good slinging practice - Site Safe

CRANEAGE: SLINGING - INTRODUCTION 4
TRAINING MODULE
SLINGING
Modules 10 to 12
NOTE: This is Part 4 of a 4-part
module set covering Slinging.
Part 1 covers Sections 1 to 3.
Part 2 covers Sections 4 to 7.
Part 3 covers Sections 8 and 9.
Ropes and Knots
Communications
Safety

CRANEAGE: SLINGING - INTRODUCTION 4
SLINGING
Modules 10 to 12
This Training Module comes to you courtesy of:
Site Safe would like to acknowledge Fletcher Construction’s on-going support

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS PAGE 1
CRANEAGE - SLINGING BASICS
SECTION 10:
KNOW YOUR ROPES
10.1 Know your Knots
10.2 Efficiency of Knots
10.3 Knots ... 1
10.4 Knots ... 2
10.5 Knots ... 3
10.6 Knots ... 4
10.7 Knots ... 5
10.8 Knots ... 6
10.9 Knots ... 7

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 2
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.1. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
While natural fibre ropes are never used these days for slinging, they do have their
uses for tying down loads, for tag lines, and other similar applications (Because they
are not used for slinging, we do not include any load charts for fibre ropes).
The fibre rope is however a versatile and useful tool on site, PROVIDED it is used with
care and a little respect.
In this section, we show some basic knots which can be used with fibre ropes.
Note that any form of knot, splice, bend or joint reduces the overall strength of any fibre
rope.
Special attention is drawn to the "reef knot", which is often - and mistakenly - used to
join two ropes together in the belief that it is a secure and thus safe knot.
It is not.
THE REEF KNOT IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE "KILLER KNOT" .

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 3
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.2. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
ROPE STRENGTHS WITH BENDS AND HITCHES
A rope without any knots or splices will carry 100% of its rated strength.
When a knot is tied in a rope, it loses
50% of its original capacity.
Knot = 50% efficiency
When a bend is tied in a rope, it loses
50% of its original strength.
Bend = 50% efficiency
When a hitch is tied in a rope, it loses
25% of its original strength.
Hitch = 75% efficiency
When an eye splice or short splice is
tied in a rope, it loses 15% of its
original strength.
Splice = 85% efficiency

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 4
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.3. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
One of the rigger's most popular knots is BOWLINE. the
This easy-to-tie knot never slips, and is easily untied.
It has a 50% efficiency.
A B C
A more complex but very effective variation on the bowline, is
the BOWLINE ON THE BIGHT.
This is used to form a non-slipping eye in the middle of a rope.
It also has a 50% efficiency.
A B C
The CLOVE HITCH is a handy knot for tying a rope to a pipe or post.
It can be tied in position or slipped over the end, as shown.

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 5
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.4. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
THE SHEET BEND
This quick and efficient bend is
used to join two ropes of different
diameter together.
Because the ropes are tightly bent
around each other, it is not used
on large diameter ropes.
Diagrams 'A' to 'C' show how the
basic bend is formed.
A
B
Illustration 'D' shows a variation
on the simple knot which provides
greater strength.
C
D
THE REEF KNOT
The reef knot, also known as the square knot,
or the deadman's knot, has another name:
the "killer knot".
It MUST ONLY be used to tie two ends of
a rope together. It is NOT a bend for
joining two ropes together.
A
This knot can often be tied incorrectly, by
reversing the way the top knot is tied. This
version, commonly known as the "Granny
knot", is very difficult to undo, and is the
unfortunate mark of an amateur.
B
The finished knot will resemble two loops
threaded through each other, as shown.
This knot is NOT for taking any loads. It
is ONLY for tying bundles and the like.
C

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 6
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.5. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
SHEEPSHANK
This bend is used to shorten a
rope, or to remove the tension from
a weak point in the rope.
CATSPAW
This bend is useful for attaching
a load to a suspension point,
especially if the centre of the
rope is used.
This bend is formed by
twisting each loop around
your hand. Three twists in
each loop will form a pair of
loops which will not slip or
slide on a crane hook.

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 7
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.6. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
SELF-CENTREING BOWLINE
This versatile knot is used where a knot must be tied in the centre of a load and an equal
leg stress is required. It is an integral part of the Barrel Hitch, as shown below, and further
on Sheet 10.8.
A
B
C
D
This diagram shows the Self-Centreing Bowline used
to finish off a Barrel Hitch, ensuring that the load
(shown as a barrel) will be lifted vertically.

GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.7. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
BECKET HITCH
This hitch is used to secure the end of
a rope to the becket, or ring, on a
block. A load on the hitch will serve to
tighten it, but regardless the hitch will
reduce the rope's capacity by 25%.
This is similar to a clove
hitch tied around the
standing part.
TIMBER HITCH
This hitch is used for moving planks, pipes, logs and the like. The load must have a steady
applied pull, because any slackening of the pull will release the hitch. It must be used with
at least two half-hitches as shown.
STOP HITCH
This hitch is used mainly to keep the
pull on a line - either wire or fibre -
when the end of the line needs to be
loosened and repositioned.
Load line
CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
Load line
PAGE 8

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 9
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.8. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
CARRICK BEND
This quite simple knot (despite its appearance) is
used to tie larger diameter ropes together. The knot
will draw up tightly, but will not jam.
A B C
D
E
BARREL HITCH
This handy hitch was originally developed to lift barrels vertically, but has since been used
for any similar shape. The hitch is finished with a self-centreing bowline, as shown.
A
B
C

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 10
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 10
10.9. KNOW YOUR ROPES.
RUNNING BOWLINE
The running bowline is used to provide a choker type sling at the end of a single line. The
knot is made around the standing part of the line, and runs freely. It has 50% efficiency.
SPANISH BOWLINE
The Spanish bowline can be tied at any point in a line where it is doubled up. It is an ideal
rescue knot, as the loops are adjustable. Like all bowlines, it will not slip and is easily untied.
A
B C D
This diagram shows how the
Spanish bowline can be used
in a rescue situation.
E

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 11
CRANEAGE - SLINGING BASICS
SECTION 11:
KNOW YOUR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
11.1 Know the Communication Systems
11.2 Crane Signals ... 1
11.3 Crane Signals ... 2
11.4 Crane Signals ... 3
11.5 Crane Signals ... 4
11.6 The "Constant Communication" Practice
11.7 Only One Signaller

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 12
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.1 KNOW THE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.
Fletcher Construction uses two systems of communication between the
crane operator and the dogman or slinger.
One system is the standard set of hand signals, which are included on following
sheets.
These signals are the onlyones to be used.
A series of "individual" signals will only confuse and create the potential for hazards,
especially when teams are split up on to separate jobs and a new team is formed.
The standard set of signals means that any dogger or slinger can work with any crane
operator, and there is immediate understanding of what those signals mean.
The other system is that of radio communication.
There are no "standard" phrases to be used - common sense and the specific needs of
the job will dictate what is said.
Whenever radios are in use, however, there is a system called "Constant
Communication" which is to be used.
This is also covered later on in this section, but basically means that, if the slinger or
dogger stops talking for any reason, the crane operator immediately stops the crane,
and does not start the operation until the slinger or dogger demonstrates that all is
well.
These two systems are designed to offer the greatest safety to
everyone on the job.
Note: As noted elsewhere within these Training Modules, we use
both terms "dogman" and "slinger". They have the same meaning.
Usage may vary depending on custom or circumstance.

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 13
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.2 KNOW THE STANDARD CRANE SIGNALS ... 1.
EMERGENCY
STOP
STOP
LOWER HOOK
RAISE HOOK
SLEW RIGHT
SLEW LEFT

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 14
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.3 KNOW THE STANDARD CRANE SIGNALS ... 2.
HOLD
EVERYTHING
RAISE BOOM,
RAISE LOAD
USE
MAIN
HOIST
LOWER BOOM,
RAISE LOAD
RAISE
BOOM
(Luff Up)
LOWER
BOOM
(Luff Down)

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 15
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.4 KNOW THE STANDARD CRANE SIGNALS ... 3.
LOWER BOOM,
LOWER LOAD
USE
AUXILIARY
HOIST
RAISE BOOM,
LOWER LOAD
TRAVEL
CRANE
TROLLEY IN
(RETRACT MOBILE BOOM)
TROLLEY OUT
(EXTEND MOBILE BOOM)

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 16
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.5 KNOW THE STANDARD CRANE SIGNALS ... 4.
NOTE:
These two signals are NOT as yet officially recognised, but are used
on some jobs. The dogman stands side-on facing the crane operator,
and signals as shown for trolleying in and out.
(If these signals are to be used on any particular site, they must be
prior discussed and included in the Site Management Plan.)
TROLLEY
OUT
TROLLEY IN
(Points AWAY from crane)
(Points TOWARDS crane)
These last signals are official (well, one of them is, anyway). When the
lift is over, and the crane is released for other lifting duties, the
dogman will signal accordingly:
THERE'S A
SHOUT ON,
AND YOU'RE
TOO LATE!
FINISHED
WITH CRANE
(Just
kidding.....)

