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817 Steel Erection Safety
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Operator and Rigger Inspection Responsibilities

The operator must be responsible for those operations under the operator's direct control.

Rigging Inspections

Whenever there is any doubt as to safety, the operator must have the authority to:

  • Ultimately, stop all hoisting activities.
  • Refuse to handle loads until safety has been assured.

A qualified rigger (a rigger who is also a qualified person) must inspect the below-hook rigging prior to each shift.

For more information on inspections see OSHA's Steel Erection eTool page.

Working Under Loads

As mentioned earlier, routes for suspended loads must be pre-planned to make sure no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load except when they initially connect steel or hooking/unhooking loads.

When anyone works under suspended loads, the loads must be rigged by a qualified rigger, materials being hoisted must be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement, and self-closing safety latches must be used.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-4. Whenever there is any doubt as to safety, the operator must have the authority to ultimately _____.