Section Eleven Rigging

Question 1

What is rigging?

Answer 1

The process of lifting, moving, and positioning heavy objects safely using ropes, chains, and hoisting equipment.

Question 2

What is the primary concern in rigging?

Answer 2

Safety — preventing injury and damage to equipment or materials.

Question 3

What are common rigging tools?

Answer 3

Slings, shackles, hooks, blocks, come-alongs, and chain falls.

Question 4

What is a sling?

Answer 4

A flexible lifting device made of wire rope, chain, or synthetic material used to attach loads to a hoist.

Question 5

What are the main types of slings?

Answer 5

Wire rope, chain, and synthetic web slings.

Question 6

What information must be on a sling tag?

Answer 6

Manufacturer, rated capacity, material, and identification number.

Question 7

What is the rated capacity of a sling?

Answer 7

The maximum safe load the sling can lift under specific conditions.

Question 8

What reduces a sling’s rated capacity?

Answer 8

Sharp angles, twists, knots, or damaged fibers/links.

Question 9

What is a shackle used for?

Answer 9

To connect slings, hooks, or other rigging hardware.

Question 10

What is the pin in a shackle?

Answer 10

The removable bolt that secures the connection.

Question 11

What is a hoist?

Answer 11

A mechanical device used to lift or lower loads using a chain, wire rope, or synthetic line.

Question 12

What are the common types of hoists?

Answer 12

Manual chain hoist, lever hoist (come-along), and powered hoist.

Question 13

What is a chain fall?

Answer 13

A manual hoist that uses a hand chain and load chain to lift heavy objects vertically.

Question 14

What is a come-along?

Answer 14

A ratcheting lever hoist used for pulling or tensioning loads horizontally or vertically.

Question 15

What is a block and tackle?

Answer 15

A set of pulleys with rope or cable used to gain mechanical advantage for lifting.

Question 16

What is mechanical advantage?

Answer 16

The ratio of the load lifted to the effort applied.

Question 17

What is the formula for mechanical advantage?

Answer 17

Mechanical Advantage = Load / Effort = Number of rope parts supporting the load.

Question 18

What does “working load limit” (WLL) mean?

Answer 18

The maximum load that rigging equipment can safely handle.

Question 19

What is the difference between WLL and breaking strength?

Answer 19

Breaking strength is the load at failure; WLL is a fraction of that for safety.

Question 20

What is the typical safety factor for rigging equipment?

Answer 20

Usually 5:1 (WLL is one-fifth of breaking strength).

Question 21

What is a tagline used for?

Answer 21

A rope attached to a load to control its position and prevent spinning during lifting.

Question 22

What is a choker hitch?

Answer 22

A sling arrangement that tightens around the load when lifted.

Question 23

What is a basket hitch?

Answer 23

A sling configuration that supports a load in a loop, providing double capacity compared to a vertical hitch.

Question 24

What is a vertical hitch?

Answer 24

A single sling connected directly from hook to load.

Question 25

What is the formula to find sling tension in a two-leg lift?

Answer 25

Tension = (Load ÷ (2 × sin(Angle from horizontal))).

Question 26

How does sling angle affect tension?

Answer 26

Smaller angles increase tension on the slings.

Question 27

What is a spreader bar used for?

Answer 27

To keep slings vertical and distribute load evenly.

Question 28

What is a lifting eye or padeye?

Answer 28

A welded or bolted attachment point used for connecting rigging to equipment.

Question 29

What must always be inspected before rigging a load?

Answer 29

All slings, hooks, shackles, and attachment points for wear or damage.

Question 30

What should be checked before any lift?

Answer 30

Load weight, balance, center of gravity, and rigging configuration.

Question 31

Where should the hook be placed relative to the load’s center of gravity?

Answer 31

Directly above it for balanced lifting.

Question 32

What must never be done with a sling under load?

Answer 32

Shock-load, drag, or pull it at an angle.

Question 33

What should be done if a sling or rigging component is damaged?

Answer 33

Remove it from service immediately.

Question 34

What is the hand signal for “Hoist”?

Answer 34

Arm extended upward, finger pointing up, small circular motion of the hand.

Question 35

What is the hand signal for “Lower”?

Answer 35

Arm extended downward, finger pointing down, small circular motion of the hand.

Question 36

What is the hand signal for “Stop”?

Answer 36

Arm extended outward, palm down, and moved rapidly back and forth horizontally.

Question 37

Who directs the lift operation?

Answer 37

A designated signal person or qualified rigger.

Question 38

What should be done before lifting a load?

Answer 38

Make a trial lift a few inches off the ground to check balance and rigging.

Question 39

What is the purpose of load charts on cranes?

Answer 39

To show the maximum lifting capacity for different boom angles and radii.

Question 40

Why must lifting equipment never be overloaded?

Answer 40

Because it can fail suddenly and cause serious injury or damage.