• Loads must be safely rigged before being hoisted.  [1915.116(b)]
• Metal plate must be handled on and off hulls by means of: [1915.116(c)]
  • Shackles whenever possible 
  • Welded clips or pads of ample size 
  • Alligator tongs 
  • Grab clamps or screw clamps 
• Tag lines must be provided on loads likely to swing or to need guidance.  [1915.116(d)]
• When eye-bolts are used, spreaders may be required to reduce the side pull on the eye-bolt.  [1915.116(e)]
• Skips must be rigged with a minimum of three-legged bridle. When open-end skips are used, means must be taken to prevent the contents from falling.  [1915.116(g)]
• Loads (tools, equipment or other materials) must not be swung or be suspended over the heads of workers. [1915.116(j) and 1915.74(a)(12)]
• When the hoist operator can not see the load, a person to signal the operator is required.  [1915.116(l) and 1915.117(b)]
• Pallets must be able to support the loads.  [1915.116(m)]
• Sufficient advance warning must be given before loads or lifting gear are moved.  [1915.116(p)]
• When ship's gear is used to hoist, a competent person (not the Shipyard Competent Person), must determine that the gear is properly rigged. [1915.117(a)]
• Shock loading is prohibited. [1910.184(c)(11)]

• Slings must be padded or protected from sharp edges. [1915.116(f)]  
• Loose ends of idle legs of slings in use must be hung on the hook.  [1915.116(h)]
• Slings that are damaged or defective must not be used. [1910.184(c)(1)]
• Slings must not be shortened with knots, bolts, or other makeshift devices. [1910.184(c)(2)]
• Sling legs must not be kinked. [1910.184(c)(3)]
• Slings must be securely attached to the load. [1910.184(c)(6)]
• Suspended loads must be kept clear of all obstructions. [1910.184(c)(8)]

• Workers must not ride the hook or the load. [1915.116(i)]
• Hatches, through which materials are moved, must be completely open and hatch covers must be  secured. [1915.116(n)]
• Hatch covers must not be opened or closed while workers are below the hatch. [1915.116(o)]
• Workers must not be in between a swinging load and a fixed object. [1915.116(q)]
• Workers must keep clear of suspended loads and of loads about to be lifted. [1910.184(c)(9)]
• Hands or fingers must not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load. [1910.184(c)(10)]

• The hoist rope shall not be wrapped around the load. [1910.180(h)(2)(i)]
• The load shall be attached to the hook by means of slings or other approved devices. [1910.180(h)(2)(ii)]
• Side loading of booms shall be limited to freely suspended loads. [1910.180(h)(3)(iv)]
• Cranes must not be used for dragging loads sideways. [1910.180(h)(3)(iv)]
• Neither the load nor the boom shall be lowered below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on their respective drums. [1910.180(h)(3)(x)]
• When two or more cranes are used to lift one load, one designated person shall be responsible for the operation. He shall be required to analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made. [1910.180(h)(3)(xii)]
• Operators must not be permitted to leave their positions at the controls while the load is suspended. [1910.180(h)(4)(i)]

Figure 4: Riggers attaching slings to load with shackles and clamps


Figure 5: Improper practice: Worker must not ride crane hook or load


Figure 6: Workers must keep clear of suspended load


Figure 7: Ship block properly attached to crane by slings, spreaders and other approved devices


Figure 8: Dual lift requires one designated person to coordinate the lift