Rigging Services
So you’ve got a difficult load to move – whether it’s due to an awkward shape, uneven weight or hard to determine lift points, Hercules SLR rigging services will lift you where you need to be.
We don’t just sell slings at Hercules SLR – we provide inspections, repairs, training and expert advice to keep your projects safe and efficient.
In addition to calculating the load’s weight, there are a few other tips to planning, rigging and executing a successful lift – read on for tips from our expert riggers to secure your hard-to-manage load and accomplish your next lift with ease.
Rigging Services: 3 tips to move an “awkward” load
One
We can’t stress this enough – inspect your equipment! Says rigger Dwayne Fader, Sales Manager at Hercules SLR “Once the equipment is broken, it’s already too late – maintenance and regular inspection is the key to prevention.”
Check the manufacturer instructions or manual for suggested and required inspection times – Unless you want to damage that expensive part, package or material, which costs WAY more over time than simply investing some time and money into inspections.
An informal inspection should be done before each lift, and official inspections should be done according to manufacturer and/or provincial regulations.
Two
Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes, you might look at a large object like a vehicle and just think, “well I’ll grab a bigger shackle or sling.” But you’d be surprised at how much support a smaller sling and/or hardware does have.
“Most people are surprised to learn that a small, 2 1/2″ shackle is strong enough to lift a car – bigger shackles are available, but why go bigger when you don’t need to? Often, the smaller piece of equipment will be safer and better suited to the application as it’s meant to support a specific amount of weight.” says Fader.
Using slings which are too big and create bunching are a safety issue, and so is using a shackle which is too big that a sling may slide around in.
Three
Preventative maintenance is a pain, but important. The longer a piece of equipment isn’t inspected or small repairs are ignored, the worse the outcome typically is. A small build-up of issues can eventually lead to large, more expensive repairs. Neglecting preventative maintenance will increase both cost and the risk of injury or death.
Rigging Services: your reading list
Want more? Find more rigging tips and information on our blog – try these:
- Check out the custom ‘Frankensling’ we made for the Town of Oakville Marina in Ontario
- Read our expert tips on the importance of preventative equipment maintenance
- Read about our LEEA-qualified Inspectors – and why it’s important to us
- Find out more about the dangers of side-pulling from out guest bloggers, CM
- Be sure you’re calculating load weight the right way
- Download our and know what to look for when inspecting