Aux 2 Unit 17 Q4

Marine lifting gear refers to the equipment and machinery used on ships, offshore platforms, or at marine facilities such as ports and shipyards for the purpose of lifting, moving, and handling heavy loads. This equipment is crucial for safely loading and unloading cargo, lifting heavy components for maintenance, and other operations that require raising or moving heavy objects in the marine environment.

Types of Marine Lifting Gear:

1. Cranes
   • Description: Marine cranes are the most common type of lifting gear used on ships and offshore platforms. These cranes can be fixed or mobile and are designed to handle a variety of loads, including cargo, containers, or heavy machinery.
   • Types:
     • Shipboard Cranes: Mounted on vessels for loading/unloading cargo, such as bulk materials or containers.
     • Offshore Cranes: Used on offshore oil rigs or platforms to lift equipment or supplies from vessels to the platform.
     • Deck Cranes: Smaller cranes mounted on a ship’s deck for lifting equipment or performing maintenance tasks.
2. Derricks
   • Description: A derrick is a lifting device composed of a mast or tower and associated lifting equipment such as booms and hoists. Derricks are often used on ships to load and unload heavy cargo.
   • Function: A derrick uses ropes or cables to lift heavy loads vertically and move them horizontally.
   • Usage: Commonly used on cargo ships or in shipyards for transferring large, heavy items.
3. Winches
   • Description: A winch is a mechanical device that is used to wind in (or out) a cable or rope. It is often used to control the movement of heavy loads on ships or offshore platforms.
   • Function: Winches can be manual, hydraulic, or electric-powered and are typically used for operations such as anchoring, mooring, or towing.
   • Applications: Winches are used for lifting smaller loads or for pulling heavy objects horizontally.
4. Hoists
   • Description: A hoist is a device used to lift or lower heavy loads using a drum or wheel around which a rope or chain wraps. Hoists are often used in conjunction with cranes or other lifting devices.
   • Types:
     • Electric Hoists: Powered by electric motors for ease of operation.
     • Manual Chain Hoists: Operated by hand and used for lighter lifting applications.
     • Hydraulic Hoists: Use hydraulic pressure for more powerful lifting capabilities.
   • Usage: Hoists are typically used on ships for lifting smaller equipment or machinery.
5. Sheaves and Blocks
   • Description: Sheaves and blocks are pulley systems that are used to change the direction of a cable or rope and provide mechanical advantage in lifting.
   • Function: They reduce the amount of force needed to lift a load, making it easier to raise heavy objects.
   • Usage: Commonly used in combination with cranes, derricks, and winches to distribute load and facilitate easier lifting.
6. Lifting Beams and Spreaders
   • Description: Lifting beams and spreaders are specialized lifting devices that are used to distribute the weight of heavy loads across multiple points, preventing damage to the load or lifting equipment.
   • Function: They allow for even load distribution and provide stability during lifting operations.
   • Usage: Often used in the shipping industry for lifting large containers or awkwardly shaped cargo.
7. Chain and Wire Rope Slings
   • Description: Slings are flexible lifting devices made of chain, wire rope, or synthetic material that are used to attach the load to the lifting gear.
   • Types:
     • Wire Rope Slings: Known for their strength and durability.
     • Chain Slings: Used for lifting heavy or rugged loads.
     • Synthetic Slings: Lightweight and versatile, used for more delicate or fragile loads.
   • Function: Slings wrap around or attach to the load and are then connected to the lifting gear such as a crane or derrick.
8. Lifting Jacks
   • Description: Jacks are devices that can lift or lower loads in a controlled manner. They are typically used for lifting objects vertically.
   • Types:
     • Hydraulic Jacks: Use hydraulic pressure to lift heavy loads.
     • Mechanical Jacks: Use screws or gears to raise loads.
   • Usage: Jacks are used for lifting smaller or localized loads, such as during repairs or maintenance on vessels.
9. A-Frames
   • Description: A-frames are lifting structures with a triangular or A-shaped frame that support a winch or lifting device. These frames are mounted on ships or offshore platforms.
   • Function: A-frames are used for handling heavy loads over the side of a vessel, such as launching or recovering underwater equipment or conducting offshore operations.
   • Usage: Common in offshore oil and gas operations, underwater research, and salvage missions.
10. Gantry Cranes

• Description: Gantry cranes are overhead cranes that are typically mounted on a structure with legs that straddle the work area. They are used in shipyards, ports, and container terminals.
• Function: Gantry cranes are used to move large cargo containers or heavy equipment horizontally and vertically.
• Usage: Commonly used in ports for loading and unloading ships.

