Tag lines, rigging, and hitches are integral components of safe lifting and load handling. They help stabilize loads, control movement, and ensure secure attachments during lifting operations. Proper use of these tools and techniques minimizes the risk of swinging, tipping, or accidental load drops, thus enhancing safety on worksites.

1. Tag Lines

Purpose: Tag lines are ropes attached to a load to help guide, stabilize, and control its movement during lifting and lowering. They allow workers to manage the load from a safe distance, preventing swinging and rotation, and providing greater control over positioning.

Best Practices for Using Tag Lines:

  • Secure Attachment: Attach tag lines to the load in a way that provides maximum control. They should be long enough to allow operators to remain clear of the load’s path.
  • Maintain Safe Distance: Workers using tag lines should stand clear of the load’s drop zone and avoid walking underneath it. This reduces the risk of injury if the load shifts or falls.
  • Avoid Knots: Avoid tying knots in tag lines, as this weakens the rope. Instead, use proper splicing or secure attachment techniques recommended for lifting operations.
  • Use Non-Conductive Material: For work near electrical hazards, use non-conductive tag lines to reduce the risk of electric shock.
  • Communication: Workers controlling tag lines should maintain clear communication with the crane or hoist operator to coordinate movements and avoid sudden shifts.

When to Use Tag Lines:

  • Lifting Long or Unbalanced Loads: Tag lines are essential for controlling loads that are long, irregular, or unbalanced.
  • Windy Conditions: Tag lines provide extra control to stabilize loads in windy conditions, helping prevent swinging and spinning.
  • Precise Positioning Needs: When positioning loads with precision is necessary, tag lines allow workers to guide the load accurately.

2. Rigging

Purpose: Rigging involves using equipment like ropes, slings, hooks, and shackles to secure and lift loads safely. Proper rigging ensures that loads are safely attached to cranes, hoists, or other lifting devices, preventing load shifts and drops.

Key Components of Rigging:

  • Slings: Used to wrap around or attach to a load for lifting. Common types include synthetic slings, wire rope slings, and chain slings.
  • Hooks and Shackles: Attach the slings to the lifting device. Hooks should be equipped with safety latches, and shackles should match the load requirements.
  • Turnbuckles and Eye Bolts: Provide additional security and tension adjustment for securing loads, especially in complex rigging setups.
  • Hoists and Cranes: Used to lift and maneuver the load vertically and horizontally. Proper inspection and operation are crucial for safe rigging.

Rigging Safety Practices:

  • Load Calculation and Angle Awareness:
    • Calculate the load weight and ensure it’s within the working load limit (WLL) of the rigging equipment.
    • Sling angle affects the load-bearing capacity. The greater the angle from vertical, the greater the force on the rigging, which reduces the equipment’s effective capacity.
  • Pre-Use Inspections:
    • Inspect slings, hooks, and shackles for wear, cracks, deformation, or corrosion before each use. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service.
    • Check all rigging components, such as latches and shackles, to ensure they are secure and functional.
  • Avoid Overloading and Shock Loading: Do not exceed the rated capacity of the rigging equipment, and avoid sudden jerks or drops that could apply excessive force to the rigging.
  • Use of Tag Lines with Rigging: Attach tag lines as part of the rigging setup to guide and stabilize the load, particularly with unbalanced or lengthy loads.

3. Hitches

Purpose: Hitches are rigging configurations used to secure a sling to a load or lifting point. Different types of hitches provide varying levels of stability and load control, depending on the load shape, weight, and center of gravity.

Types of Hitches:

  1. Vertical Hitch:
    • Configuration: A single sling attaches the load to the lifting hook directly, with the weight supported by one sling leg.
    • Use: Commonly used for balanced loads. The load must be stable as there is no lateral control.
    • Capacity: Only supports the load weight in a straight vertical line, with the entire load weight on one sling.
  2. Choker Hitch:
    • Configuration: The sling wraps around the load and tightens when lifted, gripping the load securely.
    • Use: Suitable for lifting loose or irregular-shaped loads that may otherwise shift.
    • Capacity: The hitch reduces sling capacity by approximately 20% compared to a vertical hitch. Not suitable for lifting loose materials that could slide out.
  3. Basket Hitch:
    • Configuration: The sling wraps around the load, with both ends attached to the hook, resembling a basket.
    • Use: Distributes the load weight evenly and is ideal for supporting loads with a stable center of gravity.
    • Capacity: Provides double the lifting capacity of a single vertical hitch but requires balanced loads to prevent tipping.
  4. Double Wrap Basket Hitch:
    • Configuration: Similar to the basket hitch but with an additional wrap around the load for added stability and friction.
    • Use: Suitable for loads that may shift or slide, providing more secure support than a standard basket hitch.
    • Capacity: Slightly lower capacity than a basket hitch due to the increased friction, but provides more stability.

Hitch Safety Practices:

  • Select the Right Hitch: Choose the hitch type based on the load’s shape, weight, and stability needs. Certain hitches work better with balanced loads, while others are better for irregular or loose loads.
  • Avoid Twisting: Ensure that the sling or hitch is not twisted, as this weakens the material and reduces load capacity.
  • Load Security: Double-check that the load is secured and that hitches are tightly fitted to prevent movement or load slipping during lifting.
  • Sling Angle Awareness: For multiple-leg hitches, maintain safe angles to avoid excessive force on the sling legs.

Inspection and Maintenance

  1. Routine Inspections:
    • Conduct daily pre-use inspections of tag lines, slings, hitches, and rigging equipment to ensure they are free of damage, corrosion, or wear.
    • Replace damaged tag lines, worn slings, and deformed hooks or shackles immediately.
  2. Periodic Maintenance:
    • Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for all rigging equipment.
    • Lubricate moving parts (such as chain hoist links) and keep equipment clean and dry when not in use.
  3. Storage:
    • Store tag lines, slings, hooks, and other rigging equipment in a dry, clean area protected from harsh environmental conditions and contaminants that could cause corrosion or wear.

Training and Compliance

  1. Operator Training:
    • Train all personnel involved in rigging, lifting, and use of hitches to understand load capacities, safety factors, sling angles, and proper hitch configurations.
    • Provide tag line training on safe load control techniques, including maintaining safe distances and proper grip.
  2. OH&S Compliance:
    • Follow OSHA, ANSI, or CSA standards to ensure compliance with safety regulations for rigging and lifting operations.
    • Review safety practices regularly to stay updated on regulatory changes and best practices.
  3. Communication and Coordination:
    • Use clear hand signals, radios, or other communication methods to coordinate between crane operators, riggers, and tag line handlers.
    • Conduct pre-lift meetings to establish roles, discuss potential hazards, and confirm safety protocols.

Summary

Safe handling of tag lines, rigging, and hitches is crucial for efficient and accident-free lifting operations. Proper tag line use stabilizes loads, while appropriate rigging techniques and hitch configurations secure the load and distribute weight safely. Regular inspection, maintenance, and comprehensive training on these tools help ensure effective, compliant, and safe lifting practices, reducing risks and enhancing overall job site safety.