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Rigging and Lifting Plan

Rigging and Lifting Plan
There are some pre construction activities performed before actual construction of a plant starts such as reviewing ,checking and approving the work method statements or the work procedure which the contractor is using to perform his task from the client or owner or any project management consultancy responsible for the project.
Among the various work procedures,lifting plans and rigging procedures are the foremost documents being written ,revised,checked,approved by the contractor as soon as he arrive the construction site.
As any EPC project or a Power project starts with the heavy lifting equipment such as cranes for moving or installing the equipments,piping,prefabrication buildings,civil works and lifting heavy goods ,lifting plan/procedure,rigging procedure becomes a very essential document in planning for the:


  • safety of the personnel,equipment
  • timely production and erection


    • Without sufficient planning and supervision,accidents can happen with damage to property with risk of injury or loss of life also.

    The engineer responsible for the preparation of work procedure will gather information from owner,rigging personel,type of lifting crane available and will make a site visit to have a complete understanding of the actual limitations at the site.

    Access,rigging, and crane grounding will form the main selection criteria for the type of crane.Any ongoing construction work will also be considered for the selection of crane.

    The following points will be considered while defining the work procedure for lifting:

  • Detailed written information regarding the load or loads must be obtained.
  • Description of the load,type of equipment for example vessel,containor or motor.
  • Weight: net gross weight including rigging and other accessories.
  • Size: Center of gravity and size becomes important to lift safetly.
  • Lifting points: The point where the slings are attached for lifting are carefully examined for access for rigging . Equipment or Vessel charge: the contents present in the vessel if are hazardeous should be removed .Also to reduce the loads if access loading.
  • Nearby collision hazards are noted down in which crane has access.
  • Rigging safety is absorved and noted down for safety of rigging personel.
  • Ground load bearing capacity are examined for grounding of crane for laoding.
  • The crane are selected and examined for limitations and advantages.
  • Safe working load data sheets are noted down.
  • Lift Plan is written by a competent person.
  • Ensure compliance by all labour, equipment operators and other associated craftsmen to the requirements of this procedure, rigging procedure / plans, relevant drawings, safety procedures and the Customer's Specifications for rigging. Secure all necessary work permits and verify validity of certification for all rigging equipment and accessories.

    • Sample Work Procedure for Lifting Plan

    Sample Work Procedure for Lifting Plan

  • Ensure that work permits are available prior to commencement of any work. Check personnel and confirm compliance to safety requirements, such as wearing Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). Check work areas for any unsafe conditions. Liaise with the Field Supervisors, Heavy Lift Engineer and Customer confirming work is carried out in accordance with applicable Project Safety Plans / Procedures.
  • Prior to the execution of heavy lifts, ensure that detailed procedures have been submitted to the Customer and duly approved for use.
  • All lifting equipment slings, chains, shackles and other pertinent accessories shall have current valid test certification confirming "fitness for use".
  • All rigging personnel shall meet the Customer's specified requirements with regards to experience, training and qualification.
  • All cranes, lifting equipment and accessories shall be approved by the Customer's representative prior to use.
  • specific Rigging Procedure shall include, but not be limited to the following:
  • Scaled Drawings : Showing pick-up points to final setting as well as the position of lifting equipment, elevations views, plan view, rigging and tailing hook-ups and travel configurations.
  • Equipment List : Numbers of equipment to be used during the lifting operations including load charts.
  • Equipment Certification : All equipment must have valid certification (when specified).
  • Load Weight : Weight of items involved for each lift including lifting accessories.
  • Hoisting Capacities : Safe load marked or tagged on each lifting accessory.
  • Calculations : Showing rigging arrangements including details of : sling and wire rope safety factor determinations, blocks, rigging and tackle analysis, ground loading variation, structural details for spreader beams, stability analysis and load weight determinations.
    • Adjacent Structures (If Any) - Showing proximity limits / scaled clearance from the outermost reach of crane as anticipated during the lifting operation. Proximity to overhead power lines should comply with Customer's requirements.
  • After preparation of the detailed rigging procedure, ensure that all cranes and lifting equipment are duly inspected and certified by the Customer prior to use.
  • Only approved and certified crane operators are allowed to operate cranes.
  • Secure work permit.
  • Erect barriers, tapes, flashing lights to traffic areas, caution boards and other warning signs.
  • Check all lifting equipment setting against plan layout and detailed rigging procedure.
  • Check the base plate bottom elevation, anchor bolt arrangements and orientation of all items involved, against Project Drawings.
  • Check for any unsafe condition of the structure prior to commencing lifting operations. Check all hoisting attachments.
  • When it is impractical and uneconomical to use scaffolding and platforms, manbaskets approved and certified by the Customer may be used. Ensure that tailing is properly installed for controlling swing and orientation of the manbasket.
  • Riggers shall be provided with suitable distinguishable clothing (or head protection) which is immediately recognisable to crane / equipment operators.
  • Coordinate with all affected crews at the area prior to commencement of lifting operation.
  • Conduct pre-lift meeting with involved personnel to ensure their full awareness of specific execution of job & of relevant safety aspects.
  • Ensure that work execution is conducted in a safe manner and all precautionary measures have been taken.
  • Ensure that only authorized personnel are within the affected area during the lift.


    • Ensure that load capacities of all lifting equipment (i.e. cranes, spreader frame or beams and wire ropes) is clearly distinguishable and adequate for the lift to be performed. Ensure chain hoist, air tugger, come along, block, tackle and beam clamps are properly fixed and secured.
    Perform a test lift after checking and confirming that all lifting equipment is set up satisfactorily in accordance with the rigging procedure.
    Lift the load to a height of 500 mm above the ground for ten minutes and check the stability of the load, lifting equipment and hoisting accessories.
    After checking the stability of the load and lifting equipment, continue lifting to an elevation one meter higher than it final position.  Don not leave the load suspended at any time.
    Simultaneous rotation, lifting and boom movement of the crane is prohibited.  Movement shall be carried out in a controlled and safe manner at all times.
    Ensure that all procedural changes have been approved in writing.

    After installing the item in its final position, leave the lifting support accessories suspended sufficiently to remove slack from the ropes (sling), removing only when instructed by the Heavy Lift Engineer.

    Rinato Dilag Image
    Author:
    Rinato Dilag
    Engineering Manager ,Mohammad Al-Mojil Group
    Saudi Arabia