Materials Handling - Rigging or Sling Hitches
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How should you use a vertical hitch?
Back to top- In most cases use more than one sling. A single rope sling load tends to rotate in a twisting action that unwinds cables causing them to weaken.
- Do not use for lifting loose materials, long or unbalanced loads.
How should you use a turning hitch?
Back to top- Use a doubled choker to turn loads.
- Place both sling eyes on top of the load pointing in the direction opposite to the direction of the turn. This sling will remain tight while the load is turning.
- Never use a basket hitch to turn a load.
How should you use choker hitches?
Back to topChoker hitch
- The sling tightens on a load as it is lifted.
- Do not use on loose bundles.
- Use choker hitches at 75% or less of rated sling capacity.
- Use slings that are long enough so that the choker hitch is effective and the "grip" is on the webbing.
Doubled choker hitch
- Provides more contact area to secure a load.
Double Wrap Choker Hitch
- This hitch compresses the load and prevents it from slipping out of the sling.
- Where overhead space is limited, a double wrapped choker hitch is acceptable.
How should you use basket hitches?
Back to topBasket hitches
- Provide relatively good control and eliminate the tendency of the load to twist, compared with a vertical hitch.
- Do not use basket hitches with a load that is difficult to balance.
Double basket hitches
- Balance loads by keeping slings apart.
- Prevent sling slippage by keeping the angle between the load and sling 60° or more.
Double Wrap Basket Hitches
- Provide more contact for handling loose material and pipe.
- Tend to draw the load together.
How should you use bridle hitches?
Back to topBridle hitches
- Are made of 2, 3 or 4 single leg hitches.
- Are used for hoisting an object that has lifting lugs or attachments.
- Position the hook over the centre of gravity of the load.
- Adjust sling leg lengths with turnbuckles to level raised load.
- Check each sling leg angle to ensure sling is not overloaded.
How does the angle of hoisting affects a sling load limit?
Back to top- The angle affects the working load limit. The smaller the angle, the less load a sling can carry.
- Fact sheet last revised: 2018-09-17