Safe Work Procedure: Rigging Rebar with Tower Crane

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety requirements and procedures for rigging rebar using a tower crane. It applies to all workers involved in the task, including riggers, crane operators, signal persons, and supervisors. This procedure covers the safe rigging and lifting of rebar bundles or individual rebar pieces using a tower crane on construction sites. It details pre-lift inspections, proper rigging techniques, communication protocols, and potential hazards associated with this activity.

2. Definitions

Qualified Rigger: A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate of professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to rigging rebar 8, 16.

Competent Person: Someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them .

Two-Blocking: A condition in which a component that is uppermost on the hoist line such as the load block, hook block, overhaul ball, or similar component, comes in contact with the boom tip, fixed upper block or similar component. This binds the system and continued application of power can cause failure of the hoist rope or other component .

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers involved in rigging rebar with a tower crane are adequately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks .
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss the SWP, potential hazards, and control measures .
Ensure that the tower crane and rigging equipment are inspected regularly and maintained in safe working condition 8, 15.
Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with this SWP and other relevant safety procedures.

3.2 Workers

Participate in pre-job briefings and understand the requirements of this SWP .
Inspect rigging equipment before use and report any defects to the supervisor .
Follow proper rigging techniques and ensure that loads are securely attached to the crane hook .
Use tag lines to control the movement of loads and prevent them from swinging or rotating .
Maintain clear communication with the crane operator and signal person throughout the lifting operation .

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Conduct regular site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to rigging rebar with a tower crane.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falling Objects	Injury to workers below, damage to equipment	Use proper rigging techniques, secure loads properly, use tag lines, establish a drop zone, and ensure workers wear hard hats 8, 16.
Crane Overload	Crane failure, dropped load, injury to workers	Ensure the load weight is within the crane's rated capacity, use load moment limiting devices, and avoid exceeding the crane's operational limits 6, 4.
Two-Blocking	Damage to crane, dropped load	Use anti-two-blocking devices or spotters, and clearly mark the cable to prevent over-travel .
Wind Conditions	Loss of control of the load, crane instability	Stop crane operations when wind velocity exceeds the manufacturer's specifications or those certified by a professional engineer .
Communication Breakdown	Miscommunication between the operator, rigger and signal person, leading to unsafe crane operation	Establish clear communication signals and protocols, use hands-free communication systems, and ensure all personnel understand the signals .
Unstable Ground Conditions	Crane tipping, dropped load	Inspect ground conditions for stability, use outriggers and stabilizers with proper blocking, and ensure the crane is level 11, 20.
Contact with Power Lines	Electrocution, equipment damage	Identify and avoid power lines, maintain safe clearance distances, and use a spotter to monitor proximity to power lines.
Improper Rigging	Dropped load, equipment damage, injury to workers	Use qualified riggers, inspect rigging equipment before use, and follow proper rigging techniques .
Falls from Height	Injury or death	Use fall protection systems when working at heights, including personal fall arrest systems and guardrails .

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE for the job.

Hard Hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
Safety Glasses - Protects eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards.
Gloves - Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and other injuries when handling rebar and rigging equipment.
Steel-Toed Boots - Protects feet from impacts and crushing injuries.
High-Visibility Clothing - Ensures workers are visible to crane operators and other personnel, especially in low-light conditions.
Fall Protection Harness - Required when working at heights above 10 feet on the tower crane .

Inspect all PPE before use for any signs of damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Ensure proper fit and use of PPE.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the proper equipment and tools for the job.

Tower Crane - Used to lift and move rebar bundles or individual pieces.
Rigging Hardware (Slings, Shackles, Hooks) - Used to connect the load to the crane hook. Ensure all rigging hardware is of appropriate size and capacity for the load .
Tag Lines - Used to control the movement of the load and prevent it from swinging or rotating .
Load Weight Indicator - Used to determine the weight of the load to ensure it is within the crane's capacity.
Communication Devices (Radios) - Used to maintain clear communication between the crane operator, signal person, and riggers .
Measuring Tape/Device - Used to measure the dimensions of the rebar bundles for weight calculation and rigging purposes.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use for any signs of damage or wear. Remove any defective equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers involved in rigging rebar with a tower crane must be trained and competent in their assigned tasks .
Crane operators must be certified and qualified to operate the specific type of tower crane being used.
Riggers must be qualified and experienced in rigging rebar loads .
Signal persons must be trained and qualified to provide signals to the crane operator .
Training must include fall protection, rigging techniques, crane operations, and emergency procedures .

