Lifting Operations Handbook

Level: 1B
Classification: Lifting Operations Handbook

Manual Number: HQS-HSE-HB-01
Issue Number: 01
Revision Number: 02
Revision Date: January 18, 2013
Transocean
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INTRODUCTION
REFERENCES
DEFINITIONS
GENERAL
• Crane Operations
• Tugger Operations
• Other Lifting Appliances
• Banksman and Rigger
• Manriding
• Personnel Transfers
INSPECTIONS
• Lifting Gear Inspections
• Wire Rope Basic Inspection
RISK ASSESSMENT
• THINK and Lift Plans
RIGGING AND SLINGING

• Rigging and Slinging Basics
• Lifting Gear
• Unsafe Actions and Unsafe
Conditions
ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF
REVISION DATE: July 1, 2011 1 2
The information contained in this Handbook was
compiled from sources believed to be reliable. It
should not be assumed that this material covers all
regulations and standards used in our industry. The
author cannot guarantee correctness or
completeness and accepts no responsibility in the
use or misuse of this information.

INTRODUCTION
Mechanical lifting operations are potentially

hazardous due to significant amounts of
potential energy and interface man/equipment
present during these operations. Many incidents
still occur in our industry when some basic
elements for safe lifting operations are forgotten,
neglected or overlooked.
Mechanical lifting operations can be safely

performed, if properly planned, monitored and
executed in accordance with the Health and
Safety Policies & Requirements and local
regulatory requirements. Training and
competence are key ingredients for safe
mechanical lifting operations. This Handbook
aims to highlight basic recommended practices
that, if taken seriously will enable us to prevent
serious incidents and to achieve our Safety
Vision of an incident free workplace, all the time,
everywhere.
Analysis of related incidents, have proven that

the major causes for these events are:
• Poor risk management and job planning
• Competence
• Maintenance
• Job monitoring, job interruption and
management of change
• Poor communication
These are the main issues where we need to

focus and concentrate our efforts. No new
policies or new procedures are needed, just
your attention and your personal commitment to
be always vigilant and diligent.

We will be counting on you to:
• Plan the operation, identify and control all
hazards associated
• Make sure that all personnel involved in
any operation are competent and have
the required level of training and
certification
• Perform the maintenance you are
responsible for meeting and the required
Transocean standards
• Not use unsafe, substandard, or non-
inspected equipment, removing it from
service and informing the responsible
supervisor
• Monitor the operation and identify any
deviations, unsafe actions or conditions,
stopping the operation and
communicating to personnel involved.
Highlight all lessons learned.
• Communicate clearly, openly and via the
proper and agreed means during any
mechanical lifting operation
OUR POLICY
• Lifting operations will be conducted by
competent and approved personnel.
• A system must be in place to ensure
equipment is suitable and in safe
condition prior to use.
We hope you will find this handbook useful and

that it will assist you and your teams in finding
solutions to the various mechanical lifting
operations we perform on a daily basis. The
handbook does not contain the solution for every
challenge, but it contains the process and the key
issues that must be primarily looked into.

REFERENCES
• API Standards RP 2D Offshore Pedestal
Cranes
• ASME B30.16 Overhead Hoists
(Underhung)
• ISO Standard 4309 Crane Wire Ropes
Code for Examination and Discard
• ISO Standard 3874: 1997 Freight
Containers, Handling and Securing
• Transocean Health and Safety Policies
and Requirements HQS-HS-PP-01
• Transocean HSE Alerts 46-59-65-66-79-
85-87-89
• UK Step Change in Safety
Recommended Practices
• Wire Rope User Manual 3rd Edition
• Jeff Bishop, President of Bishop Lifting

DEFINITIONS
Abrasion - Surface wear on the wires of a wire

rope.
API – American Petroleum Institute
Approved - Met company standard
ASME – American Society of Mechanical

Engineers
Banksman - Individual that is clearly identifiable

and has a shared responsibility for ensuring safe
lift-off and lay down of the load. In addition,
controls the lifting operation during a blind lift.
Blind Lift - A lifting operation where the Crane

Operator is unable to see the load being lifted or
lowered and relies on radio or hand signals
provided by the Banksman.
Breaking Strength (wire rope) - The measured

load required to break wire rope in tension.
CCU - Cargo Carrying Unit – any equipment used

to contain or transfer a load. Examples are:
containers, baskets, gas bottle racks, personnel
transfer baskets, waste skips, and so on.
Certification - The proof (usually some kind of

paperwork) of being certified.
Certified - Documented as having passed a

defined examination.
Company - Transocean Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Competent - Able to perform specified tasks to a
defined standard.
EC - European Community
ISO - International Standards Organization
IWRC Independent Wire Core Rope - Wire rope

used as a core of a larger rope.
Lang Lay rope - Wire rope in which the wires in

the strands and the strands in the ropes are laid in
the same direction.
LEFT-HAND ordinary lay - wires spiral to the

right and strands to the left.
Licensed - Holding a current/valid license to do or

own a specific thing.
Lift Plan - Following Risk Assessment a formal,

written document is created to detail the method to
be employed to undertake the lifting operation –
this should identify personnel and equipment
required and how the lift will be carried out.
Lifting Appliances - Any mechanical device that

is capable of raising or lowering a load (for
example, crane, chain block, pull lift, winch,
drawworks, etc.).
Lifting Equipment - includes lifting gear and lifting

appliances as described above.
Lifting Gear - Any equipment that is used or

designed to be used directly or indirectly to
connect a load to a lifting appliance. Examples of
lifting gear are shackles, slings, wire rope, hook,
plate clamp, scissor clamp, eyebolt, lifting beam,
bushing puller, lifting caps.

Likelihood - The chance a hazard could lead to
an incident.
Load Test - An inspection pull-test to a pre-

determined level and re-inspection of a piece of
equipment.
Manriding - The moving (particularly lifting or

lowering) of a person via powered, mechanical
means, often with a crane or winch. Only done
when other (safer) means are not practicable;
requires special training and safety precautions.
Non-Rotating wire rope - 18x7 wire rope

consisting of a 6x7 left lang lay inner rope covered
by twelve 7-wire strands right lay regular lay.
Preformed Wire Rope - wire rope in which the

strands are permanently shaped, before
fabrication into the rope, to the helical form they
assume in the wire rope.
RIGHT-HAND ordinary lay - wires spiral to the

left and strands to the right.
Safe Working Load - means the maximum gross

weight that cargo handling equipment is approved
to lift.
Safety Factor - The Safety Factor is the value by

which the load required to break the rope is
divided to derive the Safe Working Load – in the
offshore industry a Safety Factor of 5 is normally
used. A rope with a Minimum Breaking Load of
100 tons would have a Safe Working Load of 20
tons.
Tag Line - A rope or other line attached to a

suspended load (usually on the bottom) which
helps steady the load and, when grasped by a

crew member, allows the crew member to prevent
rotation and to assist in guiding the load.
Tirfor - British word for a “come-along:” a hand-

cranked winch used to move/lift heavy items in
small increments, or stretch wire.
Trained - Proficient, through specialized

instruction and practice. Successful completion of
training (often with testing to prove competence)
sometimes results in certification.
Working Load Limit WLL - the maximum load

that an item can lift in a particular configuration or
application.