Applications of Marine Lifting Gear:

• Cargo Handling: Lifting gear is essential for loading and unloading cargo in ports, on container ships, and bulk carriers. The equipment ensures efficient and safe movement of goods.
• Offshore Operations: Lifting gear is used on offshore platforms to transfer equipment, tools, and supplies from supply vessels to the platform.
• Ship Maintenance and Repairs: Lifting gear is used to hoist heavy components like engines, propellers, and rudders for repair or replacement.
• Mooring and Anchoring: Winches, hoists, and chains are part of the mooring system, helping secure the vessel to docks, buoys, or anchors.
• Lifeboat Launching: Specialized davits and winches are used to lower and recover lifeboats during emergency situations or drills.

Advantages of Marine Lifting Gear:

• Increased Efficiency: Lifting gear enables quick and efficient handling of heavy loads, speeding up cargo operations and reducing downtime.
• Safety: Properly maintained and operated lifting gear ensures the safe handling of heavy objects, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Versatility: Lifting gear is versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, from cargo handling to underwater equipment recovery.

Disadvantages and Considerations:

• Maintenance Requirements: Lifting gear requires regular inspection, maintenance, and certification to ensure safe operation. Failure to maintain it can lead to accidents.
• Cost: The purchase, installation, and maintenance of marine lifting equipment can be expensive, especially for larger or more specialized gear like cranes or A-frames.
• Skill and Training: Operating marine lifting gear requires trained personnel to ensure safe and efficient use, especially in challenging marine environments.

In summary, marine lifting gear is essential for a wide variety of operations on ships, offshore platforms, and at marine facilities, where heavy loads must be safely and efficiently handled. The selection of appropriate lifting gear depends on the specific task, the environment, and the type of load to be moved. Proper maintenance and operator training are key to ensuring safe and effective use of marine lifting equipment.

“Removal from service criteria” refers to the set of guidelines and standards that determine when equipment, machinery, or components should be taken out of use due to wear, damage, or failure that compromises their safety, performance, or reliability. This concept is widely applied in various industries, including marine engineering, construction, aviation, and manufacturing, to ensure that equipment remains in safe operating condition and that risks associated with the continued use of defective or degraded equipment are minimized.

In the context of marine engineering, removal from service criteria apply to a wide range of equipment, including lifting gear, safety equipment, mooring lines, ropes, and machinery. These criteria are essential for maintaining operational safety, avoiding accidents, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Key Elements of Removal from Service Criteria:

