TAG lines

A tag line should not be used to control the load

A length of rope designed to help guide a load when working with a crane.

For thousands of years rope has been used for manipulating and moving loads. Over the last 100 yearswith the huge growth in crane use both onshore and offshore rope has been used as an aid to controlloads. Over this time the piece of rope we have used as a tag line has seen little or no change.

Tag lines hang from the load vertically.

Rope when secured to a load will hang vertically from the attachment point. As personnel feel the urge to grab the line they can find themselves placed in an unsafe position either directly under the load or in a position if the load were to fall and bounce they could still be caught. (Push poles remove the need to move directly under the load).

Tag lines hang from the load vertically.

Tag lines hang from the load vertically.

Tag lines hang from the load vertically.

Tag lines hang from the load vertically.

Tag lines hang from the load vertically.

Any item raised with the crane can pose a hazard if there is movement. When attempting to land into position or if delicate items are around when initially raised personnel can find themselves wanting to control the load by differing methods. Wrapping the line around handrails has been a common “no, no” way to control the loads.

Personnel often attempt to control a moving load with the tag line

Video

There is no standard for securing a tag line.

There are several different knot types that can be used to securely attach a tag line, the concern being if the incorrect type is used it can come undone. Additionally the location of the attachment makes a significant difference when attempting to help guide the load. If attached closer to the centre of the load the tag line loses its efficiency. (clove hitch historically is an approved knot. There are conditions where this knot will come undone)

Handling loads can entice personnel into unsafe positions.

When a load is moving significantly personnel attempting to control the load with a tag line have a tendency to grab hold of the load concentrating on stopping the swing. In doing so they can inadvertently place themselves in potential catch points.

Attempting to control with limited success

Once at a more accessible height enticed to move in to

handle

Historically any old piece of rope is grabbed and secured as a tag line.

Any rope that has been laying around the rig for whatever reason has normally been used for a tag line, below pictures indicate conditions from 2 different rigs of rope that was in use as tag lines.

Tag lines often drag across items causing damage or snagging.

Snagging lines have been the cause of several damage over the years on offshore rigs, handrails and aerials are the major snag points. Often the snag point may not be damaged but the snag can be enough to generate or magnify a swing in the load, this in turn is a hazard when the load is being landed. One of the main causes can be the line is often camouflaged into the background or can not be seen by the banks-man.

Tag lines can wrap around a limb and raise personnel from the deck.

Over the years there have been several documented cases of tag lines wrapping around personnel with severe results.

Tag lines can wrap around a limb and raise personnel from the deck.

2. Current Concerns

Tag lines can wrap around a limb and raise personnel from the deck.

This is how you imagine this happened

Tag lines can wrap around a limb and raise personnel from the deck.

Current solution

Current solution

Current solution

Current solution

Tag lines quickly collect dirt and can become camouflaged into the surroundingsRope without protection quickly becomes dirty when exposed to oils dirt and synthetic based mud’s used on the drilling rigs.

Tag lines can be hard to see during night time operationsTag lines that have collected dirt can be very hard to see when working at night.

Tag lines collect metal shards that have the potential to cause puncture woundsGloves need to be worn during the pre use inspection of a canvass sling due to the potential of contact with metal shards, rope being similar construction can also pick up items that when contact is made do pose a puncture hazard.

Tag lines collect water and chemicals into the lineWhen trailing across decks, containers or skips tag lines can pick up water and chemicals that are then absorbed into the structure. When the line is pulled to this is then expelled, normally down the line onto the person guiding the load.

Tag lines loose rigidness and become a tangle hazardWhen rope is left in the elements and due to usage and ageing tag lines have a tendency to loose the rigidness, once this has occurred they are then prone to wrapping around items very easily, legs and armsTag lines are susceptible to sun bleaching when left in the elementsWorking a few degrees either side of the equator anywhere in the world there is a higher degree of damage caused by UV. Rope can become brittle and then fail if load is applied.

Tag lines positioned incorrectly entice personnel to pull harderLeverage is often over looked when personnel install a tag line. The closer the tag line is attached to the centre of the load leverage is lost. This in turn means more strain or pulling force is required to conduct simple guiding of a load.

As a team we need to move away from using any old piece of rope as a tag line. We also need to ensure no one is handling a suspended load .

To achieve this we have to be open to the change, we will need to plan our activities to include how we will manage individual loads hands free.

Tag lines should be constructed meeting the following as a minimum:

1.Not rig made or modified2.Specified length3.16mm rope4.Polypropylene rope5.Reflective tape at specific points along the full length6.Karabiner attachment point to ensure connection

Warning

DO NOT -Ø Use to control any loadØ Wrap around any part of your bodyØ Move under any load to retrieve tag lineØ Attempt any repairs to the tag lineØ Use if any damage is evidentØ Raise a load if the load or tag line can snagØ Land any item on the tag lineØ Tie knots in the tag line

DO - A thorough risk assessment for all tag line use Use tag line to help guide loads into position Store away from the elements after use Conduct a pre use inspection before use Follow all training information and guidance Wear approved gloves when using the tag line Ensure gate is closed prior to raining load Connect back onto tag line if required Call TOFS is something does not appear right

Information

Only trained Transocean personnel are authorized to use a tag line

Only trained Transocean personnel are authorized to use a tag line

QUESTIONS?