The Carolinas Crane Blog by Parker's Crane

A Concise Glossary of Rigging Terms

A Concise Glossary of Rigging Terms

The Queen City is always under construction. Home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Carolina Panthers, and Charlotte Hornets, Uptown has long attracted new residents as well as millions of tourists. However, neighborhoods like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, and South End have made lists of some of the coolest places to visit in the city. As one of the fastest-growing areas in the South, cranes have seemingly become part of the landscaping for the Charlotte area. 

For contractors researching crane rentals, there can be a lot of new terms to learn in order to determine what system is best for your project. Here is a brief glossary of rigging-related terms to help you get started with your research.

 

Terms About Rigging You Need To Know

Rigging can be used as a verb or a noun:

Rigging Verb/Noun 

  • Rigging (Noun): The equipment used to lift and move heavy loads. 
  • Rigging (Verb): Using special equipment to lift and move heavy loads.

Rigging is used to move objects of substantial size along job sites. If you have a major construction project requiring the relocation of heavy equipment and materials, you may end up renting rigging from an experienced company. 

Safety Standards and Governing Bodies

Safety should be the primary concern of any crane rental company. Here are a few safety terms with which you should familiarize yourself:

  • OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. You are probably already familiar with the OSHA federal guidelines for your industry. Of course, OSHA has standards for crane operation as well. 
  • ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. While making reference to OSHA, ASME typically releases more comprehensive standards. 
  • ANSI: American National Standards Institutes. ANSI provides standards for practices in almost every industry. They are a private organization. 
  • CCO: Certified Crane Operator. Crane operators are certified through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. 
  • MSHA: Mine Safety and Health Administration. This is vital for crane operators installing and moving heavy equipment for a mining operation. 

Rigging Hooks, Shackles, Eyebolts, and Other Parts

Here are some terms regarding rigging components it would be helpful to know while performing your research:

  • Rigging Hooks: Integral to the lifting process, these are heavy-duty steel hooks designed to minimize the risk of slippage. 
  • Rigging Shackles: These are used to connect rigging components and can have load capacities beyond 6,000 pounds. 
  • Eyebolts: Ranging in shape and size, these are used as anchors for loops made from ropes and cables. 
  • Wire Rope Hoist: Hoists for lifting the load that are typically lighter and smaller than chains. 
  • Monorail Beam: Supported by a single monorail, these beams are often used in smaller areas than bridge cranes. 
  • End Truck: These steel box girders have axles and wheels that allow overhead bridge cranes to move on their tracks.

Rigging Personnel 

The right rigging personnel are the key to a safe and efficient operation. 

  • Certified Operator: This is a person that meets the standards provided by OSHA for certification through something like the NCCCO. 
  • Qualified Personnel: Qualified personnel are those who have a recognized degree or certification for rigging. 
  • Signal Person: This person works with the rigger and CCO operators to provide support. 
  • Dismantling Crews: These people help safely break down the rigging once the job is complete. 

Rigging Operation and Load Terms

Knowing these terms will help you determine what kind of rigging is right for your project. 

  • Load Capacity or Working Load Limit (WLL): This will tell you how heavy a load the rigging equipment is rated to support. 
  • Load Test: This is a test performed to ensure the accuracy of the rigging's rated load capacity. 
  • Static Load: This refers to a load that has been lifted but is stationary. 
  • Shock Load: When a force is applied rapidly to a static load, the sudden movement or shifting will add to the overall weight of the static load. 
  • Axial Load: This is the entirety of a load's vertical on the structural support of the rigging. 
  • Lift Height: The highest vertical distance a hook, magnet, or bucket can operate safely. 
  • Center of Gravity (COG): The point where the load's weight is being dispersed evenly and the sides remain perfectly balanced. 

If you would like to know more about cranes and rigging, we are here to answer your questions. The team at Parker’s Crane has been serving the Carolinas with high-quality rigging and cranes for over forty years. We know all the ins and outs of rigging. Please contact us for more information and to get started renting the right equipment for your project. 

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