QATAR GAS QGX- II LNG ONSHORE FACILITIES PROJECT

INTRODUCTION
This course on Lifting Equipment,
Rigging, and Slinging is designed to
identify and detail the mandatory
requirements for the safe utilization of
all lifting equipment operating on the
Project. The course will also provide a
clear understanding of Lifting tackles,
Rigging and Slinging practice, Safe
Working Loads, Different types of
Cranes and Crane Signals.

DEFINITIONS
LIFTING
EQUIPMENT
Lifting Equipment
means any
appliance, item or
thing used to raise,
lower, suspend, or
transport a load.

SAFE WORKING LOAD (SWL)

A calculated, design approved
and certified maximum load,
normally specified in Pounds
(lbs), Kilograms (kgs) or Tones,
up to which, an item of Lifting
Equipment is safe to operate.

WIRE ROPE SLINGS

Inspection

Safe working load stamping.

Identification mark.
Correct colour code (if applicable).
Broken wires (Randomly distributed wire breaks are not to
exceed 5% in any length of 10 diameters. Localised breaks
are not to exceed 3 in a close group or in any one strand
within a length of 6 diameters).
Ensure rope end of the looped parts does not terminate
inside ferrule.
Excessive wear (max 10% loss of nominal diameter)
Kinks.
Exposure of core.
Flattening of rope (especially in the eye).
Stretch by reduction in diameter or circumference.
Corrosion.
Heat damage, look for evidence of discoloration, loss of
lubricant, pitting and the presence of weld blobs.

Soft Eye

Soft Eye

Endless

Action
If any of the above faults are present refer to a competent person
for through examination.

Maintenance

Keep ropes clean and free from grit.

Lubricate at regular intervals.
Slings should be suspended from storage rack en not in
use.

Grommet, Endless, Sling

GROMMET, ENDLESS, SLING

Length of Sling (S)

SLING INSPECTION
while inspecting the sling;

Slings should be laid out in good light

and examined over its entire length for:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Damage caused by sharp edges (cuts)

Damage caused by abrasion (burning or scuffing)
Impact damage
Contamination by chemicals
ID tag with SWL marked ID number and length
Certification

CARE AND USE OF WIRE ROPES.

Examine all wire ropes for damage before use.
Faults which may render a rope unserviceable
include;

Badly worn
strands
Broken and fraying strands.
Kinking.
Corrosion.

KINKING:
Handle wire ropes and wire rope slings
with care and ensure that a kink does
not occur making it unserviceable.

Kink under load

Damage rope

BELT SLINGS
Identification

Safe working load marking.

Identification mark.
Colour inspection code (if used).
Condition of stitching.
Tears or abrasions
Burning of outer surface.
Excessive wear.

If any of the above faults are present refer to a

competent person for through examination.

Maintenance

Keep surface clean and free from grit.

Re-apply colour code if necessary.
Sling should be suspended in storage when not in use.

ROUNDSLINGS

Typical Round sling colour coding

(Basic Configuration)

Identification
A further category of man-made fibre slings is the round sling.
This is manufactured from an endless polyester yarn and
covered with a protective polyester sleeve stitched as illustrated.

WLL Tonnes
1.0Violet
2.0Green
3.0Yellow
4.0Grey
5.0Red
6.0Brown
8.0Blue
10.0

Maintenance

Safe working load markings.

Identity number.
Colour inspection code (if used).
Broken load bearing internal yarn.
Cuts and abrasions to external cover.
Cuts in stitching.
Discoloration (due to chemical attack).
Burn marks on outer surface.
Knots.

If any of the above faults are present refer to a competent

person for thorough examination.

Orange

Round sling

Action

Maintenance

Colour

Keep clean and free form grit.

Re-apply colour code if necessary
Sling should be suspended in storage when not in use.

Section through x-x

Stitched
here
Outer Cover

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

WEBBING SLING (FLAT & ROUND)

All webbing sling shall;

Be stored away from direct sunlight to minimize the

effect of UV deterioration.
Be stored on a non-corrodible rack, away from any
source of heat.
Not be used in knotted or twisted condition.
Never be repaired. A damaged webbing sling or
sling with damaged cover shall be discarded and
taken out of service.

