4 Tips for Buying the Right Rigging & Lifting Equipment
If you work in the rigging and lifting industry, you know that, when lives are on the line, close is never close enough. Safety measures, procedures, and equipment specs must be spot-on. Maintaining a safe job site starts with having the proper equipment for the job. But with thousands of different rigging products, each with its own distinct characteristics, capabilities, and reputation, many operators struggle to choose the correct rigging and lifting equipment for the job. Here are the 4 considerations when deciding which rigging and lifting products are best for your particular job.
1. Assess What You're Lifting
To start, assess the object or objects you need to lift or rig up. Does the object have sharp corners? Where is the center of gravity in your load? How much lifting space do you have? Asking these questions first will help to narrow down the potential rigging gear you can safely and effectively use for the job.
2. Know Your Load Limit
Working load limit is the maximum weight that can safely be applied to a given piece of rigging equipment. It's different for each piece of equipment, so be sure to pay close attention to this when selecting your rigging and lifting gear. Just one weak area puts the entire operation at risk. Check the weight of your load first, then ensure that you only buy equipment that is rated for that weight or more.
3. Consider Temperature & Environment
In applications that experience extremely high or low temperatures, certain equipment may not operate properly. For example, if you're working in a high-heat environment, you will want to use wire rope with an independent wire rope core (IWRC) instead of a fiber core (FC). Also, consider the worksite environment. If saltwater is a factor, buy stainless steel rigging gear to prevent corrosion.
4. Opt for Quality
Strength and durability are a top priority in rigging and lifting gear. To avoid accidents and equipment failure, ensure that you're purchasing high-quality rigging equipment from trustworthy sources. It may not always be the most affordable choice, but it will be the smartest choice in the long run. The importance of buying the right equipment is clear when you consider the stakes of lifting and handling heavy loads. Don't guess. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate the job at hand before buying.
When you buy rigging and lifting supplies, check all the manufacturer specifications and ask questions if you're unsure.
USCC has a team of dedicated product consultants who are a phone call away. If you have product questions or would like to place an order over the phone instead of on our website, call them at 866-444-9990.