General Requirements >> Materials Handling (including Gear and Equipment for Rigging)

Figure 1: Illustration of general working conditions on vessel with the gear and equipment for rigging and materials handling
Figure 1: Illustration of general working conditions on vessel with the gear and equipment for rigging and materials handling.

Cranes, hoisting apparatus, (such as chain falls, winches, and marine railways) and their accompanying rigging gear, are used to move and lift materials and equipment during shipyard operations. Moving heavy loads in congested areas increases risk of injury.

Rigging methods and equipment are used to attach heavy loads to lifting devices such as cranes, derricks, or chain falls. Rigging equipment may include: rope, chains, or synthetic webbing slings, which connect the loads to lifting machinery by means of hooks or shackles. Inadequate rigging methods or components may result in the load detaching and injuring workers.

Serious injuries may result from:

  • Equipment failure
  • Improper use of equipment
  • Getting caught between or struck by loads or rigging gear
  • Getting struck by loads or rigging gear

The following topics are included in this section:

Note: Confined space entry is one of the leading hazards associated with barge cleaning. Review the Ship Repair: Confined or Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres chapter for information on how to protect workers from this hazard.