29 CFR 1926.251 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC
for DRYWALL AND ACOUSTICAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
29 CFR 1926.251 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC
for DRYWALL AND ACOUSTICAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS


A Qualified Rigger is a person who meets the
criteria for a qualified person for rigging.
A Qualified Person means a person who, by
possession of a recognized degree,
certificate, or professional standing, or who
by extensive knowledge, training and
experience, successfully demonstrates the
ability to solve/resolve problems relating to
rigging, rigging work, or the rigging project.

When employees are engaged in hooking,
unhooking, or guiding the load… , all of the
following criteria must be met:
 (1) The materials being hoisted must be rigged to
prevent unintentional displacement.
 (2) Hooks with self-closing latches or their
equivalent must be used.
 (3) The materials must be rigged by a qualified
rigger.
§ 29 CFR 1926.1425
IN GENERAL:
Follow manufacturer specifications - for inspection, outof-service criteria, maintenance and storage, use, and
everything.
SELECTION
Seek your equipment supplier’s help. They know the
equipment, how to determine equipment capacities,
what’s required, what works, and what doesn’t.

SELECTION – Selection of devices is
dependent upon:
 Materials being lifted
 Lifting machinery used
 Building access – load platform, buck hoist,
windows
 Site conditions – other trades, etc.
 DEVICE MARKINGS
Identification data may be displayed on a name tag,
nameplate, metal stamp, or other permanent marker
(typically imprinted on hooks and shackles, marked on
tags attached to slings [chain, wire rope, and synthetic
web]).
 DEVICE MARKINGS
Below-the-hook lifting devices must be marked with:
•Manufacturer‘s name
•Rated capacity, also known as –
•Safe Working Load (SWL)
•Working Load Limit (WLL)
•Maximum Working Load (MWL)
•Maximum Load Limit (MLL)
This maximum capacity is allowed but should
never be exceeded.
VISUAL INSPECTIONS
Must be performed
PRIOR TO EACH USE AND AS
NECESSARY DURING ITS USE
 Must be performed and documented
MONTHLY by an appointed
competent person (if it has been
used that month)
 Must be performed and documented
ANNUALLY by the manager and/or
safety manager

GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
If any of the following conditions exist, remove the item from
service and destroy it so it can’t be used.

Missing or illegible identification
tags or rated capacities
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Excessive abrasion – inspect the entire item
visually and manually (by feeling with hand)
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Wear – 10% or more is typical wear for rejection
of metal items such as hooks, shackles, chain,
etc.
BUT
FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S
OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA!
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Corrosion (flaking metal)
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Rust that can’t be easily removed with a wire
brush
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Cracks
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Deformities (twisting, bending, gouges,
crushing, etc.)
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Deformities (twisting, bending, gouges,
crushing, etc.)
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Holes, tears, punctures, cuts
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
If there is any question whether an
item should pass inspection -
remove it from
service
and destroy it.
GENERAL OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
AGAIN, TAKE OUT OF SERVICE DEVICES WITH:
 Missing or illegible identification tags or rated
capacities
 Excessive abrasion
 Wear
 Corrosion (flaking metal)
 Rust that can’t be easily removed with a wire brush
 Cracks
 Deformities (twisting, bending, gouges, crushing,
etc.)
 Holes, tears, punctures, cuts
If there is any question whether an
item should pass inspection
REMOVE THE ITEM FROM SERVICE
AND DESTROY IT.
Company Policy about using other’s rigging
devices
1. Owner must provide rigger – we will
not rig others devices!
2. If you feel their device is unsafe, call
Company safety manager
Company Policy about using other’s rigging
devices
NO
Never use a
device like
this
(brick pallet
forks)
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Follow manufacturer instructions
Schedule periodic maintenance to be
performed in conjunction with monthly inspections
 Document maintenance and inspections!



