Hoisting & Rigging — Quick Reference

Sling Angles & Tension Factors

Below 45° = P.Eng. rigging plan required. Below 30° = prohibited on all projects.

Sling Type	Strengths	Key Limit
Wire rope (6×19, 6×37)	Abrasion, heat, sharp edges	Reject: >10 broken wires random or >5 in one strand
Polyester (synthetic)	Low stretch, gentle on finishes	Melt 260°C; always use corner protectors
Nylon (synthetic)	Shock absorption	Loses 15% capacity when wet; melt 220°C
Chain (Gr. 80/100)	Heat, abrasion immune	Heavy tare; reject >5% elongation

NEVER use Grade 30/43 chain for overhead lifting. Grade 80 (purple/blue) or 100 (yellow/orange) ONLY.

Weight = volume × density. Add rigging weight. If >75% crane capacity, verify with load cell.

Critical lift = P.Eng.-stamped plan required. No stamp = no lift.

Signal	Gesture
Hoist (raise)	Index finger up, rotate in circles
Lower	Index finger down, rotate in circles
Boom Up	Arm out, thumb up, fist closed
Boom Down	Arm out, thumb down, fist closed
Swing L/R	Arm extended, point direction
Stop	Arm out, palm down, sweep horizontal
Emergency Stop	Both arms, palms down, sweep rapidly
Dog Everything	Clasp hands at waist

Mobile crane >16,000 lb·ft requires valid C of Q. No exceptions.

One designated signaller at a time. Anyone can give E-stop.
Pre-lift toolbox talk (7 items): weight, rigging, radius/capacity, swing path, landing zone, wind, signaller ID.
Synthetic slings + heat: Never near flame or welding. Destroy if exposed — cut in half.
Shackle pin: Finger-tight, back off 1/4 turn. Mouse pin on critical lifts.
Tag lines: Never wrap around hands. Use on every suspended load for rotation control.
Wind authority: Crane operator has absolute right to stand down. No overrides.
Outriggers: Fully extended on every pick. Partial extension = reduced capacity + asymmetric tip hazard.

Two-signal system: Radio for the journey, hand signals for final 3 m of placement.
3-second wind test: Hold flag/ribbon at hook height. Streaming horizontal = >30 km/h = suspend operations.
RTU setting: Confirm gas/electrical stub-out alignment BEFORE unit lands. You won't lift it again without another crane day.
Wire rope inspection: 10 broken wires random OR 5 in one strand in one lay = reject immediately.