GENERAL
The general practices described in this section,

are detailed in the Health and Safety Manual
Section 2.12. Some procedures have been
reproduced in this handbook with additional
safeguards and information. The purpose of this
Handbook is not to replace the information
found in the Health and Safety Manual, but only
to complement and provide best known
practices. Listed below are some basic
principles that must be followed at all times.
• Any person using lifting equipment must
be trained on its use and have the
working knowledge of its capabilities and
potential defects related to use.
• Defective equipment must not be used.
• Equipment will be periodically inspected
at least every 12 months by a competent
person and color coded.
• Equipment will be inspected frequently
and prior to use.
• Equipment must be identified and display
as a minimum: ID number, SWL and valid
color code.
• Operational and design limits for any
lifting equipment must be followed.
• Only certified equipment will be used.
• Natural or manmade fiber rope must not
be used for lifting purposes.
• Chains must not be used for lifting
purposes with the exception of bushing
pullers, manual and powered chain
hoists.
• Padeye construction, installation, testing
and certification, will follow procedures
laid out in Maintenance Equipment
Standard HQS-OPS-EST-674-01.
CRANE OPERATIONS
• Crane operations will only be carried out
by competent, trained, certified and
authorized personnel.
• Crane operations will be risk assessed
and risks reduced. Factors to be
considered can be found in the risk
assessment section.
• Operating limits of lifting equipment (static
and dynamic loading), will never be
exceeded.
• Will be executed using reliable and
recommended means of communications.
CRANE EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Cranes must be fitted with a minimum of:

• Communication systems that must allow:
1. Attracting of personnel's attention (for
example, a horn)
2. Verbal communication to personnel
(for example, loudspeaker system)
3. Two-way radio communication (for
example, VHF radio communication to
communicate with deck crew, supply
boats and control room)
4. Hands free operation
• Load and radius charts
• Radius indicator
• An over-boom limit switch
• An under-boom limit switch
• Anti-two-block limit on the main line and
fast line
• A load watcher giving a continuous
indication of the hook load and rated load
for each radius. The indicator must give a
clear and continuous warning when
approaching the rated capacity of the
crane
• A portable fire extinguisher suitable for
class A, B, and C fires
• Operating controls clearly labeled as to
function (in English and the predominant
local language) and the label visible to the
operator during all hours, day or night
• Emergency stop device (ESD)
• Crane collision checklist
Routine maintenance of cranes must be
performed in accordance with the Rig
Maintenance System (RMS). A crane log book
must be maintained by the Crane Operator and
include as a minimum:
• Record of maintenance performed
• Wire rope installation dates
• Safety device inspection dates
• Certificate and reel number of wire
currently in use
MOBILE CRANES
Mobile cranes may be used

on company facilities, when
this occurs the same criteria
above should apply;
additional safeguards are:
• Cranes will carry their logbook or records
of recommended maintenance.
• The crane is set on reasonably level, well
compacted and stable ground. Timbers or
outrigger pads must be used if necessary.
• Outriggers are fully extended. If that
cannot be achieved, limited safe
operating capacity must be known and
applied.
• Cranes will not be allowed to move with
outriggers extended.
• Exclusion zones established and
indicated, for example: Load path,
counterweight slewing area.
• Communication protocols discussed,
hand signals agreed.
• Identification of power lines or any other
overhead obstruction.
CRANE OPERATORS
Are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the correct rigging
arrangements are used on all crane lifts.
• Performing periodic inspections and most
of the frequent inspections.
• Understanding and using the Company’s
approved hand signals or appropriate
radio communication and only receives
instructions from the Banksman. He must
interrupt operations if he cannot see the
Banksman or receives hand signals from
more than one person. The crane boom
camera will not be used for purpose of
maintaining visual contact with the
banksman’s signals.
• Verifying the weight of each load before
proceeding with offload and backload to
supply vessels by:
1. Reviewing Cargo Manifest
2. Communicating with supply vessel or
supervisor on deck to verify the load
being lifted
3. When initially lifting the load monitor
weight indicator to verify weight of load
is as expected, if not the load is to be
lowered and landed immediately
• Supervising the Assistant Crane
Operators and Roustabouts.
• Mentoring, training and developing
deck crew members to ensure they are
competent at work and preparing them
for their next level.
• Not simultaneously using the main
hoist and whipline on the same lift.

CRANE SIGNALS
HOIST LOWER
With forearm vertical, With arm extended
forefinger pointing up, downward, forefinger
move hand in small pointing down, move hand in
horizontal circles. small horizontal circles.
RAISE BOOM LOWER BOOM

Arm extended, fingers Arm extended, fingers
closed thumb pointing closed, thumb pointing
upward. downward.
USE MAIN HOIST USE WHIP LINE
Tap fist on head, then use Tap elbow with one hand.
regular signals.
SWING LEFT SWING RIGHT

Arm extended, forefinger Arm extended, forefinger
pointing at the direction. pointing at the direction.

RAISE BOOM & LOWER BOOM &
LOWER LOAD RAISE LOAD
One hand thumb up, One hand thumb down,
open and close hand. open and close hand.
STOP EMERGENCY STOP

One raised fist. Two fists raised.
RETRACT BOOM EXTEND BOOM
Both fists in front of the Both fists in front of the body

body with thumbs with thumbs pointing
pointing to each other. outward. One hand signal
One signal may be used. may be used.
MOVE SLOWLY
Use one hand to given Crane Signals Board should
any signal and place the be available at the deck
other hand motionless in area.
the front of the hand
giving the motion signal.
NOTE: Extending and retracting boom hand signals used for mobile
cranes are also applicable for knuckle boom cranes.

TUGGER WINCHES – General Use
• All tugger winches must be maintained in
good working order and ready for immediate
use. Any defects must be reported
immediately.
• A ball valve must be fitted on the supply line
adjacent to each tugger winch to allow rapid
shutdown.
• A spooling guide must be fitted to all tugger
winches; this guide must be used to avoid
damage to the wire and to hands.
• The working end of a tugger wire must be
color-coded the same as the tugger.
• The working end of tugger winch wires must
not be wrapped around equipment for hoisting
or pulling.
• When required, slings and snatch blocks must
be correctly used to avoid damaging the
tugger wires.
• Rig floor tugger lines used for picking up and
laying down tubulars must be equipped with a
shackle and ball bearing swivel of adequate
SWL.
• Hooks must not be used on tuggers for lifting
purposes with the exception of:
• Removal and installation of diverter packer
element
• Riser handling tool
• Handling of towing wires
• Installation of TIW (surface safety) valves
• Specific tasks determined by the OIM and
instances where a Permit to Work will be
required.

TUGGER WINCH LIFTING OPERATION - Before
Use
The following checks should be made before using
any tugger winch:
• There is enough wire on the drum. (Always
leave a minimum of five wraps on the winch
drum.)
• The wire is evenly and tightly spooled with no
apparent defects or damage. Winch drum
guards are in place.
• Control levers are clearly marked “Up” and
“Down.” Tugger brake is operational and hoist
controls return to neutral when released.
• Load weight is within the SWL of the tugger.
• Lift plan for a simple or complex/specialized
lifting operation has been performed and
reviewed.
•
TUGGER WINCH LIFTING OPERATION - During
Use
Only trained and authorized personnel may operate
tugger winches (Refer to Section 4.1) and must
ensure the following is adhered to:
• Personnel are standing clear of all wire, ropes
and moving equipment.
• Direct full attention to the lifting operation.
• Maintain clear visual contact with the lifting
operation. If this is not practicable, a
banksman must be deployed.
• Stand on the correct side of the tugger when
operating the controls.
• Never leave the winch running unattended.
• Never touch the wire by hand.

BOP CRANES, BOP HANDLERS, PIPE
HANDLING CRANES, GANTRY CRANES AND
OVERHEAD TROLLEY/BEAM MOUNTED
CRANES
• Only competent and trained operators who
have been authorized may operate BOP
cranes, BOP handlers, pipe handling cranes,
gantry cranes, and overhead trolley/beam
mounted cranes.
• Cranes which operate on rails located at deck
level (main deck or elevated level) must have
an audible and visual warnings to alert
everyone in the area when the crane is
travelling.
• All overhead crane operations must have a
designated operator. The operator will not be
involved in material handling/ positioning of
loads while operating the crane.
• All overhead crane operations must have a
designated operator. The operator will not be
involved in material handling/positioning of
loads while operating the crane.
• If material handling/positioning is required, tag
lines must be used and other Hands Free
equipment must be considered.
• All cranes must be fitted with an emergency
stop device (ESD) accessible by personnel in
the area.
• Where collision or drop hazards exists, safety
switches or interlocking mechanisms must be
in place and fully operational.

