Slinging of load using bridle slings

Never assume anything. Unless the load is perfectly symetrical and balanced you need to do an initial rigging and then attempt to lift the item (especially very large and heavy objects) only enough to take the full weight upon the slings. While it is still low to the ground you can pull and push upon the legs of the sling and the tension should feel approximately the same. If not, lower the piece and adjust as necessary then check again. On a 4-leg sling, if 2 are tight and 2 are loose, you are using the wrong sling and lifting technique.

Rigging large items such as an engine for a locomotive takes time and knowledge. If you are not sure ask for hands on assistance and training. For large heavy items we use multiple riggings of half inch or larger aircraft cable. These cables are then connected with other cables to eliminate slipping. Improper work can cost equipment money and most of all Lives!

If they are light but bulky consider using a cargo net for better stability and ease of use. Just make sure the lifting capacity of the sling will handle the loads.

From my experience, ask a good crane operator, they will not touch it if it isn't rigged correctly and they know how to rig a load. Like the previous post, there is no way to definitively know if the weight is equal. Use slings that are rated several times the weight of the load so if one slips, breaks or is uneven, one sling will support the load. Look up straight pull, basket sling, and choker sling as well.

Never assume the positive and if your unsure double it. Never assume the load will disperse evenly ... it is never the case. Even with equal lengths legs... always assume the worst and plan to avoid it. Each leg should be capable of supporting the entire load if need be. A shift in the load could cause changing values. At one time weight could be dispersed evenly, at another it could put 90% on one leg. An accident or unforeseen event could cause shock to the load or damage to the slings. When planing a dangerous lift or any lift at all always go for the worst possible scenario and work backwards.

what kind of slings do you want? wheather of wire rope or polyster web sling

From RSP Associates

philip mathew

I should want to know what the weight is first before giving any advice about lifting, also what the shape and size is. I was employed in Power Station construction, where the weights went from a tonne to 160t, and up to 260 tonne, in the main we used the poly. slings, but we usually had proper lifting points, where these were not provided, it was up to the experience of the rigger. all our slings were identified by it's proper lifting capacity, this was usually one and a half times it's SWL, if we did not know the weight of a given object, then we could use a clock dial slung on a crane, and get to know the weight precisely. nothing was left to chance, we once had an outside contractor who went straight on the job,which involved lifting and lowering weights down a 150 ft. deep shaft, his mate was asleep in the cab, because they had travelled some distance to get there, as his wire unwound off the reel , so he got lighter on his counter balance weight, at the crucial moment his crane toppled over into the void, the driver jumped clear of his cab, and broke his ankle, his mate was not so lucky, and was crushed to death!