Safe Use of Certified Lifting Attachments

Date: 2026-01-21

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure the safe and compliant use of certified lifting attachments, such as slings and shackles, during the movement and unloading of the packer unit.

Introduction

This toolbox talk covers the correct procedures for using certified lifting attachments, including slings and shackles, when moving and unloading the packer unit. Proper rigging and load securement are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. [1]

Key Points

• Qualified Rigger: A qualified rigger is necessary during any hoisting activity used for the assembly or disassembly of a crane. They are also required whenever a worker is engaged in hooking, unhooking, guiding a load, or making an initial connection of a load to a component or structure within the fall zone. [1]
• Weight of the Load: Know the weight of the MHP13/35 and the capacity of the lifting devices before hoisting. [4]
• Inspect Lifting Points: Inspect the lifting points to make sure they are free of cracks, rust, and are in good condition. There is a lift point in the footplate of each stabilizer. [4]
• Shackles: Fit a shackle to each foot plate (16mm Hi-Load (green pin) Bow shackles). [4]
• Sling Use: Connect chain sling to each of the four (4) legs (2.5 metre per leg length recommended). Minimum rating - 8mm grade 80 lifting. [4]
• Safe Load Limits: An employer or contractor shall not require or permit the operator of a hoist, crane or lifting device to raise any load that is greater than the rated load determined by the manufacturer of the equipment or a professional engineer for the conditions in which the equipment is to be operated. [5]

Hazard Identification

The following hazards are commonly associated with lifting operations:

• Improperly rigged load.: Can cause failure in the rigging equipment, leading to dropped loads and potential injuries or fatalities. [1]
• Failure to rig the load to its center of gravity.: Can cause the load to be hoisted unevenly, adding extra strain to the rigging and potentially causing the load to fall. [1]
• Pinch points during rigging.: Hands or fingers can be injured when taking up the strain of the rigging or landing loads. [1]
• Exceeding the load capacity of lifting attachments.: Can result in equipment failure, dropped loads, and severe injuries.
• Contact with overhead power lines.: Electrocution or serious burns. [2]

Control Measures

• Ensure all personnel are adequately trained and qualified in rigging techniques and equipment use.: Provide documented training and verify competency. [1]
• Perform a hazard assessment before rigging and moving loads.: Check for overhead power lines, obstructions, and ground conditions. [1]
• Inspect all rigging equipment before use.: Check that the load rating for rigging (slings, chains, or straps) is adequate for the lift. All rigging must have a tag identifying its safe working load. [1]
• Use a tagline to control the hazardous movement of a load.: This prevents uncontrolled swinging and ensures safe load handling. [1]
• Verify the load rating for slings, chains, and straps meets or exceeds the lift's rating.: Ensure all rigging has tags identifying the safe working load (SWL). [2]
• Ensure that the maximum load that may be hoisted by any rigging is conspicuously marked on the rigging.: If it’s not practicable to conspicuously mark the maximum load on the rigging, ensure that information about the maximum load that may be hoisted by the rigging is made readily available to the workers. [3]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Steel-toe boots: Protect feet from dropped objects and crushing hazards. Ensure boots meet safety standards. [1]
• Hard hat: Protect head from falling objects. Ensure the hard hat is in good condition and properly fitted. [1]
• Work gloves: Protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and pinch points. Use gloves that provide adequate grip. [1]
• Safety glasses: Protect eyes from dust and debris. Use safety glasses with side shields. [1]
• Hi-vis apparel: Ensure visibility to other workers and equipment operators. [1]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the potential consequences of using damaged rigging equipment?
2. How do you determine the weight of a load?
3. What steps should be taken if a lift exceeds the capacity of the rigging?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of an incident, immediately stop the operation.
2. Evacuate the area if there is a risk of further collapse or injury.
3. Report the incident to the supervisor and initiate the emergency response plan.

Questions and Answers

• Q: What do you do if you find a damaged sling?

A: Remove it from service immediately and tag it as defective.

• Q: What is the most important thing to check before making a lift?

A: The weight of the load and the load capacity of the rigging.

• Q: Who is responsible for inspecting the rigging before a lift?

A: All personnel involved in the lift.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always inspect rigging equipment before use. [1]
• Never exceed the load capacity of the rigging.
• Keep all personnel clear of the load path. [1]
• Use a tagline to control the load. [1]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Participate actively in pre-lift planning and hazard assessments.
2. Report any unsafe conditions or damaged equipment immediately.
3. Adhere to all safe work procedures and use PPE as required.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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