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 17
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.6 KNOW THE "CONSTANT COMMUNICATION" SYSTEM.
One vital part of communication which is common to all Fletcher Construction sites, is the use of
"Constant Radio Contact" between dogman and crane operator.
During a lifting operation, the dogman will be continously
talking to the crane operator.
The theory is, that should the radio contact cease - for
any reason - the crane operator will immediately stop all
operations, and wait for EITHER:
radio contact to be re-established
a visual indication as to why the radio contact was
broken (e.g; flat battery, dropped or damaged radio)
a clear indication from the dogger that the lift can
proceed under hand signals only.
This greatly reduces the possibility of accident, especially where the crane
operator is unsighted during the lift and is relying on the dogman's instructions
to land the load safely.
Example:
The dogman becomes trapped between the
load and a structural wall. By radio contact,
the dogmanr can call the crane operator to
halt the lift immediately, allowing the dogman
to take up a safer position.
Without this ongoing "talking down", the
crane operator could otherwise assume all
was well and cause a nasty accident.
STOP!!
Another example:
A load is being lifted into an opening in a
building, down three floors. The crane
operator is entirely reliant on voice contact
from the dogman to get the load down
safely and accurately. For a while, the
dogman cannot be seen by the crane
operator. A steady stream of directions,
and with good teamwork even the tone of
voice, will guide the crane operator
throughout.
Down a whisker ... slew left
a touch ... down a shade
more ... left a touch more ...
down a whisker ... Beauty!

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 18
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 11
11.7 ONLY ONE COMMUNICATOR.
The slinger or dogman is the ONLY one to control the lifting operation.
WHY?
Imagine a crane operator receiving a wide variety of signals from everyone at the same time.
Which ones are correct?
What is meant by that vague wave?
When he's shouting "down a bit", how much is a "bit"?
For safety reasons, the slinger or dogman must be the ONLY one providing
signals to the crane operator.
?
THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY,
WHEN ANYONE CAN GIVE THE "EMERGENCY STOP" SIGNAL.

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 19
CRANEAGE - SLINGING BASICS
SECTION 12:
KNOW HOW TO WORK SAFELY
12.1 Never Work Under Loads
12.2 Watch for Swinging Loads
12.3 Self-Protection
12.4 One Job At A Time

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 20
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 12
12.1 NEVER WORK UNDER LOADS.
The risks in working - or even walking - under suspended loads. are huge.
Crane operators are trained well, to avoid areas where people are working, but the "loose
cannon" on any site is the worker who decides that "the rope will never break", and
decides to either work, or walk, under a load being craned in.
The slinger or dogman has a part to play in this as well, by never allowing a load to travel
over persons.
There is never a reason for any load to travel over people.
"Nahh, not a problem.
I've got my hard hat on..."

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 21
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 12
12.2 WATCH FOR SWINGING LOADS.
Loads can swing with a gust of wind, and if you happen to be in the wrong place,
you may have little chance of avoiding a nasty accident.
Also, beware of
loads which could
swing in and crush
you.
Make sure at all
times, that you are
out of the way!

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 22
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 12
12.3 THE DOGMAN HAS A DUTY OF SELF-PROTECTION.
ALWAYS think safety.
Assume nothing, and look after yourself.
Apart from the obvious reason of preventing an accident, this Rule reminds you to look
out for the subtle traps which can trap the unwary or the untrained. Such as:
Keep your hands and feet clear of
the slings as the load comes on.
Watch for a load that may roll, fall,
swing or slide as it is lifted or lowered.
NEVER take a short-cut to unhook
a load that has landed. Always use
a ladder or similar to get to the
hooks, shackles or lifting eyes.
You set an example that others will follow. You do not tolerate unsafe actions.

CRANEAGE - SLINGING: BASICS
PAGE 23
GOOD SLINGING PRACTICE
BASIC RULES ... 12
12.4 ONE JOB ONLY.
The slinger or dogger is the one link with the crane operator. Never try to do this job and
something else at the same time.
Distraction can lead to mistakes, and the price to pay for a mistake is too high.
A slinger or dogger should never have to become physically involved in restraining or
controlling the load, either by hand or by tag lines, UNLESS there is an emergency.
"If that's for me, tell him I'm busy..."
(Refer also to the notes on "Constant Communication" between slinger or dogman and
the crane operator.)

TRAINING
SUBJECT: SLINGING
PURPOSE:
To provide employees involved in any form of slinging, with a good
basic understanding of the safety rules and correct techniques of slinging.
NUMBERS: Up to 20 persons, dividing them into groups of four to six as may be required.
METHOD:
First - A brief introductory session on the different types of lifting equipment likely
to be encountered, and their special requirements for safe use.
Second - A session on the critical elements of slinging:
the included angle
estimating weights
correct techniques
Third - Practical exercises involving as much of the equipment as possible,
using a "hands-on" method of training.
Fourth - A brief evaluation will conclude the session to indicate how well the participant
has absorbed the points discussed. This will comprise a simple multiple-choice
questionnaire which will be identified and passed to the Trainer for marking.
MATERIALS: Hand-outs.
OHP’s of slinging operations and hazards.
Whiteboard
Pens and paper for participants
Copies of assessment
Ideally, examples of all lifting equipment covered in the Notes.
DURATION: One hour maximum.
DEVELOPMENT: No further development is seen as necessary.
NOTES: This session only covers the basics of slinging. The material will however
serve as a basis for a much more detailed (say half-day or even full day)
training session for intending slingers, with more time spent on each sheet.
While not necessary, access to some for of craneage would be a definite advantage.
SLINGING - TRAINING DETAILS
PAGE 24

