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PLANNING ADVISORY NOTICERiggingFundamentals 101(Rigging Hardware& Slings)When it comes to load handling activities whichincludes lifting, individuals assigned to the variousload handling tasks should at minimum know thebasic rigging fundamentals before using rigginghardware such as shackles, hooks, links, rings, wirerope clips, turnbuckles, snatch blocks and slings.Knowing the fundamentals is critical to ensuring thatthose individuals working in and around telecommunication structures go home safe at the end of the day.This article consists of a series of rigging fundamentalquestions to answer before the load handling activitybegins, while at the same time imparting some standard information pertinent to the industry.Note: This article, however, is not intended to bean all-inclusive list and does not attempt to cover allrigging fundamentals involved with all telecommunication structure load handling activities that may involvethe structures, mounts, antennas, gin poles, winches,hoists, helicopter and special engineered lifts.Below are some of the KEY QUESTIONS to answerbefore the load handling activity begins:1. HAS A RIGGING PLAN BEEN DEVELOPED?The rigging plan is a critical first step to insuring properprocedures, equipment, and rigging are appropriatefor the load handling activity to assure personnel safety,and stability of the structure and the components being lifted. The complexity of the rigging plan dependson the type of job and type of equipment necessary tocomplete the tasks. ANSI/TIA-322 states that riggingplans be prepared in accordance with ANSI/ASSEA10.48 and shall be utilized for all construction activities. Construction classes II, III & IV rigging plans mustalso be documented. See ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSEA10.48 for full details.Authors: Danny Bishop (Corporate Director of Value Added Training, The Crosby Group, LLC). The members of the PANAdvisory Group who are involved in the writing and researching each PAN topic include: John Erichsen Principal EETPE, Chairman TIA committee TR 14), Scott Kisting (EVP – Proactive Telecommunications Solutions), Richard Cullum(Program Manager – Crown Castle), Jeremy Buckles (Safety and Compliance Officer – International, SBA Communications Corporation), Craig Snyder (President, Sioux Falls Tower & Communications), and Stephanie Brewer (ComplianceCoordinator – MUTI-Sabre Industries Telecom Services).1 TOWER TIMESMARCH APRIL 2017

PLANNING ADVISORY NOTICE (CONTINUED)See matrix below on Construction Classes as derived from the new ANSI/ASSE 10.48 Standard.MinimumConstructionClassMinimumLevel ofResponsibilityMax Gross Lifted Load forLift SystemsAttached to the StructureRigging PlanRequiredDocumentedRigging PlanRequiredICompetent Rigger350 lbs.YesNoIICompetent Rigger500 lbs.YesYesIIICompetent Rigger and Qualified Person2,000 lbs.YesYesIVCompetent Rigger and Qualified PersonAbove 2,000 lbs.YesYes2. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RIGGING ANDLOAD HANDLING ACTIVITIES?Having key designated personnel assigned to thespecific tasks of crane operator, signal person, spotter,competent rigger, qualified person, and establishingwho is responsible for preparing rigging plans is ofmajor importance. The ANSI/TIA-322 and ANSI/ASSEA10.48 Standards also address the importance of communication and assignment of responsibilities. It statesthat the competent rigger must understand the applicable industry standards, have the knowledge, skill andability with the procedures and equipment common tothe telecommunication structures industry and trainedto identify hazards and authorized to take correctivemeasures. ANSI/ASSE A10.48 also requires an on-sitecompetent rigger to be designated for all classes ofconstruction; however, for Class III and IV construction,a qualified person shall coordinate the involvementof a qualified engineer as required when establishingrigging plans.3. HAS COMMUNICATION BEEN ESTABLISHED?Establishing clear communication by use of approvedhand signals or radios is of vital importance. The operator and signal person mustbe familiar with the industrystandard hand signals andshall use approved radios, orother means of communications, when direct hand signalswould create a hazard or if theability of the crane operatorto clearly see the signal person is a problem. If radios areused, they must be tested toensure signal transmission isclear and reliable. A “qualified”signal person in constructionis required and they must haveunderstanding of ANSI/ASSEA10.48 which requires a designated competent person whomeets the qualification criteriafor a signal person in accordance with OSHA 1926.1428.CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGEMARCH APRIL 2017TOWER TIMES 2

