Shipbreaking >> Materials Handling (including Gear and Equipment for Rigging)

Figure 1: Portal Crane (a type of locomotive crane)
Figure 1: Portal Crane (a type of locomotive crane).

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 shipbreaking operations. Moving heavy loads in congested areas increases risk of injury.

Rigging methods and equipment are used to attach heavy loads to lifting devices (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:

Figure 2: Mobile crane used without its outriggers (for stability) and without its swing radius guarded
Figure 2: Mobile crane used without its outriggers (for stability) and without its swing radius guarded.
  • Equipment failure
  • Improper use of equipment
  • Getting caught between
  • Getting struck by loads or rigging gear

The following topics are included in this section:

Figure 3: Locomotive crane on side of pier
Figure 3: Locomotive crane on side of pier.

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