If you are an amateur house builder like me, sometimes you need to call in the big guns to help you with your construction project. If you need to excavate a large hole, dig a trench or to drill boreholes on your property, you will probably need to hire some heavy equipment. I will be posting lots of useful tips on this blog which I hope will help you to get the best deal when it comes to hiring heavy construction gear. I will review the best types of kit for different jobs, transporting the gear to your site, and providing you with information which will help you to keep your workforce safe.
One of the major causes of fatalities and injuries in the rigging sector is falling objects. Sometimes, the lifting sling can fail and result in catastrophes when lifting heavy loads. Therefore, it's imperative to use the ideal lifting sling for all rigging projects. Rigging slings come in different forms, including chain, wire rope, web, metal mesh or synthetic slings.
Opting for either of these sling types depends on various factors. Therefore, consider these crucial factors when selecting the correct lifting sling for your industrial rigging projects.
The Weight and Fragility of the Load
It's imperative to understand the weight you plan to lift to select a rigging sling that is strong enough to handle the load. For example, if you intend to hoist bulky tanks, choosing synthetic web slings will be wise since they support the weight comfortably and prevent potential scratches.
While getting the load to the required height is imperative, you should also guarantee its safety from any damage during the rigging process. When rigging heavier metallic objects, any rough lifting sling like an alloy chain sling can be ideal for the task.
The Load's COG (Centre of Gravity)
Generally, you can determine a load's centre of gravity by assessing its design and shape. Getting the COG right is critical during rigging projects since any mistake will result in the object swinging dangerously and causing potential property damage or injuries to workers.
Therefore, if you want to lift irregularly-shaped items, choose lifting slings with excellent flexibility. Synthetic slings will be ideal for irregularly-shaped objects since they can easily roll around the load and mimic its shape. Luckily due to such flexibility, synthetic slings eliminate any concerns regarding the centre of gravity when rigging irregularly shaped or round objects.
The Object's Nature (Abrasiveness, Edge and Temperature)
Lastly, you should also consider the nature of the objects you intend to lift. Are they abrasive, sharp-edged or hot? For instance, synthetic lifting slings can easily be ripped apart by sharp-edged items during the rigging process. If this happens, it might expose your property and workers to a high risk of falling objects. Therefore, consider using alloy chain slings or wire ropes when dealing with sharp-edged loads.
On the other hand, when rigging hot loads, consider using mesh slings because of their excellent resistance to high temperatures. Additionally, these slings have higher corrosion resistance, making them ideal for rigging corrosive substances.
Consider these critical factors when selecting the ideal lifting slings for your rigging tasks. Work with a rigging supplier to get lifting slings for your rigging projects.