COLOR CODING
The project operates a system where by
all Lifting Equipment is color coded
with a unique color, at Quarterly
Intervals, after inspection.
Red color is reserved especially for
items scrapped or not to be used.
Contractors shall comply with the
project color coding system every 3
months.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SLINGS

Wire rope:

Belt slings /
Web slings:

Round slings:

of the chain block is

adequate
for the
load
USING
CHAIN
to be lifted.
Attach
the
head
fitting to a suitable
anchorage
Pull the operating
chain to determine
the
hoisting
and
lowering sides of the
chain.
Attach the load to the
hook using correct
slings
and
/
or
shackles.
Pull
down
the

BLOCKS

USING PULL LIFTS

Attach the head fitting
to a suitable anchorage
taking into account the
load to be lifted,
lowered or pulled.
PAWL

PULL LIFT OPERATION:

HOISTING
1. Turn the pawl liver to the neutral
position.
2. Turn the hand wheel to adjust the
chain to the required length.
3. Attach the load to the bottom
hook, using appropriate slings
and / or shackles.
4. Turn the pawl lever to the up
position.
5. Turn the hand wheel to take up
the slackness in the chain.
6. Operate the handle backwards
and forwards to lift or pull the
load.

LOWERING:
To lower the load, turn
the pawl lever to the
down position.
Operate
the
handle
backwards and forwards
to lower the load.
When
the
load
is
securely in
position,
operate the handle to
slacken the chain.
Turn the pawl lever to the
neutral position and turn
the hand wheel to give
sufficient length of chain
to be able to release the
slings and / ore shackles.

chain before
using it.
Look for
stretched
links, wear,
distortion
and any other
sign of
weakness.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Shackles :

These provide location points for

rings, eyes and hooks and swivels
which
allow
slings
to
automatically adjust those selves
and prevent bends, kinks and
other strains.
Bow shackle with
screwed pin
A SHACKLE IS FITTED AS FOLLOW:

The pin is removed, the shackle

placed over the lift attachment and
the pin passed through the
unthreaded part of the shackle and
attachment. Finally it is screwed
firmly home.

Dee shackle with

screwed pin

HAND OPERATED WINCH / TIRFOR

Identification
A hand operated, lever controlled friction drive mechanism for lifting,
lowering and pulling a load.

Identification

Safe working load stamping.

Identity number.
Colour inspection code (if used).
Check for free operation of operation, reversing and rope release lever.
Check that correct shear pins are fitted, and pin condition is satisfactory.
Inspect complete machine for cracks, indentations or distortion.
Wear in operation jaws
Corrosion.
Inspect wire rope and hooks.
Correct rope.
Damage to casing.

Identification
This is a multi purpose tool made to pull and
pay-off wire rope.
A special wire rope is fitted through the
machine and cannot be removed whilst
there is a load on the winch.
When the operating handles are actuated by
hand, the rope is either pulled or paid-out
through the machine.

Using the hand-operated winch

1.

Uncoil the special wire rope, used with the machine,

in a straight line to prevent loops which might
untwist the stands or form kinks under tension.

Notched
position

These machines are available in a range of

Sizes to suit different working conditions.

2.

3.

Push the release handle into the notched

position to open the jaws inside the
machine.
Insert the tapered end of the wire ripe into
the machine at the hole in position A

Release
handle

4.

Push the rope through the machine until it

emerges at exit B.

5.

Anchor the machine using the

correct slings. Fit them to the hook
attached to the machine.

6.

Pull the wire rope through the

machine until the desired length is
reached and the rope becomes tight
on the load.
Lift the release handle out of the
notched position and allow it to
return to the operating position
under its spring pressure. The rope
is now firmly held in jaws fitted
inside the machine.

B
Hoisting or Pulling
Fit the operating handle on to the actuating lever and work
the handle to and fro.
This action pulls the rope through the machine and
automatically locks it in position when the operating
handle is released.