BANKSMAN
The Banksman’s primary responsibility is

to maintain a general view of the lifting
operation, to ensure it is carried out safely and as
planned. He must look after the safety of the
involved crew members and nearby personnel.
Some important points are:
• The Banksman will have no other duties while
so assigned.
• The Banksman must not become involved in
physically handling lifts. The Crane Operator
must interrupt the operation immediately if this
occurs.
• The banksman must be easily identified, for
example wearing a colored vest.
• The designated banksman shall not be both
banksman and rigger.
The banksman is in charge of the lift to ensure the
following:
• Confirm that the area around the load to be
lifted is clear and the load is not attached to
the deck, transportation cradle, or adjacent
equipment.
• Be aware of any obstructions within the
crane’s radius and working area.
• Be aware of potential snagging points in the
vicinity of the load and while hoisting and
lowering loads.
• Ensure that tag lines in use are not secured or
tied off to adjacent equipment or structures.
Only personnel that have successfully completed a
Company approved rigging practices course and the
Banksman/Slinger OJT may be assigned as a
banksman.

RIGGER
• Ensure slings are not wrapped around sharp
edges, or shortened using knots or
incompatible with load and hooking point.
• Inspects load for potential dropped objects.
• Stand clear while a load is lifted, landed, while
slack is taken up.
• Control the load in the air using tag lines
where appropriate.
• Never attempts to manually stop a swinging
load.
• Keep uninvolved personnel clear of the
suspended load.

MANRIDING
In an effort to reduce Manriding related incidents,

some of them with catastrophic results, you will find
below important guidance that you must comply with
to perform safe manriding operations. We would like
to remind you, that all alternative methods must be
considered prior to manriding.
Ultimately, manriding operations should be

engineered out of the job and the alternative
methods used.
Manriding is defined as raising/lowering a person

that is wearing a Company approved full body
harness that is directly connected to a hoist.
A Company approved full body harness connected

with a triple action carabineer to the hoist wire must
be used.
Manriding operations will only be allowed when the

procedure is controlled by use of a Written Risk
Assessment and the Manriding Checklist.
Manriding in the Derrick while the drill string is

turning, the blocks are moving or the compensator
stroking is not permitted.
A department supervisor or the OIM must actively

be involved in the operation throughout and approve
the Written Risk Assessment.

RISK ASSESSMENT MANRIDING OPERATIONS
A Written Risk Assessment must be approved by

the department supervisor (OIM/Toolpusher if in the
derrick) before beginning any manriding operations.
Depending on the planned operation, a Permit to
Work may be required. If any changes occur, the
work should be interrupted and the Written Risk
Assessment revised. As a minimum, the Written
Risk Assessment must include:
• Consideration of a contingency
rescue/recovery plan
• Counter balancing effects of the winch wire
• Work that might interfere with the manriding
operation must be suspended.
• Weather and lighting conditions have been
assessed
• Everyone involved in manriding operations
must have successfully completed Company
approved manriding awareness training and a
practical exercise using installation specific
equipment.
• All winches used for manriding must be
designed for manriding and be inherently safe
(that is, no clutch mechanism and no
possibility for the winch to go into
freewheeling mode).
• Agree and review communication methods
and equipment.

MANRIDING WINCH
All winches used for

manriding must be
designed for manriding and
be inherently safe.
General-use winches may not be used for hoisting

personnel unless also designed and approved by
manufacturer for manriding.
All winches used for manriding (both dedicated and

general use/manrider approved) must have the
following features, as a minimum:
• Manufacturer label indicating operational
parameters and approval for manriding.
• A sign affixed to winch clearly indicating
suitability for manriding (for example,
“SUITABLE FOR MANRIDING”.)
• There must not be a clutch mechanism or a
possibility for the tugger to freewheel.
• The winch operating lever must automatically
return to neutral when released.
• An automatic brake that will engage upon
returning the operating lever to neutral or on
loss of power.
• A secondary braking system for the wire drum
that functions in the event the automatic brake
fails or does not engage. This brake may be
automated or manual.
• A guide for spooling the wire rope onto the
drum.
• Have an OEM approved procedure, or be
supplied from an air pressure vessel or
hydraulic accumulator bank with sufficient
reserve capacity available, to lower the rider in

a controlled manner in the event of the loss of
main rig power.
• An emergency shut off valve to isolate air or
hydraulic power to the winch, located within
the winch operator's reach.
• Air or hydraulic supply to hoist must be
regulated to the manufacturer’s recommended
pressure.
• Non-rotating wire must be used on dedicated
manrider winches.
• Fitted with drum guards and control levers that
are clearly marked "Up" and "Down."
Wire rope clips or grips must not be used on manriding
equipment.

DURING MANRIDING OPERATIONS
• During manriding operations, care
must be exercised to ensure that
the person being lifted is not put at
risk of being jammed under any
obstructions.
• The Company does not mandate
the use of secondary fall protection during
manriding operations. However, all client and
regulatory requirements must be complied
with.
• Hand signals must be used as the primary
means of communication for all manriding
operations. If, at any time, hand signals
cannot be used as the primary means of
communication, the Written Risk Assessment
for manriding must be reviewed and further
risk assessment performed. Following this
review the department supervisor must re-
approve the Written Risk Assessment.

If the tugger operator cannot maintain a clear view
of the manrider, the operation will require a
minimum of three trained and competent personnel:
a winch operator, a person suspended in the
manriding harness, and a dedicated person whose
sole duties are to watch the person in the riding
harness and signal the winch operator using
appropriate hand signals. Radios may be used only
as a means of communication for conveying
information concerning the task, not for signaling the
winch operator.
Manriding underneath the drill floor in the moonpool

or cellar deck area using a winch from the drill floor
is prohibited.

Controls must be in place to prevent the risk of any
objects being dropped. All tools and equipment
carried aloft must be tied off at all times with
Company approved DROPS equipment.
• No other equipment may be lifted,
simultaneously, utilizing the same hoist.
All air tuggers must be operated according to the

manufacturer's instructions and fitted with drum
guards and control levers that are clearly marked
“Up and Down”.
The winch operator must not leave the controls at

any time during a manriding operation.
Personnel must not ride on a crane's hook, sling or

load.
A person other than the one being lifted must

visually inspect the harness for proper fitting and
safe attachment to the lifting wire before manriding.
OTHER LIFTING EQUIPMENT USED FOR

LIFTING PERSONS
• Due to the risk of personal injury during lifting

of personnel, lifting equipment used for lifting
personnel must be certified for the purpose.
• During the Risk Assessment stage of all tasks,
where the lifting of personnel is required,
controls must be utilized to reduce the
likelihood of an incident occurring from people
being crushed, trapped or struck or falling
from the equipment. “Rescue from Heights”
must be part of the Written Risk Assessment
when lifting of personnel is involved.
• Personnel being lifted must utilize fall
protection. The use of fall protection
equipment is not a requirement when utilizing

a totally enclosed elevator in the derrick,
column, accommodation, and so on.
• If access doors are fitted to the carrier they
should not open outwards and should be fitted
with a device to prevent inadvertent opening.
• A means of rescue must be available on the
installation in the event of loss of power or
malfunction of the lifting equipment.
USE OF PERSONNEL TRANSFER BASKET

• A Permit to Work and a documented Lift plan
is required for all personnel transfers.
• Life jackets must be worn during transfers.
Work vests are not allowed.
• A tag line must be used on all personnel
transfer devices.
Transfers will have to be approved by OIM or
designee, after risk assessing:
• Natural light conditions
• The wind
• Sea Conditions
• Motion of the installation relative to the boat
• Available landing area on the boat deck
• Experience of the personnel

Transfers will be done only using Company
approved devices and these are:
Billy Pugh
Frog
Personnel Basket
• The number of personnel on the basket or

Frog at any time must not exceed the
manufacturer’s maximum specified.
• Landing areas at both ends of the transfer
must be adequately sized and illuminated.
• Radio communications must be established
and maintained between the Installation and
boat/quayside.
• A tag line must be used on the personnel
basket.
• Any person sick, suffering vertigo or injured
must not be allowed to ride the basket, unless
placed inside and escorted by an experienced
crewmember.
• No cargo except personal luggage may be
transferred with the personnel basket.
Luggage must be placed in the middle of the
basket and cannot be held by personnel
during transfer.
• The basket must be kept over water as much
as possible during the transfer.
• One transfer basket must be available for use
at all times. The basket must be regularly
inspected, certified and recorded in the lifting
gear register, in addition to being visually
inspected immediately prior to each use.
• The standby boat, if available, must be in
close proximity to the installation until the
transfer operation is complete.
• Prior to boarding a personnel basket,
personnel must receive instruction in the
proper use of the basket.
STABBING BOARD
See Work Platforms, HS Manual Section 2.14.

