Procedure for Lifting & Rigging
Works
1 Purpose and scope
The objective of this procedure is to outline the requirements for managing and controlling
lifting and rigging operations during GSM projects. The purpose is to provide guidance
during the assessment of each equipment lifting and to aid in the safe execution of work.
This procedure applies to all operations involving manual lifting, cranes, lifting gear, hoists,
and forklifts. These need to be reviewed, assessed, and planned for applicability.
The information should be used in conjunction with the applicable regulations by
contractors, supervisors, operators, riggers, and others delivering or receiving instruction
in the basics of safe rigging and lifting.
2 Responsibility
2.1 Site Supervisor
• Ensure that all lifting operations are properly planned and executed, and that all
lifting equipment used on site is certified, in good condition and conforms to the
procedure.
• Ensure the crane operation team carry out their duties safely
• Carry out the assessment of the lifting operation to provide planning, selection of
cranes, lifting gear and equipment, instruction, and supervision as necessary for
the task to be done safely
• To ensure adequate inspection and maintenance of the equipment has been done
2.2 HSE Officer
• To ensure all workers involved in the lifting operations are competent and suitably
trained for the operations to be performed.
• To ensure all lifting appliances and gear is properly tested and certified, fit for the
intended use and are maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals
2.3 Contractors
• Bring to the attention of the HSE officer any item or equipment which needs
maintenance, or is overdue for test or inspection
• To ensure all persons involved in lifting operations are competent and suitably
trained for the operations to be performed
• To ensure all lifting appliances and gears and properly tested and certified, fit for
their intended purpose and are maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals.
2.4 Lifting operators
• Responsible for the correct operation of the crane in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions and safety training
• Respond to the signals from the banksman who should be clearly identified
• To ensure the crane is in good working condition by daily inspection
• To be familiar with the fire appliance on the crane and adequately trained in their
use
Document owner: Project Manager Doc Number:
Approved by: Bryan Carl D. Lascota Revision: 0 Revised date: 2025-04-03
Page 1 of 5
Procedure for Lifting & Rigging
Works
2.5 Riggers
• Responsible for attaching and detaching the load to and from the crane load lifting
attachment and for the use of the correct lifting gear and equipment in accordance
with the planning of the operation
• To ensure that adequate inspection and maintenance of the equipment has been
carried out.
2.6 Banksmen
• Responsible for relaying the correct and safe signals to the crane operator
• To direct the movement of the crane and load
3 Lifting and Rigging Hazards
Workers involved with lifting and rigging activities must be trained in both safety and
operating procedures. Lifting equipment shall be operated only by trained personnel.
A safe rigging operation requires the rigger to know:
• The weight of the load and rigging hardware
• The capacity of the lifting device
• The working load limit of the lifting rope, slings, and hardware
3.1 Elements that can affect lifting safety
• Working load limit not known- Do not assume. Know the working load limits of the
equipment being used. Never exceed these limits
• Defective components- Examine all hardware, ropes, and slings before use. Destroy
defective material
• Questionable equipment- Do not use equipment that is suspected to be unsafe or
unsuitable until it is suitably verified by the HSE Officer
• Hazardous wind conditions- Never carry out a lifting or rigging operation when
winds create hazards for workers, the general public, property, and the
environment. Assess load size and shape to determine whether wind conditions
may cause problems
• Weather conditions- When the visibility of riggers or lifting crew is impaired by
snow, fog, rain, dust or darkness, extra caution must be taken
• Electrical contact- An electrical path can be created when a part of the lift, load line,
or load comes into close proximity to an energized overhead powerline. When a
crane is operating near a live powerline and the load or any part of the lifting
operation could encroach on the minimum permitted distance, specific measures
described in the construction regulations must be taken.
4 General Safety in Rigging and Lifting
4.1 Safe Work Systems
The Operations Manager shall ensure that a safe system of work is laid down and
effectively communicated to all personnel involved in a lifting operation. It shall include
but not limited to:
Document owner: Project Manager Doc Number:
Approved by: Bryan Carl D. Lascota Revision: 0 Revised date: 2025-04-03
Page 2 of 5
Procedure for Lifting & Rigging
Works
• Planning of the operation, selection, provision and use of suitable cranes and
equipment
• Maintenance, testing and examination of all equipment
• Supervision by trained and competent team members, together with all necessary
authority to progress or stop a job, as necessary.
