UNDERSTANDING

LIFTING
OPERATIONS SAKET SINGH

“Lifting is a common operation in construction or installation projects” 

MECHANICAL
 CHALLENGES INVOLVED IN LIFTING

Dynamic nature of environment.

Lifting gears strength.

In this PPT we will address these challenges and will explain in detail, how to tackle these problems.
EXAMPLES OF LIFTING TOOLS-Ropes, Wire Ropes, Mooring Ropes, Chains, Webbing Slings, Chain
Slings, Wire Rope Slings, Shackles, Chain Pulley Block, Ratchet Lever Hoist, Plate Lifting Clamps, Eye
Bolts, Thimbles, Cargo Nets, Gangway Nets, Safety Nets, Helideck Nets.

MECHANICAL
EXAMPLE:
 Let’s assume the weight of the module is about 1000 Tonnes.
 Let’s consider the weight of the module is about 1000 Tonnes. The most basic
requirement is the lifting crane supposed to be of a capacity higher than 1000
tonnes (As per norms, crane safe working load to be at least 1.25 times the
weight of the equipment).
 Let us discuss how the load of the module is transferred to the crane. Load of
the equipment is transferred to the crane through the lifting pad eyes, spreader
beams, lifting wires, shackles etc. (In general, these are called as lifting gears).
Hence all the lifting gears involved in the load transfer must be able to
withstand the load imposed during the lifting operation. To analyse whether a
lifting gear can withstand a given load, we must first estimate the load imposed
on the lifting gear.

MECHANICAL
Example:
In this lifting arrangements, the 1000 ton
module is lifted using 4-pad eyes. Hence each
pad eye is subjected to a load of 250 ton. The
sling wires transfer the load to the lifting
beam. There are four wires used, hence each
wire is subjected to 250 ton (For time being
we will ignore effects due to sling angle). The
sling wire transfers the load to the lifting
beam. In this case, the lifting beam is
subjected to 1000 ton (Note: the two pad eyes
that transfer the load is subjected to 500 ton
each).
MECHANICAL
SLING GEOMETRY
 Assuming the sling angle to be 90 degrees. In reality, it is not 90
degree. The point of suspension of the equipment should always be in
line with the centre of gravity of the equipment to avoid tilting of the
equipment.

MECHANICAL
 HOW LOADING CHANGES WITH SLING
ANGLE?

Loading changes drastically with the sling angle.Following tables depicts the comparison of loading at 90®, 60®, 30®.

90 degree 60 degree 30 degree

Each  sling is subject to a load of 500

tonnes Applying resolution of forces concept,
Applying resolution of forces concept,
  Load on one sling = Vertical load/sin(60).
Load on one sling = Vertical load/sin(60).
  Vertical load =500 tonnes.
Vertical load =500 tonnes.
  Therefore load on one sling = 500/sin(30)
Therefore load on one sling = 500/sin(60)
  =500/0.5
=500/0.866
  = 1000 Tons
= 577.35 Tons
   
 
   
 
0% increase 100% increase
15.47% increase
  = 577
  MECHANICAL
LIFTING BEAM
 Usage of lifting beam helps to reduce the sling angle and
thereby load on the sling.

“It is evident how sling angle

is increased using spreader
beam (Ø>Q)”.

MECHANICAL
 PAD EYE
They are also called as lifting lugs. The basic
purpose of a pad-eye is to provide a point
to which a rope or wire can be fastened,
directly or through a shackle. The other
end of the rope/wire can be fastened to
another pad-eye located elsewhere, or it may
be used for lifting.

***NOTE: Pad eye bore has to be compatible to the lifting shackle. For example, 20
Ton pad eye bore diameter should be large enough for a 20 Ton shackle pin.
MECHANICAL
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING LIFTING:
 Perform risk assessment prior to the lifting.
 Detailed lifting plan.
 The lifting zone completely cordoned off. Only authorised personnel are allowed to access the lifting
zone.
 Lifting should be headed by a lifting supervisor.
 Lifting team should include: Lifting supervisor, rigger, signalman, banks man, crane operator.
 Lifting team should be properly briefed prior to lifting.
 Clash check should be done in the lifting route( or path) and ensure no obstruction during lifting
operation.
 Prior to lifting, inspect all the lifting gears and ensure they are all intact and fit for use.
 Ensure all the sea fastenings are removed from the equipment to be lifted and it is free to lift.
 In any case, no one should be under the suspended load.

MECHANICAL
TYPES OF LIFTING
MACHINES
Hoist – A hoist is a very basic lifting device that can be
   

operated manually, electrically, or using pneumatically. It

involves lifting medium to heavy loads using rope or chain
through a drum or wheel. Regular maintenance of rope and
chain along with accessories can reduce accidents.
 Cranes – Cranes are the most common industrial lifting
equipment. They are used to shift loads from one place to
another, taking loads from and to elevated places. They pose
different kinds of dangers and risks. Specific risk control
measures should be followed to reduce hazards.

MECHANICAL
 Forklift – Forklifts are propelled by either an electric
battery or a combustion engine. A forklift is made up of
many components that are essential to do the operation
properly. Small and medium industrial environments
require forklifts that are fitted with a hydraulic system and
forks to carry, transport, and deliver smaller loads.

  Tower Cranes – Tower cranes are manually operated

machines fitted with hoists, ropes, or chains and sheaves to
lift or lower small, medium to heavy loads. They are fixed
to the ground to provide balance. Tower cranes can rotate
and pick up load anywhere around without changing their
position. MECHANICAL
 Telescopic Cranes – Telescopic cranes are the most common types of cranes which have metal tubes
fitted with one another and operated using the hydraulic method. With this, an operator can reduce and
increase the length of the boom. These cranes can be fitted on moving trucks.

Mobile Cranes – Mobile cranes, all-terrain cranes, and crawler cranes have their own usages
depending upon the purpose and places and also the heaviness of the loads involved. While mobile
cranes are designed to transport smaller loads from one place to another, all-terrain cranes are fitted
with necessary equipment which can be used in any rough terrain. Crawler cranes are mostly used for
indoor purposes, to lift very heavy loads and transport to a short distance.

“Apart from the these lifting devices, there are power shovels and telescopic
handlers which are also used for various industrial environments”.
MECHANICAL
LIFTING SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS:
The soil or surface condition should be examined and leveled.

 When there is a lot of wind and it’s pouring, don’t use the crane.
 Rigger has to put on a jacket.
 A reverse beep horn should be installed on the crane.
 Lifting Device operators may only be signaled by the rigger.
 To regulate the swinging of the load, at least two tag lines must be employed.
 Need to check the lifting permit before doing a job
 Working crew PPE, particularly rigger’s leather gloves and a safety harness.

Thank you- Saket Singh

MECHANICAL