7.

Actuating lever

Lowering or slackening off

Fit the operating handle to the
lowering lever and work the handle
to and fro.
this action pulls the rope back
through the machine and when the
handle
ceases
to
move
automatically locks the rope in
position.

Releasing the wire rope

from the machine
1.

2.

3.

Fit the operating handle on to the

lowering lever and work the handle to
and fro until all the tension is taken off
the rope.
Remove the anchoring slings.
Push the release handle to the notched
position to open the jaws inside the
machine
Pull the rope back through the machine.

Lowering lever

The jaws in the machine automatically lock

the rope in position. It is therefore impossible
to release the wire rope form the winch whilst
there is any strain (load) on it.

WHIP LASH:

A damaged or overstrained rope may break and cause serious

injury to anyone in its path.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT
PLATE CLAMPS:

PLATE CLAMPS
Identification

There are various types of plate clamps in use, the following three being
the most common:

Inspection

Safe working load stamping.

Identity number.
Plate thickness marking
Colour inspection code (if used).
Free working of assembly.
Condition of teeth
Wear at all bearing points and on pins.
Cracks, nicks and gouges.
Inspect weld (if used).
Security of all pins.
Deformation.
Corrosion.
Condition of springs

Universal

Vertical

Action
If any of the above faults are present refer to a competent person for thorough
examination.

Maintenance

Keep clean and free from grit.

Lubricate moving parts if necessary.
Re-apply colour code if necessary.

Horizontal

PLATE CLAMPS

Plate clamps are available in two basis designs, i.e. horizontal plate clamps (sued in pairs and usually suspended by a
two leg sling from a lifting beam) for handling plates in the horizontal position. (These clamps can also lift from horizontal
to vertical and vice versa, but should

NOT be used to transport plates horizontally).

Selection

Horizontal Clamps

Universal (Vertical) Clamps

The first consideration when selecting the clamp is how the plate is to be transported and stacked, ie horizontal or
vertically.
The second consideration is the weight of the plate to be handled which will determine the SWL of the clamps.
The third consideration is the plate thickness which will determine the correct model of clamp with the appropriate jaw
opening.

Pre-use Examination
Before using any plate clamps, the following checks should be made:
The SWL is adequate for the load.
The colour coding (where applicable) is current and the clamp has a plant number / ID mark.

Lock the jaw in the closed position and ensure the jaws have a firm bite on the plate.

Always
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Check that the plate is clean and free from mill scale, dirt, Oil and grease.
Double check that the jaws are locked.
Use an adequate number of clamps to balance the load.
Lift slowly to allow the jaws to obtain a good grip.

Never
Attach clamps to the side of the plate

Never

Fast lower onto the floor as this could cause the clamp to open and release the plate.
Lift horizontally with a vertical clamp.
Lift more than one plate at a time.
Use large capacity clamps to lift light loads.

When using horizontal plate clamps, do not exceed the sling angles indicated below and
do not lift more than one plate at a time unless the clamps are suitable, i.e. sheet bundle
clamps

Never

Use endless slings with clamp pairs as this practice

can drastically overload the clamps.

COLLAR EYE BOLT

This bolt has a
small eye; a large
collar with a
machined under
face which is
relieved to allow
a radius between
collar and shank
and to provide a
thread run out.

EYE BOLT WITH LINK

This bolt is used
for normal lifting
purposes and has
a link forged in
the eye.

DYNAMO EYE BOLT

This is designed for

vertical lifting only

CARE OF EYE
BOLTS:
Always tighten eye bolts to
the correct position, but do
not over strain them. Fit a
shackle
so
that
the
minimum strain is imposed
when the lift is made
unless an eye bolt with link
is used.
Ensure the collar is hard
down on the material and
the eye in the right
direction for the lift.

ADJUSTING EQUIPMENT
Turnbuckles:

COMMON TURNBUCKLE
Turnbuckles (Rigging Screws) can be obtained with various types and
combinations of end fittings, the most popular being the Jaw and Eye type.

