Crane Safety: Safe Rigging & Lifting Operations Training Course

Overhead lifting is a high-risk operation where failures in equipment, rigging, inspection, or operator control can cause catastrophic accidents. Safe lifting requires compliance with OSHA regulations, manufacturer instructions, and applicable ASME B30 standards, while avoiding unapproved modifications and uncertified equipment.

Before every lift, workers must inspect all rigging hardware. Only properly marked alloy steel lifting chains should be used, while synthetic web slings require protection from sharp edges. Hooks must be properly loaded in the saddle and removed from service if they show cracks, excessive wear, more than 15% throat opening increase, or over 10° of twist.

Riggers must also understand sling-angle forces. As sling legs become more horizontal, tension increases significantly. Loads should be lifted smoothly, with the crane block positioned over the center of gravity to prevent side-pulling, shock loading, and uncontrolled swinging.

Indoor lifting requires awareness of overhead obstructions, piping, aisles, and pendant controls, while outdoor crane operations require attention to ground stability and power-line clearances under OSHA requirements.

During load movement, workers should remain outside the fall zone and use tag lines when needed to control loads from a safe distance. Loads should be landed securely on dunnage, stabilized, and fully supported before the rigging is removed.

This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.