SCISSOR LIFTS / BOOM SUPPORTED WORK
BASKETS
Personnel utilizing scissor lifts and boom

supported work baskets must be trained
in their safe operation. There must be a
standby man at the worksite to monitor
operations and they must be in constant verbal and
visual contact of the personnel operating the
equipment.
Controls must be used to prevent the scissor lift or

boom supported work basket from being struck by
other lifting equipment or load.
Scissor lifts and boom supported work baskets must

be fitted with an emergency stop at the control
points. These stops must be easily reached and
actuated.
Scissor lifts must not be moved while in the elevated

position.
Scissor lifts must be stabilized and located on a

solid, level foundation to prevent them from rocking
or moving due to weather conditions and/or vessel
motion.
Risks to assess as part of the THINK process

before and while monitoring the task include but are
not limited to the following:
• Electric shock – contact between lifting
equipment and electrical wiring
• Caught between – piping, beams, overhead
walkways, cables, and so on
• Tip over – inadequate stabilization, equipment
failure, struck by external force, exceeding
rated capacity of equipment

• Falls – thrown from basket by lift striking
against fixed structure or struck by, personnel
overreaching from basket
• Struck by – dropped objects
• Dynamic loading – dynamic loads are a
function of environmental forces (wind) and
vessel specific motions (waves)
TUGGER AND CRANE HOISTED WORK

BASKETS
When utilizing a work basket, the total weight of the

basket, equipment and personnel must be
determined to ensure the safe working load of the
lifting appliance is not exceeded.
Grab rails must be fitted inside the basket to prevent

personnel exposing their hands to caught
between/crush points.
Personnel riding in the basket must use fall

protection unless working over the water.
Consideration should be given to utilizing a tie off
point independent of the basket.
SPIDER BASKETS
When utilizing a spider basket, the total weight of

the basket, equipment and personnel must be
determined to ensure the safe working load of the
lifting appliance is not exceeded.
Personnel riding in the basket must use fall

protection.

FORKLIFT
The following rules will apply to

personnel who are involved in
Forklift operations:
• Only competent and authorized personnel will
operate forklifts
• Ensure that you perform all your checks
before starting the engine
• Know your loads and never exceed maximal
capacity
• Seat belt must be worn
• Warn others of your intentions
• Never drive with load high
• Drive with forks down at lowest practical
position
• When loaded, drive backward when going
down ramps
• Never walk under the forks
• Do not leave a running forklift unattended
• Never pass your arms through the mast to
reposition a load that has shifted
• Be aware of rear swing, watch for personnel
and equipment
• Drive at moderate speed
• Never try to jump off the cage if the forklift rolls
over
• Park with forks down, engines off, key off

INSPECTIONS
During normal use wires degrade and lose

strength, regardless of the application. Other
lifting equipment may get damaged due to
improper use, storage and lack of maintenance.
Failing to implement and execute a proper
inspection program, can lead to dangerous
events, with the potential to cause serious
injuries, fatalities and loss of performance.
INSPECTIONS CAN BE CLASSIFIED IN TWO

CATEGORIES:
• Frequent – (prior to shift or use) visual
checks are aimed at discovering potential
problems and damage to equipment prior
to its use.
• Periodic – Normally mandated by
regulatory agencies and require a more
stringent approach to specific details and
record keeping. These have usually been
integrated to the Company’s preventive
maintenance system. As the objective of
this handbook is not to supersede or
reproduce the large number of individual
requirements, we will focus on the
frequent inspections.
In general all lifting gear must have:
Label, plate or stamped

N. 1688
number that identifies at SWL 3Ton
least the equipment SWL,
ID number and color code.
NO ID, SWL OR COLOR CODE. DON’T

USE IT.

CHAIN
Visually examine chain for:
• Cracks
• Security of load pins
• Corrosion
• Chemical contamination
• Heat damage
• Function of safety latches
• Weld splatter
• Distorted, elongated, twisted links
• Wear
WEB OR FIBER SLINGS
Visually examine sling along it’s entire length

and check for:
• Holes, cuts or tears

• Excessive abrasion
• Heat damage
• Knots
• Sunlight damage (UV)
• Burn markings
• Ingress of foreign bodies into fibers
• Distortion/wear in metal eyes
• Broken stitches
• Chemical contamination or damage
When checking round slings, if any cuts are

found in the outer protective cover, the sling
should be condemned as the inner strength
core may be damaged.
All web slings must be discarded after one year

in service with the exception of special
application slings.

SHACKLES
• Remove shackle pin and examine for
wear, deformation and cracking.
• Ensure it is the correct pin for the
shackle, not a high tensile pin in an alloy
shackle or that a missing pin has been
replaced by a structural bolt.
• Check pin threads for wear or
deformation.
• Check alignment of pin holes and ensure
the pin fits correctly.
• Examine shackle body and check for
wear, deformation and cracking.
• In the case of safety pin shackles,
remember to fit split pins after fitting of
correct nut.
Note that stamping should be on the low stress

area of shackle.
EYEBOLTS / EYENUTS
• Ensure threads are clean, check for wear,
stretch or impact damage. The threads
must be complete (no broken threads)
and full (no flats on top). The thread
should be concentric and fit neatly into
the appropriate nut or onto the
appropriate bolt.
• Check shank of eyebolt for squareness
against collar and check root of shank for
cracks.
• Check squareness of screwed hole in
eyenut against shoulder.
• Examine the body of the eyebolt / nut for
wear, stretch, distortion or cracks.

WIRE ROPE SLINGS
Galvanized slings are preferred.
Examine each sling or leg for:
Wear Corrosion Abrasion

Kinking Crushing Core
protrusion
Broken Strand Chemical
wires displacement contamination
• Ferrules should be free from cracks or

other deformities
• Thimble, if fitted check for correct fitting,
snagging damage and elongation.
(Stretched thimbles / eyes could indicate
overload).
• Examine wire rope around thimbles as it
is often abraded due to sling being
dragged over rough surfaces.
• Master link, if fitted, check for wear,
distortion, corrosion and cracking.
• Hooks if fitted, check for wear, corrosion
and cracking and ensure safety latches
function properly.
• Shackles - check that they are adequately
sized.
• The broken wire general rejection criteria
is to reject wire rope with ten or more
randomly distributed wires in one rope lay
or five or more broken wires in one strand
in one rope lay.
• Remember: No ID, SWL or Color Code –

Don’t Use It.
• Remember: Transit slings must not be
used on board for normal operations,
they must be segregated.
CHAIN HOISTS
• Safety latches are fitted and working
properly.
• No stretched hooks, cracked casing,
stretched / distorted chain.
• In multi-fall hoists, there are no twists in
the chain. (Usually caused by bottom
block flipping over).
• The ratchet sounds crisp and mechanism
moves freely when spinning the hand
chain.
TUGGER WINCHES
• Ensure that there is enough wire in the
drum (At least 5 wraps in the drum).
• The wire is in good condition and evenly
spooled.
• Drum guards are in place.
• Control levers are clearly marked “Up”
and “Down”.
• Identify the location of the ball valve and
ensure it works.
WIRE ROPE INSPECTION AND

REPLACEMENT
In this section we will highlight some basic

steps on wire rope inspections. No precise rules
can be given for determination of the exact time
for replacement of wires, since many variable
factors are involved. Continued use in this
respect depends largely upon good judgment
by a competent person in evaluating remaining
strength in a used rope, after allowance for
deterioration disclosed by inspection.
Conditions such as the ones described later in
this section; should be sufficient reason for
questioning continued use of the rope or
increasing the frequency of inspection.
Types of Lay
Regular Regular Right Lang Left Lang

Right Lay Left Lay Lay Lay
Measuring the rope
When measuring the rope, don't measure the layer on

the reel or drum. Measure a couple of feet off the reel
and measure the rope when straight. It is advisable to
take 4 measurements of the rope round its axis and
average the results.