Jaw & Eye combination

Jaw & Jaw combination

Eye

Selection

Jaw

Stub

Hook

Hook & Hook combination

(Has Reduced
capacity)

Hook & Eye combination

The first consideration when selecting turnbuckles
is the SWL which is determined by the thread diameter.

The second consideration is the adjustability (commonly known as Take-up)

of the turnbuckle. The take-up often varies with different patterns.

When using a turnbuckle in an application where vibration is present, (most areas in an

engineering environment), it is extremely important to lock the end fittings to the frame or
body to prevent them from unscrewing and possible releasing the load. The most popular
and preferred method is to wire the eye or jaw to the body (see fig. 1). As an alternative
(for open body type only) a split pin through the end of the screwed shank is acceptable
(see fig 2). The split pin has to be removed to facilitate adjustment. Should lock nuts be
used, care must be taken not to over tighten them as this can put undue stress on the
threaded shank (see fig 3)

Lock wire will hold

Preferred
Fig - 1

Acceptable
Fig - 2

Caution Required
Fig- 3

WARNING

When turnbuckles are to be left under load for any length of time, e.g.
temporary hangers for pope work, etc they should be visually checked on a
daily basis to ensure they are still secure.

PRE-USE EXAMINATION
Prior to using a turnbuckle in a lifting situation, visually examine it and ensure that:
i)
The SWL is adequate for the load.
ii)
The colour code is current and the turnbuckle has a plant number / I.D. mark.
iii)
The threads are free from wear, stretch and impact damage.
iv)
The eyes/hooks are not worn or stretched.
v)
The clevis pin and pin holes are free from distortion/wear.
vi)
The threads are suitable lubricated.
Check for cracks & bends

Safety

Check for thread damage & bent rods

Turnbuckles must always have the threaded shank protruding into the body to ensure
that the load is borne over the correct length of the threaded shank.

CORRECT

UNSAFE

Particular care must be taken when using Closed Body type screws. It may be necessary
to dismantle to dismantle the turnbuckle, measure the length of the threaded shanks,
reassemble and use measurement to ensure the above unsafe case is avoided.

LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Sorter Hooks

Hooks

Barrel
Hooks

CRANE HOOKS
Most cranes are fitted with C type hooks to prevent snagging on
protrusions such as handrails, etc., and in certain cases also have
safety catch to prevent the eye of the lifting sling being accidentally
displaced in the figure. Large cranes however tend to be fitted with
ramshorn type hooks which could have an effect on the sling design.

Soft
Eye
Soft
Eye

C Hook

Hard
Eye

Ramshorn Hooks

SWIVEL HOOKS WITH

SAFETY CATCHES
These allow the load to
be moved round
without twisting and
possibly endangering
slings, wire ropes and
chains. The safety
catch ensures that the
rope or chain does not
slip off the hook.

Fit a shackle between the

lifting hook and the eye
bolt to prevent the point
of
the
hook
being
strained.
The shackle will swivel to
allow the sling and hook
to make a correct lift as
illustrated along side and
below.

Note: Collar eye bolts

are not
designed to take

LIFTING AND SPREADER BEAMS

Lifting beams

WEIGHT OF SPREADER BEAM AND

LIFTING BEAMS
Weight of spreader beams can be calculated from weight tables of
the steel section, from which they are made, or obtained from the
manufacturers specification.

SPREADER BAR OR LIFTING BEAM

LIFTING APPLIANCES

CRANES (Tower, Mobile, Crawler.)

Identification
Hand signals
Safety Procedures
Identification
Inspection
Safety procedures

RESPONSIBILITIES

Be familiar with the lifting capabilities of the

crane.
Check the lifting equipment being used is in good
condition, certified for use, correctly color coded,
and is of sufficient capacity to carry out the lift.
Ensure taglines are attached to loads which are
likely to swing.
Be aware of any obstruction within the crane
radius and working area.
Check that the area around the load to be lifted is
clear and that the load is attached to the floor,
transportation cradle or adjacent equipment.
Ensure that the escape route is identified.

