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Unit 1 — Workplace Safety and Equipment Management
Section 4 — Hoisting, Lifting, & Rigging

4.6 Rigging & Securing a Load

Rigging a load is a systematic process. The following procedure applies to HVAC/R equipment lifts and must be adapted to specific site conditions using applicable legislation and manufacturer instructions.

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📋Overview 🗂️Pre-Lift Planning 🪢Attaching Rigging 📜Legislation ⚠️Common Errors

4.6.1 — Lift Sequence — At a Glance

Every HVAC/R lift follows two sequential phases. Both phases must be completed fully and in order — skipping any step in either phase is a compliance and safety violation.

Phase Steps Key Completion Criteria
Pre-Lift Planning 7 steps All personnel briefed; exclusion zone active; lift path clear of hazards
Attaching the Rigging 6 steps All attachment points manufacturer-designated; tag lines attached before lift begins
Compliance Ongoing O. Reg. 213/91 or O. Reg. 851; manufacturer instructions supersede general practice

4.6.2 — Pre-Lift Planning

Pre-lift planning must be completed before any rigging is touched. These steps confirm that the lift is feasible, safe, and understood by every worker involved.

  1. Obtain and review the manufacturer's lift instructions and equipment weight data.
  2. Calculate the total load weight — equipment plus all rigging hardware.
  3. Identify the Centre of Gravity using manufacturer documentation or a low trial lift.
  4. Select rigging equipment with appropriate WLL for the load weight and sling configuration.
  5. Plan the lift path; identify all overhead obstructions, ground hazards, and service conflicts.
  6. Brief all personnel involved in the lift on the plan, individual roles, and communication signals to be used.
  7. Establish the exclusion zone and post a spotter at all access points before any equipment is moved into position.
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Write It Down For complex or critical lifts, document the pre-lift plan. A written lift plan signed by the supervisor serves as evidence of due diligence and ensures every worker has the same information before the lift begins.

4.6.3 — Attaching the Rigging

Once pre-lift planning is complete and the exclusion zone is active, proceed to attach the rigging in the following order. Do not begin lifting until all six steps are confirmed.

  1. Position the crane or hoist directly above the load's Centre of Gravity before attaching any slings.
  2. Attach slings to manufacturer-designated lifting points only — never to handles, conduit, or unrated structural members.
  3. Verify sling angles are within rated limits — a minimum of 30° from horizontal is recommended wherever possible.
  4. Install corner protectors on all sharp edges before placing synthetic web slings against the load.
  5. Verify all shackle pins are fully threaded, seated, and moused with seizing wire.
  6. Attach tag lines to the load before it leaves the ground — never try to grab a swinging load by hand.
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Trial Lift Procedure Raise the load only 150–300 mm (6–12 inches) off the ground and pause. Verify the load is level, all sling legs are taut and evenly loaded, and no rigging component shows distress. Only then proceed with the full lift.
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Legislation & Manufacturer Instructions

Rigging procedures must comply with the applicable Ontario regulation for the work setting. Always follow the equipment manufacturer's lifting instructions — these supersede general industry practice for that specific piece of equipment.

O. Reg. 213/91 — Construction Projects

  • Applies to hoisting and rigging on construction sites.
  • Covers operator licensing, load charts, equipment certification, and rigging requirements.
  • Enforced by Ministry of Labour (MLITSD) inspectors.

O. Reg. 851 — Industrial Establishments

  • Applies to permanent installation work in industrial settings.
  • Covers overhead cranes, hoists, and fixed lifting equipment in mechanical rooms.
  • Applies when working inside existing buildings on permanent mechanical systems.
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Common Compliance Errors

These four errors are the most frequently cited rigging violations on HVAC/R job sites. Each one creates an immediate and serious risk of load failure.

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Avoid These Errors on Every Lift:
  • Attaching rigging to non-designated points — e.g., conduit, handles, or unrated brackets
  • Exceeding sling angle limits without recalculating WLL for the new angle factor
  • Using unrated or uninspected hardware — any component without a legible WLL marking
  • Failing to use tag lines on free-swinging loads, leaving the load uncontrolled during travel
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