To Tag Line or Not To Tag Line?

A Q&A on Tag Lines – Part 2

In Part 1 of this post, we discussed the need for tag lines and their proper application. This week we are going to discuss the tag line handler. First of all, there is no set rule for who handles a tag line.  They may or may not be a qualified rigger, they may or may not double as the qualified signal person. But one thing for sure, they shouldn’t be just anybody off the street.  They should not be told, “Here, just hold this a minute…” there is more to it than that.

We can all agree that a 180 lb. man vs. a crane with a load is no reasonable match-up. For this reason, a tag line handler needs to know what the expectations of what they are doing, the purpose of the tag line and how to use the tag line properly.

What should the handler know?

Before holding a tagline, every handler needs to understand:

• Basic crane dynamics – to anticipate how the load will move according to the crane’s movement
• Safety concerns – to look for crush and pinch points, how to stay clear of the fall zone, etc
• Basic hand signals – to be able to understand how the crane will be moving
• The importance of having a clear view of the crane operator and the signaler so they can anticipate the load’s movement
• Where the lift will take place and where the load will be landed
• How the load will need to be positioned when landed
• The importance of making sure the travel path is clear and safe before the load is suspended, helping to prevent the handler from tripping over an obstacle
• How to hold the tag line safely:
  • The importance of wearing gloves (to avoid rope burn or cuts)
  • The importance of NEVER wrapping the tag line around ANY part of your body, arm or hand to gain a better grip or create more resistance
• How to walk with the tag line and load
  • They will have best control of the load if they are trailing the load while traveling with it
  • Don’t leave the tag line trailing on the ground to become a trip hazard, instead loosely gather any excess in the opposing hand
• The abilities and limitations of handling the tag line
  • Tag lines can help keep a load under control, but a man’s weight is no match against a load that has started to swing or spin and develop momentum
  • The handler can add resistance as a swinging load settles down, but must be careful not to let the load pull them
  • If the handler is pulled forward, they will find themselves under the load and in the fall zone when the load swings back

 Tip: The handler is to help steady the load while the crane operator controls the machine that handles the load. If it is too risky for the handler, or they are in danger, then they need to know it is ok to let go.

Now that we’ve talked about what the handler needs to know, the final segment will discuss more questions such as:

• What should tag lines be made of?
• How long should tag lines be?
• What should be done with any extra length?
• How do you retrieve a tag line?
• Are there alternatives to tag lines?

 If you have a another question about a tag line that you’d like to see answered, let us know by commenting or email us. Remember that Safety through Education is more than just our motto, it is our guiding principle. We provide superior training and consulting services to ensure safety and create reliability within the material handling industry. Have a question regarding our services or if you’d like a quote, please reach out to us.