials are secured inside the latch area and
the latch closes
• Never point load a hook

Hook Latches Must be Closed

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 When more than one wide sling (>1”) or two narrow slings (1”) are required, they shall be placed in a
shackle or bridle which is then placed on the crane hook.

Application of Wire Rope Clips

Clip Size Minimum Amount or Rope to Torque
Inches # of Clips Turn Back in Inches In ft-lbs
1/8 2 3 1/4 4.5
3/16 2 3 3/4 4.5
1/4 2 4 3/4 15
5/16 2 5 1/4 30
3/8 2 6 1/2 45
7/16 2 7 65
1/2 3 11 1/2 65
9/16 3 12 95
5/8 3 12 95
3/4 4 18 130
7/8 4 19 225
1 5 26 225
1 1/8 6 34 225

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Wire Rope Splicing

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Identify the wrong

1) ______________________________________
2) ______________________________________
3) ______________________________________
4) ______________________________________
5) ______________________________________
6) ______________________________________
7) ______________________________________
8) ______________________________________
9) ______________________________________
10) ______________________________________
11) ______________________________________

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