Shipbreaking

Module 4: Heavy Equipment & Material Movement

4.2 Winch rig, Cables, Hooks, & ClampsSusan Harwood Grant Number SH-17820-08-60-F-23

Disclaimer

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This material was produced under grant number SH-17820-08-60-F-23 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Objectives

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Recognize the difference between slings, gear, and rigging

Describe inspection and documentation of gear

Describe winch operations and safety concerns

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Rigging and gear is just as important as the equipment itself.

6Figure 1 Crane moving section around the yard

Gear is the working part of the operations that constantly comes in contact with the material and hoist.

7Figure 2 Cargo boom and rigging on vessel

There should be a regular visual and documented inspection on all working gear and rigging.

8Figure 3 Block and with suspended load

Inspect synthetic and natural rope and slings for abrasions, wear, and cuts.

9Figure 4 Natural and synthetic rope

Knots can not replace splices and clamps must be designed for the application.

10Figure 5 Knots in the mooring line

Wire rope and slings become damaged by kinks, crushing, and overloading.

11Figure 6 Close up view of wire rope and corrosion

When putting eyes in wire rope check the chart to ensure that a sufficient number of clamps are used and facing properly.

12Figure 7 Crane moving rigging and slings into position

Common phase: “Never saddle a dead horse”

13Figure 8 Bridle properly made up during hoist

Remove wire rope from service if damage is observed from heat, deformity, or corrosion.

14Figure 9 Wire rope close up view of damage and corrosion

Hooks have to be replaced if the opening is more than 15 percent of the original diameter.

15Figure 10 Hook with proper mousing

Chains must be visually inspected prior to being used.

16Figure 11 Chain and shackles on pallets in the yard

Chains and slings must be thoroughly inspected every three months and tagged. Written documentation must be kept.

17Figure 12 Used wire rope being surveyed

Remove chains and slings if there is evidence of being stretched, kinked, bent or twisted in any fashion.

18Figure 13 Chains and rigging removed from the vessel

Do not shorten chain by means of bolting, wiring, or knotting.

19Figure 14 Chain shorted by use of screw pin shackles

Do not use any gear or rigging that is questionable. Report immediately to the supervisor.

20Figure 15 Three cranes and rigging suspended

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The winch is the work horse of the operation.

22Figure 16 Slip area near the winch

As the vessel is being lightened the winch continues pulling the vessel to the bank.

23Figure 17 Winch secured to the hull

Potential problems are centered around personnel getting crushed in the moving parts of the rigging.

24Figure 18 Workers performing hot work on the bow area

Failure of the rigging can severely injure or cause death by gear snapping back after failure.

25Figure 19 Head block aligned

When making the connection to the vessel ensure that workers have been briefed and minimize workers in the area.

26Figure 20 Close up view of attachment point

Watch overhead as the crane moves the rigging in place and that personnel have the appropriate PPE.

27Figure 21 View from the cargo hold to the winch area

The supervisor must carefully watch the operation and look for safety violations or problems with the rigging.

28Figure 22 Winch at the head of the slip

Prior to operating the winch check the rigging for alignment, proper connections, and personnel are clear of the area.

29Figure 23 Cables are aligned with the winch and block

During hauling in watch the rigging from a safe distance, for overloading or problems.

30Figure 24 Rigging in alignment and under static load

After the operation is completed block the rigging in place and secure the winch.

31Figure 25 Winch secured with brake applied

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References

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Worker safety is a priority