Areas to examine
(Based on ISO 4309)
• Examine termination of
the rope.
• Examine for defective
coiling, which causes
deformation (flattened
portions) and wear,
which can be severe at
cross-over positions.
(cross-overs only if
multiple layer drums).
• Examine for wire
breaks.
• Examine for corrosion.
• Look for deformations
caused by snatch
loading.
• Examine portion that
winds over sheave for
wire breaks and wear.
• Check section of rope
on equalizer sheave
(compensating pulley)
by lifting up the rope to
look at the underside.
• Check rope diameter
against original wire
rope diameter. Keep a
record of the rope
diameter measured
after break in period.
Note: shortly after
installation, rope
diameter will decrease
slightly.
• Examine length that
runs through lower
sheave block,
particularly that section
in contact with the
pulley when the crane
is in a loaded
condition. Examine for
wire breaks or surface
wear.

Running
Rot. Resistant Standing Ropes #
Ropes # of
# of allowable of allowable broken
allowable
broken wires broken wires wires
Equipment In 1 lay
1 1 1 1 behind At end
rope strand rope strand end connecti
lay in 1 lay lay in 1 lay connecti on
on
Overhead
and Gantry 12 4 — — — —
cranes
Hammer
head Tower 12 4 4 2 — —
Cranes
Mobile 4 (in
6 3 2 30xd) — —
Cranes
Derricks 6 3 — — 3 2
Base
Mounted 6 3 — — 3 2
Hoists
Floating
Cranes and 6 3 — 4 3 2
Derricks
(See Technical Information Bulletin: HQS-OPS-TIB-

CRN-008 Rev-3 Crane Wire Rope for further
guidance)

RISK ASSESSMENT
PLANNING MECHANICAL LIFTING OPERATIONS
All lifting operations including those involving Customer

and/or Service Provider personnel must be planned and
supervised by Company personnel with suitable
knowledge, skill and experience in rigging and lifting
operations.
Mechanical lifting operations performed on a

Transocean installation or facility will be risk assessed
and planned with specific attention to the inherent
hazards. No operation may be initiated before the full
implementation of all preventive and mitigating controls.
Industry’s incident analysis has shown that many lifting

related incidents are the result of failure to implement all
controls or to recognize change and stop operations.
Most incidents occur during operations considered to be
routine.
Every lifting operation must be risk assessed by a

Competent Person before it is carried out. The
Competent Person will use the rules of task planning to
ensure that hazards are identified and appropriate
controls are in place to reduce the likelihood and
consequences of incidents. The THINK process is the
process used for Risk Management and Task planning.
Lift Plans, described in this section, may be used as an
additional aid to provide focus on common mechanical
lifting issues and should be considered an integral part
of this process.
The important factors for successful lifting operations

are:
• The lift is properly defined
• Responsible and Competent Personnel are
appointed to plan the lift
REVISION DATE: January 18, 2013 1 9
• The competency of the personnel carrying out the
work should be sufficient for the task to be
undertaken
• The lift is planned to ensure that all hazards have
been identified, risks managed with appropriate
measures implemented to control these risks.
• Ensure that the lift is carried out with suitable
equipment, in accordance with a well-defined plan.
• Ensure that the conditions for the plan are
foreseen and that if the conditions change, the
hazards, risks and controls are reassessed.
• Ensure that lessons learned are taken into
account when planning future lifts.
LIFT PLANS
The lift plan is intended to clearly identify the Competent
Person planning the lift, the step-by-step lifting
operation, the equipment required and the activity
assigned to each person.
The classification of lifting operations is designed to give
the Responsible Person and Competent Person
additional guidance in terms of the risk assessment,
planning, supervision and the competence requirements
for personnel performing the lifting operation. The
nominated Competent Person will approve every lift
plan.
To develop effective lift plans the same rules for task

planning apply, the Competent Person will ensure that:
• The plan and all its steps, comply with the
Company’s management system procedures and
requirements.
• He has the knowledge of the steps needed to
perform the task safely and correctly. He must
understand the steps needed to complete the task.

• He must have the personal experience to
anticipate what should happen next and what
could go wrong.
• He must have the skills to be able to perform the
steps of the task safely and correctly.
• He must have the approval authority to plan and
perform the task before proceeding.
Points that must be considered:
• The type of load being lifted, its weight, and
shape.
• The preventive controls to reduce the likelihood of
the lifting equipment falling, striking a person or
some other object and the mitigating controls to
reduce the consequences.
• The selection of the lifting equipment to reduce
ergonomic risk.
• Drops inspection must be performed on the load to
ensure the load is safe to lift.
• Operating limits of lifting equipment (static and
dynamic loading).
• Inspection of lifting equipment prior to use.
The detail of planning required is related to the level of
risk and complexity of the lift. To ensure that suitable
risk reducing controls are applied lifting operations are
categorized as Simple or Complex/Specialized
All plans for Simple lifting operations must utilize the Lift
Card/Simple Lift Checklist and, when indicated following
the Risk Assessment, documented on the Simple Lift
Checklist Plan form HQS-HSE-HB-01 FM07A2 (refer to
page 6 of 9 of this section).
All Complex/Specialized Lifting Operations require

completion of Lift Plan form HQS-HSE-HB-01 FM07A1
(refer to page 5 of 9 of this section).

LIFT CARD / SIMPLE LIFT CHECKLIST
Check Yes No
Do you know the weight of the
1
load?
Has the lifting operation been
2
performed before?
Does the lift match the
3
description for Simple Lifts?
Lift Plan available and
4
reviewed?
Is the load readily accessible
5 by available lifting appliances
and is it a straight lift?
Does the load have certified
lifting points or slings wrapped
6 around without any hazards?
Eg. Sharp edge, fragile load,
etc)
Is there enough headroom for
7
lifting appliance and slings?
Is the load stable, center of
8 gravity (CG) below lifting
points?
Is the lift balanced with the
9 help of customized lifting
arrangement?
Is load path and landing areas
10 clear of obstructions? Access
to other personnel restricted?
Are you experienced with all
11 lifting equipment to be
utilized?
Are environmental conditions
12 within acceptable
parameters?
Has the lift been inspected for
13
potential dropped objects?
If answer is YES for all questions, proceed with the

lift.