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any rigging operation .
Discuss the SWP, potential hazards, and control measures.
Review the lift plan, including the load weight, rigging configuration, and travel path.
Identify roles and responsibilities of each worker involved in the operation.
Establish clear communication signals and protocols .
Address any questions or concerns raised by the workers.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for any hazards, such as obstructions, power lines, or unstable ground conditions .
Ensure that the ground is level and stable to support the crane and the load 11, 20.
Establish a clear drop zone and barricade the area to prevent unauthorized access.
Ensure adequate lighting is available, especially during night operations.
Check weather conditions, including wind speed and temperature, and stop operations if they exceed safe limits .

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Pre-Lift Inspection

Inspect the tower crane for any defects or malfunctions, including limit devices, brakes, and wire ropes 6, 8.
Verify that the crane is level and plumb, and that all safety devices are operational 6, 7.
Inspect all rigging equipment, including slings, shackles, and hooks, for any signs of damage or wear .
Ensure that the load weight is within the crane's rated capacity and that the rigging configuration is appropriate for the load 6, 16.

Step 2: Rigging the Load

Use proper rigging techniques to secure the rebar bundle or individual pieces to the crane hook .
Ensure that the load is balanced and stable before lifting.
Use slings of appropriate length and capacity to distribute the load evenly.
Protect synthetic slings from sharp edges or abrasive surfaces .
Use hooks with self-closing safety latches to prevent the load from slipping out of the hook .

Step 3: Lifting and Moving the Load

Use tag lines to control the movement of the load and prevent it from swinging or rotating .
Lift the load slowly and smoothly, avoiding sudden movements or jerks.
Maintain clear communication with the crane operator and signal person throughout the lifting operation .
Keep the load as low as possible to the ground during transit.
Avoid swinging the load over workers or equipment .
Ensure that no one is working directly below the suspended load, except for those hooking or unhooking the load 11, 16.

Step 4: Lowering and Unloading the Load

Lower the load slowly and smoothly to the designated drop zone.
Ensure that the load is properly supported before unhooking the rigging.
Use tag lines to control the load during unloading.
Inspect the rigging equipment after each lift for any signs of damage or wear .

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Load Limits: Never exceed the crane's rated capacity. Know the weight of the load and ensure it is within the crane's limits .
Weather Conditions: Monitor weather conditions and stop operations if wind speeds are too high or if there is lightning in the area .
Communication: Maintain clear and constant communication between the crane operator, signal person, and riggers .
Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions.
Equipment Inspection: Inspect all equipment before use and remove any defective equipment from service .
Qualified Personnel: Ensure that all workers are properly trained and qualified to perform their assigned tasks .
Fall Protection: Use fall protection systems when working at heights .
Emergency Procedures: Be familiar with emergency procedures and know how to respond in case of an accident.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop all work activities and assess the situation.
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Provide first aid to any injured workers.
Contact emergency services (911) if required.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Crane Failure: Immediately evacuate the area around the crane and contact a qualified technician to assess the damage.
Dropped Load: Clear the area and inspect the rigging and crane for any damage.
Electrical Contact: Stay away from the crane and any connected equipment and contact emergency services.
Medical Emergency: Provide first aid and contact emergency services.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Safety Officer Phone Number]
[Project Manager Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately.
Conduct a thorough investigation of all incidents to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence.
Implement corrective actions to address any identified hazards or deficiencies.

12. References and Related Documents

Occupational Health and Safety Code 1, 6, 9.
CSA Standard Z248-04, Code for Tower Cranes .
Manufacturer's specifications for the tower crane and rigging equipment.
[Company Safety Manual]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

Rigging rebar with Tower crane