Additional hazards include damaged or improperly rated rigging gear, sling failure caused by sharp rebar edges, and uncontrolled loads when taglines are not used or lift points are poorly positioned. These risks increase when crews do not establish standard lift points or skip a final check of connections before signaling the crane operator. Best Practices for Rigging and Hoisting Rebar
In order to reduce risk, crews should follow consistent rigging procedures and verify all connections before every lift. All slings and hardware must be properly rated for the load and inspected by a qualified rigger before use, and wire ties or shipping bands should never be used as lifting points. Because rebar ribs can cut synthetic slings, edge protectors or softeners should be used wherever rigging contacts the steel. Sling angles should be kept above 45 degrees, with 60 degrees preferred, to avoid overloading the rigging. When lifting straight bundles, the primary concern is preventing telescoping. A double-wrap choker hitch creates 360-degree compression around the bundle and grips the inner bars more securely. Crews should use at least two pick points to maintain balance and keep the load from tilting. For bundles longer than about 20 feet, a spreader bar helps maintain a vertical pull and prevents the bundle from sagging or “smiling” in the middle. Prefabricated cages require special attention because they are structurally fragile until placed in concrete. Slings should be choked around both a longitudinal bar and a transverse tie to prevent the rigging from sliding up the cage. For large column or pier cages, strong-backs made from pipe or timber can be installed inside the cage to provide rigidity during the lift. When upending a cage from horizontal to vertical, a two-crane or two-line system may be necessary to control the movement and prevent the bottom from dragging or the cage from folding. Throughout the lift, the load should be controlled with taglines, and workers should never use their hands to guide moving material. Non-essential personnel must be kept clear of the fall zone, and any exposed vertical rebar in the landing area should be protected with OSHA-compliant impalement caps. Crews must also maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from overhead power lines. Consistent planning, clearly defined lift points, and a final pre-lift check help ensure balanced picks and reduce the chance of dropped or unstable loads. Additional Resources OSHA 29 CFR 1926.251 – Rigging Equipment for Material Handling ASME B30.9- Slings OSHA Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction SEAA’s Craft Training & Apprenticeship for Reinforcing Ironworkers OSHA Construction eTool – Struck-By Hazards This Safety Flash was contributed Jason Zyla, Operations and Safety Manager for Shelby Erectors, in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. It’s designed to keep members informed about ongoing safety issues and to provide suggestions for reducing risk. Best practices are gathered from a variety of sources. They may be more or less stringent than individual corporate policies and are not intended to be an official recommendation from SEAA. Always get approval and direction from your company officers on any new practice or procedure as these best practices may not work for all situations. Everyone benefits when a worker avoids injury. Submit your ideas for Safety Flash to [email protected]. Comments are closed.
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