SIMPLE LIFTING OPERATIONS
Simple lifting operations are represented by a series of similar lifts performed well within specified limits of equipment and
individual’s proven capabilities to monitor and maintain risk at a low level.
SIMPLE CONTROL MEASURES

• Lifting over low-risk areas e.g. pipe bays, open deck area, Lift plan utilizing a Risk Assessment to plan the lift, and
etc apply risk reducing controls. The following factors must
• Minimum to moderate environmental conditions (wind be considered when developing a Risk Assessment
effect on load) related to a “Simple” lifting operation.
• Non-specialized rigging arrangements – pre-slung load or
with dedicated lifting points • Environmental conditions monitoring
• Daily deck operations with whip line e.g. containers, drill • Crane Operator Training and Competency
pipe, etc. • Banksman Training and Competency
• Load with known weight, center of gravity and shape • Crew Training and Competency in Rigging and
• Crane operator and crew experienced and competent Slinging
with lifting of particular type of load • Crane operator’s ability to effectively supervise and
• Clear lifting and landing area with no blind spots operate the crane.
• Crane Operator has continuous visual contact with • Quantity and location of equipment in area.
Banksman during lift (use of a Boom camera does not • Quality of housekeeping
constitute “Visual contact” with a Banksman). • Specification, maintenance and condition of lifting
• Weight of load within 90% of SWL of lifting gear and up to gear and appliances.
70% of the lifting appliance rated capacity. • Dynamic and shock loads
• One lifting appliance used e.g. 1 crane, 1 chain hoist, 1
tugger
COMPLEX OR SPECIALIZED LIFTING OPERATIONS
Complex or specialized lifting operations represent a higher level of criticality, complexity and potential consequences due to the
identified hazards and available risk reducing controls. The planning and performance of complex and specialized lifting operations
are monitored for effectiveness through periodic review.
COMPLEX - SPECIALIZED CONTROL MEASURES

Lift plan in conjunction with a Written Risk Assessment to plan the
• Lifting over moderate to high risk areas e.g. skid mounted lift. These lifts involve a higher level of criticality, complexity and
workshops, wireline units, high pressure lines/units, potential consequences due to the identified hazards within the
electrical wiring, etc. activity. The following controls must be considered when planning
• Poor environmental conditions (wind effect on load) related “Complex-Specialized” lifting operation:
• Specialized rigging arrangements • Environmental conditions monitoring
• Lifting of specialized loads e.g. Xmas trees, explosive and • Crane Operator Training and Competency
radioactive containers, loaded perforating guns. • Banksman Training and Competency
• Weight of load within 80% of SWL of lifting gear and above • Crew Training and Competency in Rigging and Slinging
70% of the lifting appliance rated capacity.
• The level of supervision required for the crane operator and the
• Restricted landing area lifting activity at the work site
• Lifting of personnel • Quantity and location of equipment in area.
• Tandem lifts. More than one lifting appliance used • Quality of housekeeping
• Difficulty to balance load with slinging arrangement • Restricting access to the area
• Special load whose loss or damage would result in severe • Public announcements
financial or operational consequences
• Specification, maintenance and condition of lifting gear and
• Crane Operator does not have continuous visual contact appliances
with Banksman during lift (use of a Boom camera does not
• Dynamic and shock loads
constitute “Visual contact” with a Banksman).
• Sub-contractor specialized rigging and lifting crew
• Lifting operations outside those classed as “SIMPLE”
• Any engineering assistance
Lifting operation
identified
Lifting operation is
categorized
Competent person
designated to plan the
operation
Simple Lift Complex Lift
Appropriate level of Appropriate level of

Risk Assessment Risk Assessment
Use Lift Card Technical Develop a Lift Plan

Support if
needed
Review available Lift Review Lift Plan with

Plan with competent Any Change competent team
team
Perform the lift
Debrief note lessons

learned
Update Lift Plans and

associated documents
ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION 02 PAGE OF
RIGGING AND SLINGING
One of the most important steps of any

mechanical lifting operation is rigging the load.
Poor rigging may result in incidents. Rigging is
the most time consuming part in any
mechanical lifting operation.
In a multi-sling operation, each leg must be of

the same length and must contribute equally to
load distribution. Certain loads of different
shapes may require custom made certified
slings or bridle arrangements.
Web slings may be necessary on special loads

being lifted. One of the situations would be to
minimize the chances of damage to the surface
of the load being lifted. Web slings are more
susceptible to damage by sharp edges,
abrasion, chemicals and so on and are only to
be used under a Permit to Work. Rigging
requires years of practice to perfect. If in doubt
about the safety of your rigging arrangement,
ASK your supervisor or a Competent Person.
Important items to be verified before lifting a

load are:
• Weight of the load is known.
• Loads should be well secured.
• Slings should be adequate to the task
and inspected before use.
• No loose items on load or crane before
the lift.
• Hoist line must be vertical prior to the lift
(remove slack in the hoist slowly).
• Personnel must never pass under a
suspended load.
The Rigger must take into account:
• Weight
• Volume
• Shape
• Material
• Surface of contact
• Rigging points
The load Center of Gravity (CG)
For uniform volumes the CG is situated at half

height of the volumes. To keep the load stable
when lifted up, ne
ever hook up below
the center of gravity.
Rigging should be checked by lifting the load a

few inches off the ground, to ensure that no
swing develops and that the load is completely
secure. Remember it is important to take the
time to accomplish the task correctly.

SLINGS AND BRIDLES
Loads can be lifted with one or more slings and

several factors may affect the total capacity of
your lifting arrangement.
2 Leg Bridle 3 Leg Bridle 4 Leg Bridle
W hen using bridles of 3 or 4 legs, be

aware of the risk of incorrect weight
distribution. W eight could be applied
only on 2 legs. Be alert and consider
using a bridle which the SW L would
handle the full load only with two legs

There are 3 basic types of Hitches
Choker
Basket Hitch Vertical Hitch
Hitch
Angles are really important on multi-sling

operation as they will increase tension on
your rigup
Do not
exceed
90° angles
The angle, at which a
sling holds a given load,
influences the effective
weight of the load.
Stresses are minimal for
loads with slings held
perpendicular to the load,
as shown. For
distributing the load
vertically among more
than a single leg sling, a
spreader bar may be
used. An angle from 30°
to 60° degrees between
two slings connected to
hoisting point is
acceptable. Angles of
more than 90° must be
avoided. As we can see
the applied force on each
sling at a 120° angle is
equivalent to 100% of the
total weight of the load. It
will exceed 100% if it is
beyond 120°.
Nominal Splice Efficiency is the efficiency of

the sling splice.

Any time wire rope is disturbed such as in
splicing an eye, the strength of the rope is
reduced. This reduction must be taken into
account when determining the nominal sling
strength and in calculating the rated capacity.
Each type of splice has a different efficiency,
thus the difference in rated capacities for
different types of slings.
D/d ratio is the ratio of the diameter around

which the sling is bent divided by the body
diameter of the sling. This ratio has an effect on
the rated capacity of the sling only when the
sling is used in a basket hitch. Tests have
shown that whenever wire rope is bent around
a diameter, the strength of the rope is
decreased.
This D/d ratio is applied to wire rope slings to

assure that the strength in the body of the sling
is at least equal to the splice efficiency. When
D/d ratios smaller than those listed in the rated
capacity tables are necessary, the rated
capacity of the sling must be decreased.
Never place an eye over a fitting

smaller than the diameter of the
rope.

Choker hitch rated capacity
adjustment
Angle of choke Rated capacity
Over 120° 100%
90° - 120° 87%
60° - 89° 74%
30° - 59° 62%
0° - 29° 49%
Percentage of the total Choker capacit y
displa yed on the sling label or tag
TUBULARS
Tubulars are one of the most frequently

transported cargo in our operations and the
way to safely handle it has evolved quite a lot in
the last few years. Tubulars should be pre-
bundled. Transit slings should be used and a
choker double wrap applied. Bulldog clamps
are secured to the slings, right after the soft eye
of the choker, to prevent the bundle from
becoming loose once it has landed or during
transportation. This approach not only reduces
the risk from using hooks, (choker or positive
locking) but greatly reduces the exposure for
the crews on board the supply vessels handling
these loads.
Slinging
Tubulars
Double wrap and

Bulldog clamp
applied
Safety Tip: If L is greater than S, then the angle
A is within the desirable limit. Ideally each sling
should be positioned at 25% of the total length
from both ends
Each sling should have a SW L at least
equal to the total weight of the load
Choker hook slings are not allowed on

