Lifting and Rigging Equipment Hire decisions begin with the task, not the badge on the machine.
01 / Hoists, gantries and load-moving equipment
Manual chain blocks and lever hoists are used to lift and position loads in workshops, plant rooms and construction sites, and are rated by working load limit (WLL), from under a tonne to many tonnes. Electric chain hoists speed up repetitive lifts. Beam trolleys and clamps attach hoists to steel beams, while portable gantry cranes and A-frames provide a lifting point where no overhead structure exists. Wire rope pulling and lifting machines, often known as tirfors, handle pulling and lowering over long distances.
For moving heavy loads without a crane, hire fleets offer hydraulic jacks, toe jacks, jacking systems, machinery skates and rollers, and air skates for smooth floors. These are used to relocate machinery, transformers and switchboards inside buildings where cranes cannot reach. Vacuum lifters handle glass, stone and steel plate, while magnetic lifters handle steel plates and sections. Load cells and dynamometers measure loads during lifting, testing and tensioning.
02 / Slings, shackles and below-the-hook gear
Slings come in chain, wire rope and synthetic forms. Chain slings are durable and resist heat and abrasion, making them common in steel and industrial work. Wire rope slings are strong and flexible but can be damaged by kinking and crushing. Synthetic webbing and round slings are lightweight and protect finished surfaces, but are vulnerable to cuts, heat and chemicals. Each sling's WLL depends on the configuration, such as vertical, choke or basket hitch, and on the angle between legs in multi-leg slings.
Shackles, eye bolts, swivels, hooks, turnbuckles and master links connect slings to loads and lifting points. Spreader beams and lifting frames control sling angles and support long or unstable loads. All below-the-hook equipment should be marked with its WLL and identification, and should be compatible with each other and the load. Mixing incompatible components, overloading at steep sling angles, or using damaged gear are common causes of rigging failures.
03 / Inspection, tagging and documentation
Lifting equipment should be inspected before each use by a competent person and periodically by a qualified inspector, in line with the manufacturer's instructions and relevant Australian Standards. Many sites use colour-coded tags to show the inspection period, and equipment without a current tag or identification is often rejected. Hire companies usually supply gear with current inspection records, and some can provide certificates for audits. Inspect equipment on arrival and before each lift.
Remove from service any equipment with damaged, stretched or cracked components, missing identification, cut or heat-damaged synthetic slings, broken wires, kinks or corrosion. Report damage to the supplier rather than returning the equipment without comment, as damaged gear must be quarantined and inspected. Keep records of hired lifting equipment used on critical lifts, especially where lift plans or engineering assessments are required.
04 / Licences and competency for rigging work
Slinging techniques and directing crane operators generally require a dogging high risk work licence, and rigging work, such as erecting structural steel, installing precast panels or setting up hoists and gantries, generally requires basic, intermediate or advanced rigging licences depending on the task. Some hoist classes also have their own licences. Using a chain block on a fixed beam in a workshop may not require a licence, but competency and training are still necessary.
Licence requirements depend on the task, the equipment and how loads are handled, so check with your state regulator or a qualified rigging contractor if you are unsure. For complex lifts, engaging a rigging contractor who supplies both equipment and licensed riggers can reduce risk and simplify responsibilities. Lift plans should identify the equipment, load weights, sling configurations and the people responsible.
05 / Selecting gear, costs and choosing a supplier
Start with the load: its weight, centre of gravity, dimensions, lifting points and surface finish. Then determine the lifting method, headroom, sling angles and whether spreader beams or frames are needed. Give the supplier this information so they can recommend equipment with an adequate WLL and compatibility. For moving loads without cranes, provide floor surface, clearances, route and any ramps or thresholds.
Rigging gear is usually hired daily or weekly, with charges for delivery, damage, loss and inspection. Some suppliers charge for re-inspection after hire, particularly for synthetic slings. A capable supplier provides tagged, inspected equipment, offers technical advice on selection and configuration, and can supply engineered lifting solutions for unusual loads. Suppliers with rigging crews can also supply licensed personnel for complex lifts.
Field checklist
- Confirm load weight, centre of gravity, dimensions and lifting points.
- Select slings and hardware with adequate WLL for the hitch and angle.
- Check inspection tags and identification on all gear before use.
- Confirm dogging and rigging licences for the tasks involved.
- Use spreader beams or frames for long or unstable loads.
- Report and quarantine damaged equipment rather than using it.
Frequently asked questions
What does WLL mean on lifting equipment?
WLL stands for working load limit, the maximum load the equipment is designed to lift in a specified configuration. The effective limit can fall with sling angles, choke hitches or other configurations. Never exceed the WLL, and check the supplier's charts for the configuration you plan to use.
Do I need a licence to use a chain block?
Using a chain block on a fixed beam in a workshop may not require a high risk work licence, but you must be trained and competent. Where tasks involve slinging loads for cranes, directing crane operators or rigging structures, dogging or rigging licences are generally required. Check your state regulator's requirements.
How often should lifting slings be inspected?
Lifting slings should be checked before each use by the person using them and periodically inspected by a competent person, in line with the manufacturer's instructions and relevant Australian Standards. Many sites use colour-coded tags to show current inspection periods. Damaged slings should be removed from service immediately.
Can heavy machinery be moved without a crane?
Yes. Machinery skates, hydraulic jacks, toe jacks, air skates and jacking systems are commonly used to move heavy machinery inside buildings or where cranes cannot reach. The floor must support the loads, and the route should be clear. A rigging contractor can plan and carry out the move with appropriate equipment.