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Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 29 Jul 2010, 08:58
by arcpro
Is there any standard which defines illumination during rigging activities? And what's the critical wind speed at which rigging must be postponed?

Re: Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 29 Jul 2010, 13:07
by Qaiser
Wind Speed
Although the safe workable wind speed varies from crane to crane (specified by manufacturer), as a guide, the maximum wind speed at which lifting operations can take place is 10 metres per second (22 mph or 35 kph).
In the event that man riding duties (cradle operation) are required, the maximum workable wind speed reduces to 7 metres per second (16 mph or 25 kph).

Guidelines prepared in the light of:
1) British Standard code of practice BS7121
2) Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG)
Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), London

These are the wind speeds we have been using at our site as cut off points for the rigging activities.

I've come across a standard defining min. illumination level for rigging. Let me search for it.

Re: Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 29 Jul 2010, 18:36
by arcpro
Thanks for the valuable inputs.
Please do share regarding illumination also.

Re: Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 01 Aug 2010, 19:03
by ashfaqanwer
You may find some material in the attached presentation.
Just found while browsing some old folders.

Re: Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 02 Aug 2010, 08:31
by Qaiser
Good sharing Ashfaq.

Illumination
Following is the standard ref. Exxon ER&E Basic Practices: Lighting; BP 16-5-1, Rev.3
Shops - Craneway, aisles
Illumination level (measured at floor):
Initial: 270 Lux (at the time of facility development)
In-services: 160 Lux

This may give a guideline for rigging with mobile cranes in open areas. I could not find the lighting standard exclusively for rigging with mobile cranes in open areas. Generally, rigging is avoided after sunset, if possible.

Hope it'd satisfy the need of our valued members.
Further, everyone is encouraged to share if he/she has some useful info on the topic.

Re: Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 02 Aug 2010, 09:37
by arcpro
Qaisar,
Thanks for providing the useful info. Actually, I also found some illumination guidelines for rigging but at the floor level only.
In our case, lifting has to be carried from at a height of 40 meters. Is there anything regarding this? Or same illumination applies as at the floor level?

Re: Safety during rigging activities

Posted: 03 Aug 2010, 06:19
by Qaiser
You may use this as a guideline for the minimum illumination level at any point as floor is the point farthest from the ceiling-mounted lights in shops.
For rigging jobs at heights, people usually incorporate lighting arrangements in job plans & job safety analysis.
I've seen some sites using beach lights & light fixed on the cranes to increase the visibility.
Bottom line is that the crane operators & riggers must be able to see around comfortably.