Raising the safety bar

In the lifting and rigging industry, one of the most significant hazards is the dropping of equipment and components from height. Such incidents not only pose a serious risk to the safety of workers but also can result in costly damage and project delays. To tackle this issue, Green Pin has developed a catch shackle. Lifting Africa finds out more.

The Catch Shackle, co-developed with the DROPS organisation, is one of those pieces of equipment that may seem innocuous at first glance but is truly extraordinary in what it delivers. At its core, the shackle is designed to tackle one of the most persistent and hazardous issues in the lifting and rigging industry - dropped objects.

While shackles are a common and essential part of lifting operations, the Catch Shackle takes this simple tool to a whole new level of safety and innovation, says Green Pin Training Manager Dennie Goris.

“By incorporating the ability to tether all components - such as the body, pin, nut and even the spring pin - the Catch Shackle ensures that no piece of equipment falls, reducing the risk of injury or death on job sites.”

The design of this shackle includes a rotating washer that allows a lanyard to attach without twisting and its safety features include a split pin and safety bolt combination, which prevents the accidental unscrewing of components. The ease of tethering, combined with long-term durability and a customisable wiring approach, makes it a highly effective and user-friendly solution.

According to Emiel van Norel, Green Pin product manager, while the catch shackle on the surface might appear to be a standard shackle, it is the simple yet innovative modifications to that transforms it into a critical safety tool for industries such as offshore and construction, where the consequences of a dropped object can be catastrophic.

The collaboration with DROPS - an organisation dedicated to preventing dropped object incidents – further underscores this product’s role in setting new standards for safety in lifting operations.

Why prevention matters

To truly appreciate the value of the shackle, Goris says it is important to consider the physics of falling objects. “A nut weighing 400 grams dropped from 5 metres can impact with the force of 40 kg. At 30 metres, that force increases to 240 kg - equivalent to the weight of a small trailer. Even with hard hats, the potential for severe injuries, including neck trauma or fatalities, remains high.”He says a study of workplace incidents revealed that impacts from falling objects rank among the most common causes of injuries at lifting sites. In the offshore environment it poses particularly high risks. “This shackle is designed to mitigate these dangers, offering peace of mind to riggers and operators,” he says.

Some of the key benefits of the shackle include that it places safety first. “IT prevents the accidental dropping of shackle bolts, cotter pins and even complete shackles. By offering attachment points for individual components, users can securely tether each piece, minimiSing the risk of components falling and causing harm,” he explains. It also allows for customizable tethering as the shackles are supplied without wiring, allowing users to choose their preferred method of securing the components.

“Whether you’re securing the shackle to a tool belt or other anchoring points, the flexible tethering options ensure safety is maintained throughout operations. It is furthermore designed for both one-leg and multi-leg lifting systems, with a working load limit ranging from 2 to 9.5 tons. This makes it suitable for a variety of lifting applications, from construction sites to offshore rigs, where the risk of falling objects is high.” Goris points out that the galvanisation of the product ensures long-term durability, even in harsh environments.

How it works

The shackle is equipped with a rotating washer that allows the lanyard to be attached without twisting. The safety lanyards can be connected to the body, pin and nut, ensuring that every component of the shackle is securely tethered. The pin can be tethered by a safety lanyard through a hole in the body and the washer on the nut allows it to rotate freely without the risk of winding the tethering wire.

The spring pin replaces the traditional split pin, further enhancing the safety and security of the shackle. The innovative design ensures that even under the harshest conditions, the components of the shackle remain secure and attached to the lifting system.

“Our shackles are known for their robust quality and versatility, which makes them a trusted choice across a wide range of industries,” said Goris. “They are engineered to withstand the toughest environments and built to perform under high stress and harsh conditions, ensuring reliable and long-lasting service.”

He advises that shackles should be inspected regularly in accordance with the safety standards set forth in the country of use. “Routine inspections are crucial to ensuring that shackles remain in optimal condition and are safe for use in lifting and securing operations.”

“Adhering to the local safety regulations helps to identify any signs of wear, corrosion or damage that could compromise the integrity of the shackle and, by extension, the safety of workers and the operation itself,” he said.

Green Pin,

sales@greenpin.com,

www.greenpin.com