1. Visible Wear and Tear
   • Description: Any signs of physical degradation, such as cracks, excessive wear, corrosion, or abrasion, that affect the structural integrity or functionality of the equipment.
   • Examples:
     • Lifting gear showing signs of cracked welds, bent parts, or frayed ropes.
     • Corrosion or rust on machinery components that could lead to failure during operation.
   • Criteria: Equipment with excessive wear, cracks, deformation, or corrosion that compromises its strength should be removed from service.
2. Failure to Meet Inspection Standards
   • Description: If an item fails to meet the standards set during regular inspections, it must be removed from service for repair, replacement, or decommissioning.
   • Examples:
     • A safety harness failing to pass the visual and physical inspection required before use.
     • Mooring lines failing to meet the tensile strength standards due to fraying or internal degradation.
   • Criteria: Equipment that does not pass visual, physical, or operational inspections (such as load testing for lifting gear) should be removed.
3. Mechanical Failure or Malfunction
   • Description: If a piece of equipment is no longer operating correctly or shows signs of malfunction, it should be removed from service.
   • Examples:
     • A winch that fails to maintain tension or experiences uncontrolled slippage.
     • A valve that is no longer sealing properly or has leaks.
   • Criteria: Equipment that cannot perform its intended function without failure or presents a potential hazard due to malfunction should be taken out of service.
4. Exceeding Manufacturer’s Usage Limits
   • Description: Equipment that has reached or exceeded the manufacturer’s specified limits for usage, such as load cycles, operating hours, or environmental exposure, should be removed.
   • Examples:
     • A lifting sling that has reached its rated number of lifting cycles.
     • A mooring rope that has been in service for longer than its recommended lifespan.
   • Criteria: Any equipment that has surpassed the manufacturer’s recommended operational lifespan or usage limits must be removed from service.
5. Deformation or Structural Changes
   • Description: Deformation or changes in the structural integrity of equipment, such as bent hooks, stretched slings, or dented metal parts, can compromise safety.
   • Examples:
     • A chain link that has been stretched or elongated beyond acceptable limits.
     • A crane hook that has been bent due to overload.
   • Criteria: Equipment showing visible signs of deformation or stress beyond normal wear should be removed immediately.
6. Corrosion, Rust, or Environmental Damage
   • Description: Corrosion, rust, or environmental damage (such as UV degradation in synthetic materials) can weaken equipment and reduce its load-bearing capacity.
   • Examples:
     • Steel components showing signs of significant rust that could lead to failure under stress.
     • Ropes or synthetic slings that have degraded due to UV exposure or chemical contact.
   • Criteria: Equipment exhibiting corrosion or environmental damage that weakens its structural integrity must be removed from service.
7. Exceeding Load Limits
   • Description: If equipment has been subjected to loads beyond its rated capacity, it must be removed from service, as its structural integrity may have been compromised.
   • Examples:
     • A crane or hoist that has lifted more than its safe working load (SWL).
     • Lifting slings that have been overloaded during an operation.
   • Criteria: Any equipment that has been overloaded should be removed for inspection, repair, or replacement.
8. Manufacturer Recall or Defect Notification
   • Description: If a manufacturer issues a recall or safety notice regarding a specific piece of equipment, it must be removed from service.
   • Examples:
     • A manufacturer recalling a series of defective life rafts or lifting gear due to a discovered design flaw.
   • Criteria: All equipment subject to a recall or defect notice must be immediately removed from service until addressed or replaced.
9. Accident or Incident Involvement
   • Description: Equipment that has been involved in an accident or incident should be removed from service for inspection, even if no visible damage is present.
   • Examples:
     • A fall arrest harness used in a fall incident, even if it appears undamaged.
     • A mooring line that snapped during a high-stress event.
   • Criteria: Any equipment involved in an accident or near-miss should be removed for thorough inspection before returning to service.

Why Removal from Service Criteria are Important:

1. Safety: The primary reason for having defined removal from service criteria is to protect the safety of personnel and the equipment itself. Using compromised or damaged equipment can lead to accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries, including maritime, have strict regulations governing the condition and maintenance of equipment. Compliance with these standards is necessary to avoid fines, legal liability, and accidents.
3. Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspection and adherence to removal criteria help ensure that issues are detected early, allowing for repairs or replacement before equipment failure occurs.
4. Operational Efficiency: Equipment that does not meet safety or operational standards may not perform optimally, reducing productivity and increasing the risk of breakdowns during operation.

In summary, removal from service criteria are essential guidelines used to ensure that equipment is taken out of use when it becomes unsafe, ineffective, or fails to meet operational standards. These criteria cover various factors, including wear and tear, mechanical failure, structural deformation, environmental damage, and exceeding the manufacturer’s limits. Following these criteria is crucial for ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient operation.

When performing a visual inspection of wire rope slings before use, it is crucial to identify any signs of damage or wear that would require the sling to be removed from service to ensure safety. The removal from service criteria for wire rope slings are based on various forms of damage or defects that can compromise the sling’s integrity and performance.