Keep rigging equipment in the office in
durable rigging tote bag. Inside the bag
should be Rigging Binder with inspection
records, blank lift plan forms, and
manufacturer literature for all rigging
devices.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
 Rigger must be trained and qualified
 Never exceed device/item rated capacity
 Provide spotter/guard for Fall Zone enforcement
as needed
 Remember you are/may be in Fall Zone – do not
stand under or near a load
 Do not lift personnel
 Avoid moving/pushing suspended loads by hand
 Use tag lines
 Secure material from falling

SELECTION
 Provided by crane service provider

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 General Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Look for:
▪ Broken or missing safety latch
▪ Separation between safety latch and hook (indicates increase
in throat opening)
▪ 10% or more elongation, twisted hook body, or wear in saddle
or eye; 15% or more expanded throat opening

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
(For example: LATCH
DOESN’T TOUCH POINT)

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 Crane service provider owns and maintains the
hook

USE
 Hook may have imprinted lines between which
slings may be positioned – outside of these lines,
capacity decreases
 Suspend load from saddle of hook (straight down)
 Do not load point – capacity is reduced to 40%
and creates danger of hook failure

SELECTION
 When job requires or favors hand unloading
 When not reachable with articulating boom loader
(ABL)

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 General Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Manufacturer Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Annual documented inspection
 3rd party non-destructive testing as required

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Task
Inspect and charge battery
Prior to
each use
Every 50
Operating
Hours
X
Check screw connections; tighten if needed
X
Check hydraulic lines and hoses for damage
X
Check hydraulic components and connectors
for leaks
• Tighten leaky connectors
• Have leaking components repaired
X
Load test (3rd party certification)
As
required
by law
X
Lubricate grease fittings
Check for cracks, wear, corrosion, and
functional safety (3rd party certification)
Annually
X
X

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 Replace hydraulic hoses every 2 years or
sooner
 Place in manufacturer fork stand
 Store indoors and out of way of traffic
 Follow manufacturer instructions

USE (example: Kinshofer 54” x 22”):
 Empty Weight = 715 lbs.
 Rated Capacity = 6000 lbs.
 Gross Load (load + device) =
6715 lbs.

USE
 Center forks
on load

USE
 Place forks
ALL THE WAY
UNDER LOAD
so load rests
against back of
forks

USE
 Close forks
FULLY to secure
material
as soon as
possible
AND
whenever
possible

USE
 The equipment may not be moved




by hand (except fork tines)
Have extra battery available on site
Operate until battery is fully
discharged before recharging
Tag line REQUIRED (non-conductive
if near power line)
Follow manufacturer instructions

SELECTION
 When only window access is available
 When not reachable with (ABL)
 When crane forks are not available or advisable

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 General Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Manufacturer Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Annual documented inspection
 3rd party non-destructive testing as required by law or
usage

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 Store indoors and out of way of traffic
 Follow manufacturer instructions
 Keep painted and rust free

USE




Follow manufacturer instructions
Requires use of ABL or forklift in addition to crane
Tag line required (non-conductive if near power line)
Secure material from falling

SELECTION
Recommended:
 2 ply Nylon, 4” x 20’, with
▪ Tapered and twisted eyes
(T4)
▪ Abrasion/cut protection
(such as KEVLAR® coating)
 Minimum Capacity:
11,000 lbs. vertical
22,000 lbs. basket
8,800 lbs. choker

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Must be marked or coded to show:
▪ Manufacturer's trademark
▪ Web material type (nylon, polyester, etc.)
▪ Rated capacity for the type of hitch and type of
synthetic web material

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Follow manufacturer instructions
 Inspect for damage regularly DURING USE
 Annual documented inspection

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
ANY of the following conditions are reasons to pull
a sling out-of-service and destroy it.