Company’s installations and facilities

CONNECTING THE LOAD
Shackles
An important commonly used component of a

lifting system is a shackle. There are several
types and variations, but the most common
ones are:
• Screw pin shackle
• Bolt type or safety shackle (4 parts
shackle)
Two types of body design:

• Bow type – used where more than one
attachment is to be connected to the
shackle
• Dee type – generally used to link two
items of lifting equipment or accessories
Bow Type Shackle Dee Type Shackle
Safety shackles (4 parts) should be used on permanent

lifting arrangements (eg. permanent bridle on baskets,
racks, skids, etc.), on elevated equipment and lifting
systems(tugger sheaves, guide wires), and in the derrick.
As with other equipment
side loading will decrease
Rated W orking Load:
100 % of
0°- in line
Rated W L
70% of Rated
0° - 45°
WL
50% of Rated
45° - 90°
WL

Gunnebo or positive locking type hooks are
preferred to unlocking type safety latches, as
they minimize the likelihood of accidental
rollouts.
When using positive
locking hooks, make sure
that casing protectors are
properly screwed in. Hooks
are fully engaged, locking
mechanism is operating
properly and tag lines are
not secured to the hooks
Positive locking type hooks may be used
when lifting casing within the confines of the
installation. These should not be used to
load and offload supply vessels. Casing
should be pre-slung.
Beam Clamps
Beam clamps provide a safe,

simple and portable means of
attaching a hoist to a lifting
beam. The Clamp-on
adjustable type is the preferred type. First
ensure that the SWL for the beam and the
clamp are within the limits of the operation
you are about to plan, then ensure that the
beam is compatible and the proper size for
the clamp. As any other lifting equipment the
clamp should be in safe working order, with
no parts missing or broken. Make sure the
adjusting mechanism functions properly. Be
aware that unless specified, most beam
clamps are designed for in line pull only (0°).

The example above is only designed for in
line pull only.
Eyebolts
Are also rated for straight linear

pull and as every other lifting
system component, will have its
SWL to decrease drastically
when used incorrectly or at
angles it was not designed for. Do not use
eyebolts at angles of less than 45°. Forged
alloy steel and with shoulders are
recommended for lifting at an angle. Shoulder-
less eyebolts are acceptable for vertical lifts.
Ensure that applied tension is aligned to the
axe of the eyebolt and that the eyebolt is fully
screwed in. If unable to fully screw the eyebolt,
washers or shims should be added.
Swivel Hoist Rings
Hoist rings are relatively new to

the industry. They provide a safer
and more adaptable lifting point as
the ring can pivot 180° and swivel
360° aligning to the required line pull. This can
be performed without de-rating the SWL of the
hoist ring. Key points in their use are:
• Hoist ring displays the SWL and ID
number
• Check thread and tapped hole for wear
and corrosion
• Check ring for elongation, damage and
wear
• Check ring for free movement
• Ensure bushing flange contacts all 100%
of the mounting surface. No spacers or
washers to be used.

• Apply proper torque as recommended by
the manufacturer
• If using a hoist ring installed with a
retention nut, the nut must be fully
engaged and meet the Rated Working
Load of the ring.
Drifting Loads
To determine how much tension will be placed

upon each chain hoist used in angular rigging
situations, use the following formula:
Tension on Chain Hoist A = (Load x D2 x LA) ÷

(H x D3)
Tension on Chain Hoist B = (Load x D1 x LB) ÷

(H x D3)
This formula is based on chain hoists

positioned at the same elevation.
RULES TO USE CLAMPS

Clamps must always have saddles placed on
the working line.
Fist grip Bulldog Long Clamp
Turn back specified amount of rope from thimble or

loop. Apply first clip one base width from dead end
of rope. Apply U-bolt over dead end of wire rope live
end rests in saddle (Never saddle a dead horse!).
Tighten nuts evenly, alternate from one nut to the
other until reaching the recommended torque for
wire rope diameter.
When two clips are required, apply the second clip

as near the loop or thimble as possible. Tighten nuts
evenly, alternating until reaching the recommended
torque. When more than two clips are required,
apply the second clip as near the loop or thimble as
possible, turn nuts on second clip firmly, but do not
tighten.
Space additional clips equally between first two—

take up rope slack—tighten nuts on each U-Bolt
evenly, alternating from one nut to the other until
reaching recommended torque.
CORRECT INCORRECT INCORRECT
Wire Diameter Number of Clamps

5 to 12 mm diameter 3 clamps
> 50 mm diameter 8 clamps
*The minimum number of clamps depends of
the cable diameter and the core material: The
table above refers to textile core. For an iron
core wire, add 1 clamp to the above value. The
saddle must be close to the size of the cable.
Spacing between clamps is equal to 6 to 8
times the diameter of cable and bolts must be
equally tight.
DECK MANAGEMENT
Escape routes and access to safety equipment

must be clearly identified and not be restricted
in any way unless alternative plans are in place.
The landing area directly below all hatch

openings must be painted with black and yellow
alternating stripes to warn personnel of the
potential for dropped objects.
Cargo handling material such as slings,

shackles, must be stored in designated areas.

All deck cargo must be stored in a manner to
prevent movement caused by adverse weather
conditions and/or vessel motion.
All loose items of deck cargo must be located in

areas where deck loading limitations are not
exceeded.
Tubulars must be chocked and bundled until

laid out.
CARGO CARRYING UNITS (CCUs) –

BASKETS, CONTAINERS, RACKS, TANKS
AND SIMILAR EQUIPMENT
The various types of cargo carrying devices

have been the cause for incidents and concern,
during handling, lifting and stowage. The
following sections contain basic guidance for
the design, inspection and use of CCUs.
Inspections
A visual inspection must be carried out
internally and externally to ensure the CCU is fit
for purpose and there is no evident damage,
points to be checked are:
• Structural framework, bottom and sides
are free from damage or deterioration.
CCU integrity must not be affected.
• Pad eyes are in good condition and fit
with proper size shackle.
• Baskets shall be identified and traceable
to certification.
• Cargo tie downs are available and in
good working condition.
• Lifting accessories must be protected
from mechanical or physical damage.
• Ensure draining holes are unblocked and
free of debris.
Loading
• The cargo should be evenly distributed
over the length and breadth of the
CCU/basket.
• If the basket cannot be loaded to the
maximum volumetric capacity, due to
insufficient load or maximum work load
limits, then the components should be
secured to the approximate center of
gravity as close as possible from mid
length, mid width of the CCU/basket.
• Cargo should be secured whenever
possible using a ratchet type strap or
purpose designed securing mechanism.
The use of wooden chocks as a securing
medium is not recommended.
• The person responsible for loading the
CCU/basket is accountable for ensuring
the CCU/basket is lifted prior to being
dispatched to ensure stability and that it
is lifted horizontally. (The use of any type
of ballast is prohibited).
Snagging Hazards
• Ensure that there are no internal or
external snagging points, where lifting
accessories could snag and destabilize
the load or CCU/basket during lifting
preparations. Risks may be reduced by
applying a cover or by fitting a net or
tarpaulin over the top of CCU/basket.

Dropped Objects
• CCU/basket should have fully plated
floors with adequate drainage. Small
objects should be suitably packaged.
• Open side baskets shall have high kick
plates all around the perimeter of the
floor.
• External part of base should be free of
foreign objects.
Stacking
Stacking is subject to satisfactory risk

assessment and offshore stacking is limited to
2 high, provided the requirements below are
met.
• Ideally CCU/baskets are designed with
stacking mechanisms that avoid damage
to both baskets and securely protects the
top CCU/basket against impact from
environmental forces. When this criteria
is observed, compatibility markings
should be visible to indicate that they are
compatible for stacking, allowing same or
different length stacking. Different width
CCU/baskets must not be stacked.
• Stacking is not allowed on supply
vessels.
• If stacking mechanisms are not present,
ensure CCU/baskets are of the same
size and the bottom one can support the
top one without damage to padeyes or
other parts or hazard of sliding off. Easy
and safe access to the rigger must be
considered during the risk assessment
phase.

