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Multiple lifts in steel: rig it right, stay out from under

Multiple lifts in steel: rig it right, stay out from under

Cranes and rigging 5 min 29 CFR 1926.753 · 29 CFR 1926.761

Ironwork

Why it matters

A multiple lift hangs several beams on one hook, one above the other. It saves crane time, but it puts more steel in the air over the connectors at once. If one member slips or the assembly is rigged wrong, there is a lot coming down on the people below.

The talk

Some crews call it a Christmas tree. The rigger hangs two, three, or more beams on one line, spaced out, and the crane flies them up together. The connectors take the bottom beam first, then the next one up, and so on. When it works it is smooth. When it doesn't, it is ugly. A beam hung off its center of gravity tips and slides out of the choker. A rigger in a hurry hangs a sixth piece. A connector is reaching for the top beam while the bottom one is still swinging. The load is right over his head the whole time.

The rules are specific. A multiple lift needs a rigging assembly made for it, with a rated capacity for the whole assembly and for each hook point. No more than five members per lift, and only beams and similar members. The total can't go over the crane's chart or the rigging rating. Each member is hung at its center of gravity and kept close to level, rigged from the top down and at least 7 feet apart. Members are set from the bottom up. The operator uses controlled load lowering when the load is over the connectors. Everyone doing multiple lifts has to be trained in it.

Working under loads is the other half. The load route is planned ahead so nobody has to stand under it, except the connectors making the first connection and the people hooking and unhooking. When you have to be under it, the steel must be rigged so it can't shift, the hooks need self-closing latches, and a qualified rigger rigs the load. Before the pick, check the tags on the assembly and count the pieces. Watch the bottom beam until it is bolted. If a piece is hanging crooked, call stop and let the rigger fix it on the ground.

Key points

  1. Use a rigging assembly built and rated for multiple lifts.
  2. No more than five members per lift, beams and similar members only.
  3. Stay within the crane chart and the rigging rating.
  4. Hang each member at its center of gravity, close to level, at least 7 feet apart.
  5. Rig from the top down and set from the bottom up.
  6. Plan the load route so nobody works under it except connectors and those hooking or unhooking.
  7. Loads over people need latched hooks, secure rigging, and a qualified rigger.

Do this

  • Check the tags on the multiple lift assembly before you rig.
  • Count the members before the crane takes the load.
  • Rig each beam at its center of gravity.
  • Watch the swinging member, not the one already landed.
  • Call stop when a piece hangs crooked.

Do not do this

  • Do not hang a sixth member on the tree.
  • Do not use a multiple lift for columns, bundles, or odd pieces.
  • Do not stand under the load unless you are connecting or hooking and unhooking.
  • Do not use hooks without working safety latches.
  • Do not rig a multiple lift if you haven't been trained on it.

Talk about it

  1. Who on this crew is trained to rig multiple lifts?
  2. What is the load route for today's picks, and where should people stand?

This is a short crew briefing. It does not replace a competent person, training, or the law.

Training aid only. This talk is not legal advice. It does not replace your company's safety program, a competent person, the equipment maker's instructions, or the OSHA standard itself.

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