Holes, cuts, tears, snags, punctures, or embedded particles
Weave pattern aberration (from overload or shock loading)
Broken or worn stitches in load bearing splices
Knots
Damaged eyes
Crushed webbing
Acid or caustic burns
Melting, charring, weld splatter, or other heat damage
Ultraviolet degradation – bleaching of sling color, increased
stiffness of material, surface abrasions not in contact with loads

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
Synthetic Web Sling videos
1. Recommended Inspection and Proper Usage of
Synthetic Web Slings. Video by Web Sling &
Tiedown Association,1994.
2. Criteria for Removal of Synthetic Web Slings
During Sling Inspection. Video by Stren-Flex.com

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 Clean with mild soap and water
 Hang up and let air dry
 Store in equipment bag
• Include Rigging Binder holding
blank inspection forms, most
recent inspection, current annual
inspection, blank lift plan forms,
and manufacturer literature on
each rigging device
Beware the weakest link in the chain…
 Verify all devices are rated for the weights
being lifted
 Inspect all devices for structural and functional
integrity
7 BASIC RULES OF HITCHING
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
NEVER EXCEED RATED CAPACITY
ONLY RAISE LEVEL LOADS
DON’T DRAG SLINGS ON FLOOR OR OVER
ABRASIVE SURFACES
DON’T TWIST OR TIE SLINGS INTO KNOTS OR
JOIN BY KNOTTING
DON’T PULL SLINGS FROM UNDER LOAD WHEN
LOAD IS RESTING ON THEM
AVOID SHOCK LOADING
ALWAYS PROTECT SLINGS FROM BEING CUT
Shock loading occurs when the
main hoist line is rapidly lowered
and suddenly stops, 0r when the
load snags on something and
then comes free.
Shock loading can overload
the slings, making them
unsafe to use.

PREVENT DAMAGE
 Coat or cover at purchase of slings, OR
 Use corner protectors

CONTROL AND BALANCE

HITCH TYPES
CHOKER
VERTICAL
BASKET

RATED LOAD RELATIONSHIPS
BASKET
VERTICAL
CHOKER

SLING ANGLES
Sling capacities are
affected by the
degree of the
horizontal angle
formed by the sling
leg and the load.
In this drawing, it is
the angle formed by
the sling and the load.

How Horizontal Angle Affects Sling Capacity
Note: A good operating practice is to keep sling angles from going below 60 degrees

Sling Loads Can Be Calculated Using
Measurements
Sling Load = W/N x L/H
W = Weight of load
L = Distance measured to
any point up sling from
top of load
H = Distance from point
straight down to top of
load
N = Number of slings

Try to keep horizontal angle 60° or greater
L
H
60” (5’)
51.5” or more
48” (4’)
41.5” or more
36” (3’)
31.5” or more
24” (2’)
21.5” or more

Remember that lower angles result in more stress
on the slings and reduced capacity
USE

Always position slings EQUIDISTANT from each end of
material (for balance and sling loading)
 2-3 ft. in on goods up to 12 ft. long
 4-6 ft. in or more on material 14 ft. and longer


Slings should not be twisted
Slings should be in same configuration/hitch
type
Do not overlap sling eyes on crane hook

USE
 Secure dunnage/spacers under the slings
COMPANY RIGGING LIMITS
1. Maximum 2 units of drywall per pick
2. Maximum 6000 lbs. of other goods per pick
3. No goods on pallets