Securing the Cargo
• Cargo should be tied down to avoid
damage to the cargo or shifting of center
of gravity. Tie down points should be
available on the CCU/basket, but by
themselves are not considered sufficient
restraint. Restraining mechanisms should
be added.
Containers
Containers with ISO corner blocks have been

designed primarily for vertical pull using special
lifting gear attachments and are not
recommended for general offshore cargo
transfer use. Under special circumstances and
with the use of fit for purpose lifting gear, they
may be used offshore.
The maximum length allowed is 20ft.
According to ISO standard 3874:1997, only 10ft

general purpose loaded containers can be top
lifted with slings with forces applied other than
vertical. Other size containers may only be top
lifted with top slings, if they are empty. Some
important considerations are:
• Unless otherwise confirmed, containers
should be treated as loaded.
• The term loaded means the maximum
gross weight rating of the container.
• Wind and other environmental conditions
must be considered when handling or
securing containers.
• The cargo shall be distributed throughout
the container to ensure that the center of
gravity is kept as central and as low as
possible:
− To avoid excessive tilting
− To avoid overstressing either the
container or the handling equipment
− To avoid unacceptable vehicle axle
loading
− To avoid lack of vehicle stability
− To avoid unacceptable load
concentrations
• Care shall be taken to ensure that the
equipment used is suitable for the load
and is safely attached to the container
and that the container is free to be
handled.
• In the case of a single point lift, special
attention should be paid to the risk of
the container tilting owing to
eccentricity of the center of gravity.
• Care shall be taken when lifting a
container whose center of gravity is
mobile or eccentric. Examples: tank
container, bulk container, container
with a liquid bulk, and so on.

Bottom Lift Sling Top Lift Spreader Top Lift Sling
Nominal Size L ft H < 8 ft-< 2.438 mm H 8 ft - 2.438 mm H 8 ft 6 in-2.591 mm H 9 ft 6 in -2.896 mm

40 1Ax 1A 1AA 1AAA
30 1Bx 1B 1BB 1BBB
20 1Cx 1C 1CC
10 1Dx 1D
Minimum lifting angles from the horizontal plane
10 ft - 60° - TOP 20 ft - 45° - BOTTOM 30 ft - 37° - BOTTOM 40 ft - 30° - BOTTOM
All containers with nominal width of 8 ft. L = Length H = Height. Table displays lifting methods for loaded general purpose
containers. Other tables apply for: Open top containers, Bulk (non pressurized box), Tanks for liquid or gases, Empty containers.
Bottom Lift Sling: Applied to the side apertures of bottom blocks, shall not be more than 38mm away from the outer face of the
corner lifting.

REVISION DATE: OCTOBER 31, 2007 19 25
Connecting
Shackles must not be used as connecting

means as they can easily jam and be
overstressed. Market available connecting lugs
are:
Bottom Lift Sling

• The Rotary lug is a suitable connecting
device, built specifically for ISO corner
blocks. It allows the connection with the
side aperture of the bottom block. The one
below is equipped with a safety lock that
minimizes the risk of accidental
dislodgement under unstable conditions.
(Manufactured by Tandemloc for ISO
fitting 1161).
Washers on the
Grease side to keep tension
point closest to container
Toe Head
Spring loaded
safety lock
Low profile sling sets are available with all

necessary parts, beam, slings and the rotary lug.

Top Lift Sling
Lifting containers
from the top will also
require fit for
purpose spreader to
allow for vertical pull
of the top ISO
corner blocks. This is necessary to avoid
compressive forces originated by an angular lift.
Spreaders are available that incorporate

connecting means such as Tandemloc’s
Autoloc.
For spreader information, please refer to

manufacturer’s documentation for proper model
and application.
10 ft containers can be top lifted with slings. The

fit for purpose connecting solution to top ISO
block is the lift lug with flex link for angular lift. A
gravity lock is fitted helping to maintain the lug
connected and in the right place. This Lug can
be used as connecting means for other types of
cargo carrying units, built with ISO corner blocks
1161.

It is recommended that ISO corner containers
CCU/baskets be phased out completely for
offshore cargo transfers.
Loading a Container
The same care recommended for loading of

CCU/baskets, should be observed when loading
containers and securing cargo. Sea conditions
are usually calm and stable inside ports, but that
can easily change offshore. Be careful when
opening container doors, below an example of
unacceptable container loading standard.

INSPECTION – Do not use equipment
displaying the conditions below
Damaged nylon slings
Several broken wires on the same

strand
Corroded wires
Distorted or kinked wires
Distorted / elongated master links
Distorted hooks or without a safety

latch
Damaged shackles or with welding

splatters
Incorrect bolt and screw
Wire rope displaying birdcaging

condition

BASIC THINGS YOU MUST NEVER DO
Weight not properly distributed

through all four legs of the
bridle
Never run the middle of a sling

through a hook
Never place a sling through the

pin of a shackle
Use slings that are too short

exceeding the 90° Angle
Use open hooks on lifting

operations, unless for those
approved in the Health and
Safety Manual
Use single wraps on bundled

tubulars
Run one sling through the

lifting points and connect it to
the hook
Use equipment that is not color

coded
Uncertified, homemade hand

spliced slings must not be
used and discarded if found

BASIC THINGS YOU MUST NEVER DO
Transport of tubulars using a

basket hitch
Apply low angle stress to eyebolts

Use long enough slings to allow >
45°
Sling loose smaller pipes with

larger pipes
Walk under suspended loads or

reach for taglines under suspended
loads
Must not be used to transport

drums around or to and from
installation
Never stack baskets of different

sizes and shapes. Stacking should
be avoided
Use trolleys on beams without

stops on either side
N. 1688 Use equipment without an id

SWL 3 number and SWL
ton
Wrap tag lines around your hands

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Level: 1B

Classification: Lifting Operations Handbook

RIGGING AND SLINGING

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

Mechanical lifting operations are potentially

Mechanical lifting operations can be safely

Analysis of related incidents, have proven that

These are the main issues where we need to

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

We hope you will find this handbook useful and

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

Abrasion - Surface wear on the wires of a wire

API – American Petroleum Institute

Approved - Met company standard

ASME – American Society of Mechanical

Banksman - Individual that is clearly identifiable

Blind Lift - A lifting operation where the Crane

Breaking Strength (wire rope) - The measured

CCU - Cargo Carrying Unit – any equipment used

Certification - The proof (usually some kind of

Certified - Documented as having passed a

Company - Transocean Inc. and its subsidiaries.

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

ISO - International Standards Organization

IWRC Independent Wire Core Rope - Wire rope

Lang Lay rope - Wire rope in which the wires in

LEFT-HAND ordinary lay - wires spiral to the

Licensed - Holding a current/valid license to do or

Lift Plan - Following Risk Assessment a formal,

Lifting Appliances - Any mechanical device that

Lifting Equipment - includes lifting gear and lifting

Lifting Gear - Any equipment that is used or

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

Load Test - An inspection pull-test to a pre-

Manriding - The moving (particularly lifting or

Non-Rotating wire rope - 18x7 wire rope

Preformed Wire Rope - wire rope in which the

RIGHT-HAND ordinary lay - wires spiral to the

Safe Working Load - means the maximum gross

Safety Factor - The Safety Factor is the value by

Tag Line - A rope or other line attached to a

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Tirfor - British word for a “come-along:” a hand-

Trained - Proficient, through specialized

Working Load Limit WLL - the maximum load

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The general practices described in this section,

CRANE EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Cranes must be fitted with a minimum of:

Mobile cranes may be used

Are responsible for:

ISSUE NO: 01 REVISION NO: 01 PAGE OF

RAISE BOOM LOWER BOOM

USE MAIN HOIST USE WHIP LINE

SWING LEFT SWING RIGHT

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STOP EMERGENCY STOP

RETRACT BOOM EXTEND BOOM

Both fists in front of the Both fists in front of the body

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