HOW WELL DID YOU DO?
This quick test has been designed to show you how well you have
remembered the points covered in this session.
Tick the answer which you believe is the correct one for each question.
1. What is an "included angle"?
The angle between the legs of a sling.
A piece of steelwork being used as dunnage.
A tricky bit of calculating best left to the engineers.
2. What is the maximum safe included angle?
120 0 .
180 0 .
The width of a slingers' extended arms.
3. How many legs in a multi-leg sling are assumed to carry all the weight?
All of them take an equal weight.
Only two. The other(s) will merely balance the load.
Only the shortest one. The others will stretch.
4. What special precautions are needed when using polyester slings?
Protect the edges from sharp materials and damage.
Make sure they are clean - thinners do the job nicely.
Knot the sling around the load.
5. What is "crowding the hook"?
Bringing the hook too close to the crane's main jib.
Standing too close to the hook and upsetting it.
Putting too many links on the hook and creating a hazard.
6. Who can provide signals to the crane operator?
Anyone in the area.
Only the slinger/dogman, exceptin an emergency.
Only the Foreman.
7. What is "constant communication" between an operator and slinger?
Leaving the tranny radio on all the time.
When the slinger is a good talker and can't be shut up.
Continuous talk between operator and slinger/dogman.
8. What effect does knotting a chain sling have?
It safely shortens the sling.
It is a dangerous practice due to stressing the sides of chain links.
It makes the sling hard to carry.
SLINGING - QUESTIONNAIRE
PAGE 25

9. What is the main hazard in using cast-in stressing strands for lifting?
Their SWL is unknown.
They have to be hammered into shape every time.
Wires can fracture where the strand is bent sharply over a hook.
10. Why should hooks on a sling set be pointed outwards?
To prevent them rolling and possibly slipping the sling.
It looks neater that way.
So the load is taken on the bowl of the hook.
11. What is the best way to sling loose bundles?
Wrap the sling around the load twice.
Get someone to tack weld everything together.
Put everything in a cargo net.
12. When can a slinger work under a suspended load?
Never.
Never.
Never.
Now check your answers with the correct answers which are on the next
sheet.
Name: ...............................................................
Current job: ...............................................................
Score: ..................
SLINGING - QUESTIONNAIRE PAGE 26

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION.
Now let’s find out how you did.
Question: Correct Answer
1 The angle between the legs of a sling.
2. 120 0
.
3. Only two. The other(s) will merely balance the load.
4. Protect the edges from sharp materials and damage.
5. Putting too many links on the hook and creating a hazard.
6. Only the slinger/dogman, exceptin an emergency.
7. Continous talk between operator and slinger/dogman.
8. It is a dangerous practice due to stressing the sides of the chain links.
9. Wires can fracture where the strand is bent sharply over a hook
OR (both are correct)
Their SWL is unknown.
10. To prevent them rolling and possibly slipping the sling
OR (both are correct)
. So the load is taken on the bowl of the hook.
11. Wrap the sling around the load twice.
12. Never.
If you got all answers correct, you’re not just a clever cookie - you’re also a safe
operator. Well done!
If you got 10 correct, you have done pretty well, but need to pay attention to those
areas where your answer was not correct. It’s your life we’re trying to protect here!
If you got five right, you haven’t been trying. Come on you - can do better, and will
need to if you want to keep safe.
SLINGING - QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS
PAGE 27

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF
SLINGING
1. Included angle never more than 120
0 .
2. Check tackle for test tags before use.
3. Know the weight load.
4. Use the right gear for the job.
5. Only the dogman or slinger signals the operator.
6. Never knot chains.
7. Make sure the load is taken on the hook bowl.
8. Remember that reeving reduces sling capacity.
9. Keep out of harm's way at all timnes.
10. IF IN DOUBT - ASK.
THE TEN POINTS ARE:
INCLUDED ANGLE UNDER 120 0
TEST TAGS ON TACKLE
KNOW LOAD WEIGHT
RIGHT GEAR FOR THE JOB
DOGMAN SIGNALS ONLY
NEVER KNOT CHAINS
LOAD ON HOOK BOWL
SLING REEVING - LOWER CAPACITY
OUT OF HARM'S WAY
IF IN DOUBT - ASK.
SLINGING - 10 COMMANDMENTS
PAGE 28