ALL DEPENDENT UPON
RATED LOADS OF CRANE
AND RIGGING EQUIPMENT,
AND THE INTEGRITY OF
BUILDING LANDING AREAS
Example 1 Calculation Using Measurements
2 Vertical Slings
Sling Load = W/N x L/H
W = Weight of load = 12000 lbs.
L = Distance measured to any point
up sling from top of load = 36”
H = Distance from point straight
down to top of load =
24”
N = Number of slings =
2
Example 1 Calculation Using Measurements
and 2 Vertical Slings
Sling Load = W/N x L/H
= 12000/2 x ( 36 / 24)
= 6000
x
1.5
= 9000 lbs. per sling
W = 12000 lbs.
L = 36”
H = 24”
N = 2 slings
Example 1 Calculation Using Measurements
and 2 Vertical Slings, 12000 lb. load
9000 lbs. per sling in this configuration
(vertical slings)
Example 2
Two web slings in Basket Hitch
on drywall
Sling Load = W/N x L/H
W = Weight of load = 6000 lbs.
L = Distance measured to any point
up sling from top of load = 48”
H = Distance from point straight
down to top of load = 36”
N = Number of slings =
2
Example 2 Two web slings in Basket Hitch on
drywall
Sling Load = W/N x L/H
= 6000/2 x ( 48 / 36)
= 3000
x
1.333
= 4000 lb. load per sling
W = 6000 lbs.
L = 48”
H = 36”
N = 2 slings
Example 2 Two web slings in Basket Hitch on
drywall, 6000 lb. load
4000 lbs. per sling in this
configuration (basket hitch)
Choker Hitches
Choker Hitches
bring an
additional
consideration
into play –
choker angle.
The angle
formed by the
choker will
further diminish
the rated load of
the sling.
Choker Hitches
Choker Hitches
That’s why it’s so important to
leave the choker up high so that
the configuration forms an angle
of more than 120°.
Lifting by the crane will tighten
the choker some.
Don’t force the sling
eye down to make the
choke tighter. It creates more
stress and decreases sling
capacity further.
120° - 180°
Choker Hitches
If the choke is not
tight enough to
choke and secure all
of the material
tightly, you may
need to use a
Double Wrap
Choker Hitch.
Example 3
Two slings in Choker Hitch on Drywall
W = Weight of load = 6000 lbs.
L = Distance measured to any point
up sling from top of load = 24”
H = Distance from point straight
down to top of load =
14”
N = Number of sling legs =
2
Choker angle =
110°
Example 3
W
L
H
N
Two slings in Choker Hitch on drywall
= 6000 lbs.
= 24”
= 14”
= 2 slings
= 6000/2 x 24/14
= 3000 x 1.7143
= 5142
Sling Load =
W/N x L/H
Example 3
Two slings in Choker Hitch on drywall
Angle of Choke
Angle of
Choke
Reduction
Factor
= or >
<
120
180
1.000
105
120
0.82
90
105
0.71
5142 lbs per sling
60
90
0.58
0
60
0.50
compared to:
Source: Web Sling and Tie Down Association
8800 lbs. x 0.82 = 7216 lbs. capacity
5142 is still below 7216 = OK

QUESTIONS?

HANDS-ON PRACTICE
 Inspection
 Practice rigging the following with
each rigging device:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Wallboard – horizontal and/or vertical
Metal
Choker hitch angles
Carts – Residential, flat, etc.
Pallet jacks – powered and hand
Skip pans
Outrigger/cantilevered platform
Crane forks / Crane box
Tag lines
Other ______________

WRITTEN EXAM

PRACTICAL EXAM
SUPPLEMENTAL
Following are other rigging devices that may
not be normally used by us
 SELECTION
 Anchor Shackle
 Chain Shackle
 Pins
▪ Screw pin
▪ Roller Pin
▪ Bolt-Type
Use roll pin or bolt type pin if little or no
need to unhook
 SELECTION
 Capacity
Material Size
(inches)
Pin Diameter
(inches)
Safe Working
Load (SWL)
[ lbs.]
1/2
5/8
2800
5/8
3/4
4400
3/4
7/8
6400
7/8
1
8600
1
1-1/8
11200
1-1/8
1-1/4
13400
1-1/4
1-3/8
16400
1-3/8
1-1/2
20000
1-1/2
1-5/8
23800
1-3/4
2
32400
2
2-1/4
42400

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Follow General Inspection and
Out-of-Service Criteria
 Follow Manufacturer Inspection
and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Do not use:
 Incorrect pin or
substituted pin
 Bent, broken, loose or
incorrect shackle pin
 If damaged threads on
threaded shackle pin

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 Lubricate as recommended by manufacturer
(no motor oil)
 Store with other rigging equipment in rigging
tote bag

USE
 Proper orientation
▪ Straight and in line
▪ Prevent pin roll out
▪ Prevent sling pinching
 No side loading
 Screw pins should be engaged but
not fully tightened (will
stretch/damage threads under
load)
Typical orientation for lifting materials
Typical
orientation for
lifting equipment
USE
There are correct ways and incorrect ways to rig
shackles.


