Maintain Safe Crane Operations with Professional Riggers

11 October 2021

The construction industry carries out a lot of processes to complete a wide array of projects. One of the processes that the industry has to perform is to lift materials from one place to another.

And with this specific process, contractors have to maximise cranes. Cranes are typically comprised of a hook, a hoist, a boom, a jib, counterweights, and outriggers to perform the load-lifting operations. As long as they are controlled by professional crane operators, they can conveniently and safely transport many objects at elevated areas and lower them whenever necessary.

While crane operators can already control cranes’ movement, they must still work with other professionals. One more professional that must be present during crane operations is the rigger.

The Main Responsibilities of Riggers

Crane riggers are professionals who have all the needed knowledge in rigging the load properly. With their years of training and experience, they can easily attach the appropriate cables and ropes to the loads that are meant to be lifted or hoisted. They likewise know what hitches to tie as well as their lift capacity. They even understand how the centre of gravity works and utilise it during the rigging process.

Aside from these actions, crane riggers can also recognise any hazards that may be present around the site. They can likewise communicate with other people on-site during the lifting process to ensure everyone’s safety as well as pick, clean, and store rigging equipment accordingly.

With their expertise on these things, they can ensure the safe operations of the crane since they stabilise the loads with the necessary rigging equipment and inspect them thoroughly.

Safe Rigging Operations is Essential

So, what makes rigging important in crane operations?

You see, rigging is a basic process in crane operations that guarantees the safety of the load while it is being moved or detached. The knowledge of riggers in carrying this specific process makes it great for crane operations since the loads are expected to be at high altitudes.

Without safe rigging from riggers, the loads may not be secured to the rigging equipment. The loads may also be detached prematurely in the air, causing structural damages and serious injuries on site. The use of incompatible rigging equipment can likewise generate damages not only to the loads but also to the cranes. Once these things occur, contractors and project managers may be bombarded by unnecessary expenses as well as work-related violations from authorities.

Great Ways to Maintain Safe Rigging

Despite the expertise provided by the crane riggers, essential things must still be done to keep the worksite safe during the rigging process.

One of the things that workers on-site should do is train them in proper ways of dealing with the rigging process. They must likewise always wear personal protective equipment so they can be protected if ever some objects suddenly fall. Other necessary things to do to maintain the general safety of the site include regular inspections of the cranes and the rigging equipment and conducting risk assessments.

To know more about riggers, feel free to give us a call at Sharp Welding and Crane Hire.