• The provision of all test certificates and other documentation relevant to the
equipment being used
• The prevention of unauthorized use or movement of equipment
• The safety of all personnel, those involved in the lift as well as those not involved in
the lift but who may be affected by the lifting operation
• Every crane operation shall be accompanied with a trained signaler to provide
clear and distinct signals to the crane operator. The signaler shall be clearly
identified
• The weight of the load is determined and not guessed
• Sling capacities and equipment are checked and confirmed as suitable for the load
to be lifted
• Sharp edges are padded to prevent damage and or cutting of the sling
• A preoperational check has been done to the crane and rigging equipment
• Any works that may interfere or divert the attention of the crane operator or
riggers is ceased
• Method of communication using hand signals and or radio contact has been agreed
• The crane operator shall only respond to signals from the identified banksman
• The load shall not be suspended over any person and the area over which the load
is suspended shall be checked and evacuated of all workers
• Watch for obstructions and overhead facilities such as power lines
4.2 Lifting of hazardous Material
The HSE Officer shall:
• Perform security check and conduct a visual inspection of the equipment prior to
use to ensure safe and effective operation
• Remove combustible materials and flammable products, ensuring that required
fire extinguishers are available and ready for use.
• Label the area with appropriate warning signs
• Comply to workplace regulations and ensure compliance to the Occupational
Health & Safety Act
• Ensure all staff on site wear the correct PPE for the work to be performed. This
includes, safety harnesses and belts, safety boots, eye and ear protection, face
masks, hard hats, protective overalls, and gloves
• Ensure use of correct manual lifting techniques. Where a back supporting belt,
keeping the back straight and using leg power when lifting objects from ground
level to protect self and others
4.3 Chains, Slings and Lifting Gear
All wire ropes, chains, slings etc. must be clearly marked with its Safe Working Load, color
coded as instructed by HSE Department.
All equipment used in lifting operations must be:
Document owner: Project Manager Doc Number:
Approved by: Bryan Carl D. Lascota Revision: 0 Revised date: 2025-04-03
Page 3 of 5
Procedure for Lifting & Rigging
Works
• Properly constructed and maintained
• Free of any defects or damage likely to affect its strength
• Securely attached to the load to be lifted
• Inspected by the HSE officer
4.3.1 Hooks
All crane hooks shall be in good working order and must be:
• Fitted with safety catches
• Marked with Safe Working Load
• Checked for cracks, bending or excessive wear
• Free from twisting sideways from the plane of the unbent hook
4.3.2 Slings
Slings must be:
• Free from abnormal wear
• Free from torn stitching
• Free from visible threads from the interior of the sling fabric
• Free from broken or cut fibers
• Free from discoloration or deterioration
• Free from heat damage
Slings shall be attached to the lifting appliance correctly by approved methods either by
securing the eye of the sling directly onto the hook or by use of a suitable shackle, fitted
with the crown of the shackle on the hook and the pin fully engaged.
4.3.3 Repaired, knotted ropes, slings, chains
Any rope, chain or sling which has been altered or repaired by welding or other works
must be examined and retested and a new certificate obtained before it can be used.
Knotted chains or ropes and those that have been shortened or joined by nuts and bolts
through the links shall not be used
4.3.4 Pre-Lift Reminders for Riggers
• Check the weather conditions before the lift. If the weather is extreme, postpone
the lift
• Make sure you have good communication in place with the lift equipment operator
• Check the area for power lines and other obstructions
• Wear a hard hat and sturdy work gloves when rigging
• Rig the load so that it will be lifted straight up, which will help prevent the load
from swinging
• Make sure your hands are clear of pinch points when the sling starts to tighten
around the load
• Watch carefully when the lift starts in case the load swings
• Be sure to stay out from under the load when it is being lifted and moved
• Use one or more tag lines to control the load
• Make sure the receiving area is firm, flat, and free from loose objects that could fly
up when the load is delivered.
Document owner: Project Manager Doc Number:
Approved by: Bryan Carl D. Lascota Revision: 0 Revised date: 2025-04-03
Page 4 of 5
Procedure for Lifting & Rigging
Works
• Guide the load onto the blocking so that it will not be dislodged
• Watch the placement of your feet when you receive the load
• Give the “STOP” signal immediately if something does not appear to be safe
Document owner: Project Manager Doc Number:
Approved by: Bryan Carl D. Lascota Revision: 0 Revised date: 2025-04-03
Page 5 of 5