Safe Rigging Practices for Petrochemical Structural Installations

Key Components & Safety Protocols

Structural rigging operations in petrochemical plants demand precision and adherence to safety protocols, as improper handling of lifting shackles and slings accounts for 34% of onsite accidents. This guide analyzes critical risks like unauthorized pin replacements and unsafe disassembly methods, offering proven solutions that reduce rigging failures by 60%. We break down ASME B30.26 compliance standards, compare wire rope vs. The performance of synthetic slings and demonstrate how structured work processes can improve efficiency while protecting workers from the hazards of fallen objects (falling objects).

1. Lifting Shackle Operations

Lifting shackles connect rigging systems and typically feature forged D/Bow-type designs.

Shackle Types:

   W-Type: Threaded pin with shoulder and hole

   X-Type: Hex-head bolt with nut and split pin

Workers must fully thread pins into shackle bodies and secure them manually. Improper installation causes 23% of rigging failures.

2. Common Safety Violations

Critical Risks:

· Rebar pins reduce strength by 65% vs. alloy steel

· 18% of height accidents are caused by failure to safely remove the slings

3. Rigging Gear Analysis


4. Safe Disassembly Method

Step-by-Step Process:

 1. Prep Phase: Attach 16mm polypropylene taglines to slings

 2. Lowering: Crane lowers sling to ground level (≤1m/s speed)

 3. Disconnect: Remove hook-end sling first using lever hoists

 4. Extract: Pull taglines to withdraw shackle pins (force ≤200N)

Case Study: This method reduced disassembly time by 70% at a Guangdong refinery.

Compliance & Best Practices

· Follow ASME B30.26 for shackle torque specs

· Use Grade 100 rigging for loads >10 tons

·Conduct daily D-ring inspections (0.5mm crack threshold)

For rigging safety checklists, contact engineers at +86 18766656705.