PLANNING ADVISORY NOTICE (CONTINUED)4. IS THE RIGGING IN ACCEPTABLE CONDITION?7. IS THE RIGGING APPROPRIATE FOR LIFTING?Too many accidentshappen as a result ofcompanies not havinga designated competent person assignedto inspect the rigging gear and slingsbefore use. ANSI/ASSE A10.48 requiresa documented dailyinspection prior to useon all components ofa rigging system.Make sure that the rigging gear is suitable for overheadlifting. ANSI/ASSE A10.48 requires rigging hardwareand slings used for load handling and lifting to bespecifically certified for such applications in accordancewith applicable American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30 standards. The use of rigging hardware not specifically covered by ASME B30 standards isdiscouraged, and should be avoided. See ANSI/ASSEA10.48 for full information.8. DOES THE RIGGING HARDWARE & SLINGSHAVE PROPER IDENTIFICATION?At a minimum all new rigging hardware should be identified with the name or trademark of the manufacturer.Below is an example of, per ASME B30.26, requirements for new rigging hardware identification.5. WHAT IS THEMAXIMUM GROSSLOAD TO BEMOVED OR LIFTED?The weight of the load must be known, calculated,estimated or measured. However, please rememberthe maximum gross load not only includes the weightof the load but all associated rigging equipment.Rigging equipment may include but is not limited tothe overhaul ball (headache ball), load-line, tag line, tagline force, trolley line, trolley line forces, and any otheradded weight or force that needs to be taken into consideration to ensure safety to personnel and structurestability.6. WHERE IS THE CENTER OF GRAVITY (C.O.G) OFTHE LOAD AND IS IT CORRECTLY CAPTURED BYTHE SLINGS OR MATERIAL HANDLING DEVICE?Too many individuals have a tendency to determinethe weight of the load but bypass the critical next stepof knowing where the center of gravity of the load islocated. Estimating the location of the center of gravityhelps determine if the C.O.G. is captured appropriatelyto ensure good load control during the entire load handling event. Location of C.O.G., also affects the loadingin the sling legs and connection points.3 TOWER TIMESMARCH APRIL 2017 Shackle Body: Name or trademark of the manufacturer, rated load and size. Shackle Pin: Name or trademark of the manufacturer, grade, material type, or load rating. Wire Rope Clip Saddle: Name or trademark ofmanufacturer and size. Turnbuckle: Name or trademark of manufacturer,size or rated load.ANSI/ASSE A10.48 requires wire rope slings to have alegible tag specifying its working load limit (WLL). Synthetic slings shall have a legible tag indicating the manufacturer’s working load limit for the vertical, chokedand basket configurations. Besides the specified (WLL)requirement, chain slings must have the manufacturersmark indicating the grade of chain. OSHA recommendsonly alloy grade chain for overhead lifting applications.For full detailed information regarding minimumidentification requirements, see ASME B30.26 (RiggingHardware), ASME B30.10 (Hooks), ASME B30.9 (Slings),ANSI/ASSE A10.48 and OSHA 29 CFR.

PLANNING ADVISORY NOTICE (CONTINUED)9. IF USING MULTIPLE LEG SLINGS ATTACHED TOTHE LOAD, WHAT IS THE SLING ANGLE?The angle of loading can have atremendous effect on the loadingin the sling legs and connectionpoints. When slings work atangles opposed to each other,each sling works harder andthe resultant loading in thesling legs can be muchgreater than their individual vertical share ofthe load.ANSI/ASSE A10.48 (see gin pole section) encouragesall sling angle of loading be set at 60 degrees or more.Sling angles less than 45 degrees shall require specialattention. The minimum horizontal sling angle (angle ofloading) allowed is 30 degrees unless approved by thesling manufacturer or a qualified engineer in compliance with an approved rigging plan.10. WILL THERE BE ANY SIDE OR ANGULAR LOADING ON THE RIGGING GEAR?The WLL of most rigging hardware is based on in-lineloading. If the sling is to pull off at an angle, three morepieces of information are needed: Does the manufacturer allow it? Is the WLL affected? Are there any special requirements?11. DOES THE RIGGING GEAR & SLINGS HAVEKNOWN WORKING LOAD LIMITS?The working load limit is the maximum mass or forcewhich the product is authorized to support in generalservice when the pull is applied in-line, unless notedotherwise, with respect to the centerline of the product.This term is used interchangeably with the followingterms: WLL, rated load value, resultant working load.CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGEMARCH APRIL 2017TOWER TIMES 4