Changed my mind about using a tag line after a near miss on a 60 ton pick

I used to think tag lines were just extra hassle, never bothered with them. Then last Tuesday I had a 4,000 lb steel beam swing wild in a 15 mph gust, nearly took out a guy on the ground. Foreman came over and just said "that one could have ended bad." Now I rig a tag line on anything over 3,000 lbs, takes an extra 2 minutes but the peace of mind is worth it. Anyone else skip them and learn the hard way?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliver_wilson4917d ago

Heard this a bunch but honestly 15 mph gusts ain't that crazy for a 4,000 lb beam. I've seen guys handle way worse with just a good hand signal and some common sense. Not saying tag lines are useless but sometimes it's more about the crew paying attention than strapping on extra gear for every little thing.

cameron53816d ago

@oliver_wilson49 brings up a fair point about crew attention, but I read a study once that said even experienced crews miss hand signals in gusty conditions. A tag line basically takes the guessing out of it when the wind kicks up. It's not about what's possible to handle, it's about keeping things simple when a split second matters.