Here are the specific criteria for removing wire rope slings from service based on visual inspection:

1. Broken Wires

• Criteria:
  • Six or more broken wires in one rope lay (the distance along the rope in which a strand completes one full turn around the core) for a regular lay rope.
  • Three or more broken wires in one strand of the rope.
• Reason: Broken wires indicate that the strength of the wire rope is compromised, reducing its load-carrying capacity and making it unsafe for use.

2. Excessive Wear or Abrasion

• Criteria:
  • Abrasion or wear that reduces the outer wire diameter by more than 1/3 of the original diameter.
• Reason: Excessive wear weakens the wire rope, reducing its ability to support loads safely. Abrasion indicates significant material loss, making the rope more prone to failure.

3. Kinks, Crushed, or Flattened Sections

• Criteria:
  • Visible kinks, twists, crushing, or flattened sections of the wire rope.
• Reason: Kinks, twists, or crushing can cause the wire rope to lose its structural integrity, resulting in uneven stress distribution and increasing the risk of failure under load.

4. Corrosion

• Criteria:
  • Significant rust or corrosion that affects the wire rope’s integrity, particularly in the core or between strands.
• Reason: Corrosion weakens the rope, causing internal and external wire deterioration, which can lead to reduced strength and unexpected failure during lifting operations.

5. Birdcaging or Strand Separation

• Criteria:
  • Any visible signs of birdcaging (where strands of the wire rope separate and form a “cage-like” shape), core protrusion, or strand separation.
• Reason: Birdcaging or strand separation indicates that the wire rope has been subjected to severe stress or improper use, which compromises its integrity and can lead to sudden failure.

6. Deformed or Damaged End Fittings (Terminals, Hooks, Thimbles)

• Criteria:
  • Cracked, bent, corroded, or deformed end fittings such as thimbles, hooks, links, or splices.
• Reason: Damaged fittings may not securely hold the wire rope under load, increasing the risk of the sling coming apart or failing during lifting operations.

7. Core Damage

• Criteria:
  • Any visible evidence of core failure, such as a protruding core or damage that suggests internal issues.
• Reason: Damage to the core, which provides strength and stability to the wire rope, can severely affect the rope’s load-bearing capacity and lead to catastrophic failure.

8. Heat Damage

• Criteria:
  • Signs of heat exposure, such as discoloration, burnt wires, or deformation due to exposure to high temperatures.
• Reason: Heat can weaken the wire rope material, making it brittle and less capable of handling loads without breaking or deforming.

9. Improper Construction or Modification

• Criteria:
  • Any signs that the wire rope sling has been improperly constructed, spliced, or modified (e.g., knots or makeshift repairs).
• Reason: Modifications or poor construction can compromise the load distribution and strength of the wire rope, making it unsafe for lifting.

10. Elongation

• Criteria:
  • Visible elongation (stretching) of the wire rope, indicating that it has been overloaded or has experienced permanent deformation.
• Reason: Elongation is a sign that the wire rope has been overstressed and is no longer capable of safely carrying its rated load.

11. Broken or Cut Strands

• Criteria:
  • Broken, frayed, or cut strands along the length of the wire rope.
• Reason: Broken strands indicate significant damage to the rope’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of complete rope failure during lifting.

12. Thinning or Localized Wear

• Criteria:
  • Any visible signs of thinning or localized wear, especially near end fittings or in areas where the rope regularly comes into contact with other surfaces.
• Reason: Localized thinning reduces the cross-sectional area of the rope, decreasing its load-bearing capacity and increasing the risk of failure at those points.

Conclusion:

Wire rope slings should be removed from service if any of the above defects are identified during a visual inspection. These criteria are designed to ensure the safety and integrity of lifting operations. Regular inspections and adherence to these criteria are critical for preventing accidents, equipment failure, and potential injury during lifting operations.

When performing a visual inspection of synthetic fiber slings before use, it is essential to identify any damage, wear, or other defects that may compromise the sling’s safety or functionality. The removal from service criteria for synthetic fiber slings ensure that slings with visible damage are taken out of use to prevent accidents or equipment failure during lifting operations.

