E-Books: Handbook of Rigging Lifting, Hoisting, and Scaffolding for Construction and Industrial Operations

This fifth edition of the industry acknowledged standard rigging reference, first published in 1950—Handbook of Rigging for Construction & Industrial Operations (Lifting, Hoisting, and Scaffolding), has been comprehensibly revised, expanded, and updated to include the current best practices for safe rigging procedures on the construction site, as well as in industrial and utility facility environments. The emphasis in each chapter is on the legal obligation of rigging contractors and project management to comply with safety and health requirements, as set forth in OSHA 1926 federal regulations; ANSI/ ASTM safe operation standards for lifting and hoisting equipment for materials and personnel; as well as specific industry standards and guidelines applicable to various rigging procedures, equipment, and devices. The handbook is intended to provide a ready reference and guide for:
• Engineers and contractors engaged in rigging design and operations.
• Expert riggers and erectors of buildings and other structures.
• Maintenance mechanics in industrial plants and electric power generation facilities having less frequent rigging jobs to perform.
• Operators of all types of hoists, derricks, and cranes.
• Workers engaged in the erection of scaffolds or signages, or in climbing tall structures (towers and chimneys) for repair or maintenance work.
Accident statistics show that construction is a high-hazard industry to work in. As most of the accidents that occur are the result of human error, it’s important for everyone involved in the rigging lifting,
hoisting, and scaffolding procedures to accept responsibility for the part they play in the operations.

Almost all the crane accidents reported each year, however, could have been avoided if the workers controlling the cranes’ operation had paid more attention to what they were doing, checked the condition of slings and lifting equipment before use, ensured that loads were not lifted over any public place or work area, and not allowed anyone to ride on a suspended load.
A key aspect of this handbook is to encourage managers and workers to accept their responsibility to minimize the risk of accidents to persons and property through proper training that can significantly improve accident prevention on the construction site.

The handbook attempts to identify the elements of safe rigging practice and expand on the minimum safety regulations promulgated by OSHA and the various standards organizations. It should be used as a guide, in conjunction with the applicable safety regulations by everyone concerned with or responsible for the safety of employees at work on a project, as well as for the general public and surrounding property and structures.

Information in specific chapters on rigging equipment, systems, and devices can provide the basis for developing instructional material used in training personnel engaged in rigging operations. It also can be included in standard instructions issued to employees for the safe use of rigging equipment and handling of construction materials.
Safe practices recommendations in the handbook, of necessity, are framed in general terms to accommodate the many variations in rigging practices and the different ways in which rigging is used. Because these recommendations are only advisory in nature, they must be supplemented by strict observance of specific relevant regulations—as well as individual equipment manufacturers’ recommendations and requirements.