or 10 wraps around both sides of the hook. To finish
off, make several turns with the yarn or wire around
the sides of the mousing, and then tie the ends
securely (figure 4-35).
Shackles are moused when there is danger of the
shackle pin working loose and coming out because of
vibration. To mouse a shackle, simply take several
turns with seizing wire through the eye of the pin and
around the bow of the shackle. Figure 4-35 shows
what a properly moused shackle looks like.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing
this section, you should have a basic
understanding of hoisting, handsignals used
in lifting loads, and some of the safety rules
In lifting any load, it takes two personnel to
ensure a safe lift: an equipment operator and a
signalman. In the following paragraphs, we will
discuss the importance of the signalman and a few of
the safety rules to be observed by all hands engaged in
designated as the
and one person only, should be
official signalman for the operator
of a piece of hoisting equipment, and both the
signalman and the operator must be thoroughly
familiar with the standard hand signals. When
possible, the signalman should wear some distinctive
article of dress, such as a bright-colored helmet. The
signalman must maintain a position from which the
load and the crew working on it can be seen, and also
where he can be seen by the operator.
Appendix III at the end of this TRAMAN shows
the standard hand signals for hoisting equipment.
Some of the signals shown apply only to mobile
equipment; others, to equipment with a boom that can
be raised, lowered, and swung in a circle. The
two-arm hoist and lower signals are used when the
signalman desires to control the speed of hoisting or
lowering. The one-arm hoist or lower signal allows
the operator raise or lower the load. To dog off the
load and boom means to set the brakes so as to lock
both the hoisting mechanism and the boom hoist
mechanism. The signal is given when circumstances
require that the load be left hanging motionless.
With the exception of the emergency stop signal,
which may be given by anyone who sees a necessity
for it, and which must be obeyed instantly by the
operator, only the official signalman gives the signals.
The signalman is responsible for making sure that
members of the crew remove their hands from slings,
hooks, and loads before giving a signal. The
signalman should also make sure that all persons are
clear of bights and snatch block lines.
ATTACHING A LOAD
The most common way of attaching a load to a
lifting hook is to put a sling around the load and hang
the sling on the hook (figure 4-36). A sling can be
made of line, wire, or wire rope with an eye in each
Figure 4-36.Ways of hitching on a sling.