Length: 26 Min.
Year Produced:2001
Safe Rigging Practices and Procedures for the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
Improper rigging practices have led to the deaths and injuries of many individuals working within the oilfield industry. This is often due to support personnel such as riggers, roughnecks and deck hands not knowing the correct method of securing certain loads, overloading rigging components beyond their lifting capacities, and getting caught between unpredictable moving loads.
It is essential that riggers are familiar with the various rigging components and procedures for lifting loads, and be able to classify and understand their capabilities.
This instructional material presented in the module is based on the American Petroleum Institute’s Recommended Practices for Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes. (API RP 2D) The American Petroleum Institute is the major United States national trade association representing the entire petroleum industry: exploration and production, transportation, refining, and marketing.
This Recommended Practice is intended to serve as a guide to crane owners, operators and riggers in developing operating and maintenance practices and procedures for use in the safe operation of pedestal mounted revolving cranes on bottom supported and floating offshore rigs. API RP 2D has been incorporated by reference into MMS and US Coast Guard Codes of Federal Regulations and are enforceable by the laws of the United States.
API 2P 2D is not the only requirement for Offshore cranes worldwide. Many other key standards exist within Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
Securing a Load
Personal Protective Equipment
When securing a load on the boat deck or on a truck begin by first donning the appropriate personnel safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and life vest if appropriate.
Be Aware
Next look around at your surroundings being aware of moving equipment, pinch points and obstructions especially if loads are being positioned on a crowded boat deck.
Load Binders
Load Binders are frequently used in the offshore oil industry to secure loads on trucks at the dock and to secure material on the back deck of a vessel heading out to a platform or rig.
There are two types of binders found in the offshore environment, the Lever type load binder and the second the ratchet type load binder. Any tool can cause serious injury if not used properly.
Load binders are no exception. The ratchet type can increase the leverage or pull on the chain over a lever type. They are rated according to the size of chain for which they have been designed. The lever type has a mechanical advantage of 25 to one while the ratchet type has a mechanical advantage of 50 to one.
Begin Tie Down
Once you are ready to begin tie down, start inspecting the chain, shackles, bulwark padeyes and load binders for wear, bending, cracks, nicks, gouges, deformation and any signs of welding or heat damage.
If signs of damage are present do not use. Discard and replace.