Often we discover that standard rigging will not provide sufficient load control and a custom system or device is required. Sometimes the designated lifting points on a load have been placed more for the convenience of the manufacturer rather than the field installation crew. Another challenge can arise due to the shape and center-of-gravity of the load, which results in a rigger trying to get too creative.
ITI strongly endorses the use of “qualified” below-the-hook lifting devices. You can find terrific guidance in developing a custom device from the ASME BTH-1 Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices document. Also in ASME B30.20 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices, we have access to informative care, use and inspection criteria for lifting devices. (Both documents are available at www.asme.org or the ITI Bookstore).
The following are just a small offering of ideas that can solve some load handling problems. The items pictured do not imply an endorsement of a given manufacturer, however, the name has been provided as a help to the reader. Numerous lifting device manufacturers exist in the U.S. and around the world. You may find that a custom device already exists though not shown on the manufacturer’s website or in their catalog. Contact a number of lifting device manufacturers to see if they have already designed a special lifter for your type application. You may be surprised at what is available. An excellent resource is the Member Directory at www.awrf.org.
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Happy trails to my crane and rigging friends.
Mike Parnell
ITI – Field Services