Spotlight Rigging

By Seth Skydel Below the Hook Lifitng

Among those resources are a“ Guide to Rigging and Hoist Basics” and an article on“ Mastering Rigging Techniques.” Both documents detail critical equipment, principles and safety practices.

Among them are to begin any lift by determining the weight of the load and the center of gravity to ensure that the rigging equipment can handle the load without exceeding its capacity and that the weight is evenly distributed to maintain balance during lifting. Several factors influence load distribution, including the size, shape and weight of the load, as well as the number and arrangement of lifting points.

Calculating the center of gravity is essential for determining sling angles and understanding rigging angles is crucial role for determining sling tension. The angle formed between the sling and the horizontal plane directly affects the working load limit( WLL) of the sling. As the angle decreases, the tension on the sling increases, leading to a higher effective WLL. Conversely, as the angle increases, the tension decreases, reducing the effective WLL.

To illustrate the importance of proper rigging angles in lifting operations the company provided a real-world example:

When lifting a load with a single vertical sling, the angle formed between the sling and the horizontal plane should ideally be 90 degrees to maximize the effective WLL

Calculating the center of gravity is essential for determining sling angles and understanding rigging angles is crucial role for determining sling tension. of the sling. However, if the angle is reduced to 45 degrees, the effective WLL of the sling is halved, increasing the risk of overloading and failure.

Essential Equipment

Slings made from wire rope, synthetic fibers or chain include:

• Wire rope slings offer superior strength and durability for heavy-duty lifting.

• Web and round slings made from materials like nylon or polyester are lightweight and flexible, ideal for

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May 2025 • www. cranehotline. com