THE PROCEDURE FOR SETTING UP

AND WORKING WITH A MOBILE CRANE
Set up the crane as close as possible to the load , set the
outriggers and block out securely ensuring that the crane is as
level as possible. You can use a level or the main block to level
the crane.
Barricade the area making sure that no other personnel other than
the rigging crew are within the barricade.
Prepare the load for lifting making sure all equipment used is of
sufficient size and Safe Working Load including crane radius and
boom length
Rig the load once everything has been checked float the load
making sure it is balanced this assists the crane to check his
brakes and stability
When all the checks have been completed continue with the lift
following all safety procedures only one person giving the signals,
using tag lines to control the load if required.
Once the load as been placed into its final position remove all the
equipment and barricades.

LEVELING THE CRANE

The line Should lie dead in the centre of the boom in all
positions, end, side and corner.

WRONG

RIGHT

Leveling With the Load Line

BLOCKING / CRIBBING
Outrigger Beam

Float Pad

Blocking / Cribbing

RIGHT

WRONG

S PR EAD
OUT THE LOAD
SO THE SUPPORTING SURFACE CAN SUPPORT IT

WRONG

IDENTIFICATION OF CRANE HAND SIGNALS

WHEN WORKING WITH CRANES YOU MUST

BARRICADE THE WORKING AREA

CONES

BARRIER
TAPE

.
Z
A
W
E
D

Z
A
W
E
D

.
Z
A
W
E
D

WARNING
SIGNS

IDENTIFICATION OF TYPES OF
CRANE & THEIR PARTS
PARTS OF MOBILE CRANE

IDENTIFICATION OF RIGGING HITCHES

SOFT EYE not a

hook
Not to be hammered
down

DOUBLE CHOKER
OR
A PAIR OF CHOKER HITCHES
Not to be hammered down.

Not to be hammered
down

DOUBLE BASKET
OR
PAIR BASKET HITCHES

Cradle Sling: Lifting boilers and packing cases.

PRECAUTION WHEN USING

LIFTING GEAR
CURVATURE:
Sharp bends in a wire rope
sling reduce its strength and
cause crushing.
Fit a wire rope sling so that
the minimum radius around
which it is bent is atleast 3
times the diameter of the rope.
Packing may be inserted to
increase the radius of the
bend.

The stresses in the legs of the sling

increases as the angle between them
increases. Using the human body and two
buckets filled with water it will not be
difficult to demonstrate the effects of lifting
a load at narrow and wide angles. The
arms represent the sling and lift angle.

SKETCH A SHOWS THE ARMS VERTICAL AND

A REASONABLY EASY LIFTING CONDITION.
SLING

SKETCH B SHOWS THE ARMS STRETCHED BEYOND ITS LIMIT

WITH THE LOAD. THE BODY AND SLINGS ARE NOT DESIGNED
TO TAKE UN-NECESSARY STRAINS.

SLING

Tension in leg

SAFE WORKING ANGLE

CENTER OF GRAVITY
The center of gravity of an object is that point at which the object will balance.
The entire weight may be considered as concentrated at this point.
Any suspended object (load) will center itself directly under the hook.

STABLE

Hook is directly above

Center of Gravity

UNSTABLE
Load is not above
Center of Gravity

Load will shift until

Center of Gravity is
below the Hook

UNSTABLE
Load is not above Center of Gravity

ROUND TURN AND

TWO HALF HITCHES
Used to secure a rope to a column or post. Easily tied and does not jam.
Will stand heavy strain without slipping.

BOWLINE
A favorite knot with riggers and one of the best
known and widely used of all knots.
It is easily constructed and used wherever a
hitch is required that will not slip, jam or fail.

REEF KNOT

Also known as the square knot. Used to join two rope or

lines of the same size. Holds firmly and is easily united.

BOWLINE

RUNNING BOWLINE

EYE SPLICE

DOUBLE BOWLINE

CLOVE HITCH

ROLLING HITCH

SHORT SPLICE

SHEET BEND

DOUBLE SHEET BEND