Here are the specific criteria for removing synthetic fiber slings from service based on visual inspection:

1. Cuts, Tears, or Holes in the Sling Webbing

• Criteria:
  • Any visible cuts, tears, punctures, or holes in the sling’s webbing.
• Reason: Cuts or tears in the synthetic material significantly weaken the sling’s load-carrying capacity, increasing the risk of failure under load.

2. Abrasions or Fraying

• Criteria:
  • Visible signs of abrasion or fraying of the fibers, especially in areas where the sling comes into contact with sharp edges or surfaces.
• Reason: Abrasion causes thinning and degradation of the sling material, reducing its strength and making it more likely to fail during lifting.

3. Damaged or Worn Stitching

• Criteria:
  • Loose, broken, or missing stitches in areas where the sling is sewn together (e.g., around the eyes or seams).
• Reason: Stitching is critical for maintaining the sling’s structural integrity. Damaged stitching can lead to the sling coming apart during use, making it unsafe for lifting.

4. Knotting of the Sling

• Criteria:
  • Any signs that the sling has been tied in a knot.
• Reason: Knotting reduces the load capacity of the sling and concentrates stress in a small area, significantly increasing the risk of sling failure.

5. Chemical Burns or Heat Damage

• Criteria:
  • Visible signs of heat damage (e.g., discoloration, melted fibers, or hardened areas) or chemical burns.
• Reason: Exposure to high temperatures or chemicals can degrade the synthetic fibers, reducing their strength and making them brittle or weakened.

6. UV Degradation

• Criteria:
  • Fading, discoloration, or brittleness of the fibers due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Reason: UV degradation can weaken the fibers over time, making the sling less capable of safely bearing loads. The material may become brittle and more prone to breaking under stress.

7. Twists, Kinks, or Distortion

• Criteria:
  • Visible twisting, kinking, or deformation of the sling’s webbing.
• Reason: Twisting or kinking can cause uneven loading of the sling and concentrate stress in specific areas, leading to a higher likelihood of sling failure during lifting operations.

8. Mildew, Mold, or Fungal Growth

• Criteria:
  • Signs of mildew, mold, or fungal growth on the sling.
• Reason: Mold or mildew indicates moisture damage, which can weaken the fibers over time and reduce the sling’s strength. This can result in failure during lifting.

9. Damaged or Deformed Fittings (Hooks, Eyes, Rings)

• Criteria:
  • Bent, cracked, corroded, or deformed end fittings such as hooks, rings, or shackles.
• Reason: Damaged fittings may not securely hold the load or may fail under load, making the entire sling assembly unsafe for lifting.

10. Illegible or Missing Identification Tags

• Criteria:
  • Missing or illegible identification tags or labels that show the sling’s capacity, material, or other essential information.
• Reason: Without proper identification, it is impossible to verify the sling’s load capacity or compliance with safety standards. A missing or illegible tag indicates the sling must be removed from service until re-verified.

11. Excessive Elongation (Stretching)

• Criteria:
  • Visible signs of stretching or elongation beyond the normal range.
• Reason: Stretching indicates that the sling has been overloaded, causing permanent deformation of the fibers. A stretched sling cannot carry its rated capacity safely and should be removed from service.

12. Stiffness or Brittle Material

• Criteria:
  • Areas where the synthetic material has become unusually stiff, brittle, or inflexible.
• Reason: Stiffness or brittleness may indicate chemical exposure, UV degradation, or excessive wear, all of which weaken the fibers and compromise the sling’s safety.

13. Surface Contaminants (Oil, Grease, Chemicals)

• Criteria:
  • Presence of oil, grease, or chemical residue on the sling.
• Reason: Certain contaminants can degrade the synthetic material over time, making the sling unsafe for use. Additionally, contamination can reduce grip and cause the load to slip, creating a hazard.

Conclusion:

Synthetic fiber slings should be removed from service if any of the above defects are detected during a visual inspection. These criteria are in place to ensure the safety of lifting operations and to prevent the use of damaged slings that could lead to accidents or equipment failure. Regular inspections and adherence to removal from service criteria are crucial to maintaining safe lifting practices and prolonging the life of synthetic slings.