SELECTION
Depends on:
 Capacity needed
 Environment in which used
 D/d ratio (diameter of surface the sling is
wrapped around to sling diameter)
Seek your equipment supplier’s help in your
selection

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 Follow General Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Follow Manufacturer Inspection and Out-of-Service
Criteria
 Wear leather
gloves for
protection
 Run gloved hands
down entire
length of rope

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
Kinks
A permanent kink
in a wire rope
sling causes loss
of strength.
Discard the sling!
Broken Wires
Birdcaging
(“untwisted” wire)

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
▪ Eyes
Lay
Lay – the distance in
length it takes for one
strand of wire to make
one complete turn
around the core
Inspect the bearing point of
the eye. Check for
deformation and wear of
sleeve, thimbles, and all
attached hardware. Check for
broken wires where the rope
enters the sleeve or socket.
An increase in lay length indicates that the sling was
allowed to rotate under load and untwisted itself.
Remove sling from service!

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
Lay – the distance in
length it takes for one
strand of wire to make
one complete turn
around the core
Rejection Criteria for Broken Wires (ASME B30.9):
• For strand-laid and single-part slings, ten randomly
distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or five broken wires
in one strand in one rope lay.
• Manufacturer out-of-service criteria

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
▪ Heat Damage
▪ Metal Loss: A one-third reduction in outer wire
diameter

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE
CRITERIA
 Corrosion and rust - caused by
insufficient lubrication. Excessive if
has surface scaling (metal flakes), rust
that can’t be easily removed with wire
brush, or if either occurs on inside of
rope
 Follow manufacturer
recommendations for
removal from service
 MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 Remove dirt with brush (dirt impairs rope mechanics and
capacity)
 Coat and wipe down with lubricating oil recommended by
manufacturer – NOT motor oil
 Hang inside or store inside in rigging tote bag
 Follow manufacturer maintenance and
storage recommendations

USE
 Use in straight line applications to connect lifting
devices
 Use to lift outrigger platforms
 Do not use to lift materials themselves. Wire rope
slings slip easily, so synthetic web slings are
preferred.
 Protect from sharp edges with padding as
necessary

SELECTION
 Should reflect use (capacity, spread)
 May be fixed or adjustable

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
 General Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Manufacturer Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria




Clean after use with soap and water as needed
Scrape, wire brush, sand, prime, repaint as needed
Protect from weather and traffic (hang inside)
Follow manufacturer instructions

USE
 Greater lift stability -
Lessens possibility of
slings slipping and
loads being dropped
 Use on long material
 May use when floor
heights are short

SELECTION





Must be made of alloy steel
Used in high heat and rugged conditions
Can be easily adjusted
Most durable of the slings
Heaviest and hardest to inspect of the sling types

INSPECTION AND OUT-OF-SERVICE CRITERIA
 General Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria
 Must have permanently affixed durable identification tags








stating size, grade, rated capacity and sling manufacturer.
Lay out straight to inspect
Grade 8, 80, or 800 or letter A imprinted on chain and hooks
Run gloved (leather glove) hand down entire length
Stress indications - elongated links, long sides of links close up
Cuts, chips, gouges, twisted links, cracks, pitting, dents
Damaged end fittings
Wear from dragging on ground or on load-bearing surfaces is
10% or more
Manufacturer Inspection and Out-of-Service Criteria!

MAINTAINANCE AND STORAGE
 Remove dirt with stiff brush
 Remove rust with wire brush
 Coat and wipe down with lubricating oil recommended
by manufacturer – NOT motor oil
 Hang inside or store inside in rigging tote bag

USE
 Use in straight line applications to connect lifting devices
 Use to lift outrigger platforms
 Do not use to lift materials themselves. Chain slings slip
easily, so synthetic web slings are preferred.
 Protect from sharp edges with padding

QUESTIONS?

HANDS-ON PRACTICE
Shackles, Wire Rope, Chain Slings
 Inspection
 Rigging Practice