So, you want to become a rigger? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll explain just what riggers do and the steps that are required to become one yourself.
How to Become Rigger
The most basic factor of training you will need to become a rigger is OSHA Aligned training. You will also need to be familiar with the OSHA Requirements for rigging. The following items are the most basic steps to becoming certified. We will be going into more detail about these later on in this article:
- Receive training at an accredited safety training facility
- Complete the rigger training program
- Take a rigger certification test
Additionally, it’s important to note that by OSHA Requirements, a rigger is not required to be certified. Many riggers choose to get certification in a specialized field. This can help improve your chances of getting hired but is not necessary. Some employers offer on-the-job training for rigging, while others offer apprenticeships for prospective riggers.
What Exactly Does Rigging Mean?
Before we get into how to become a rigger, let’s first define rigging and what riggers do. Rigging in construction can mean two different things:
- It can refer to setting up equipment and materials for a lift
- It can refer to the equipment that is generally used in the lift
Individuals use rigging to move and place materials on construction sites. You can also tailor the rigging process to the needs of each worksite.
What Do Riggers Do?
The primary duties of a rigger include lifting, moving, and positioning heavy machinery and equipment. A rigger uses fixed and portable lifting equipment and accessories to position loads for final installation or fixing. They are also used to move loads to a position where they can be reached by a crane. Riggers move heavy loads using machines such as trucks, cranes, and pulleys. You’ll work as a rigger in the construction, oil, gas, and manufacturing industries.
Different Levels of Riggers
It is important to know that there are three different levels of riggers. Each type of rigger has unique work and safety responsibilities within that level. Each also requires different levels of training and necessitates more hands-on experience. We will go into detail about each level of rigger and what the requirements are for each.
Certified Rigger Level I
A Certified Rigger Level I should be able to perform simple rigging tasks. They should also understand the load weight, center of gravity, rigging, and rigging configuration. The rigger needs to know these things prior to the rigging operations either through experience or training. Level I Riggers, specifically, should be able to demonstrate or know how to:
- Check the rigging before use
- Identify and attach rigging using basic hitch configurations, capacities, and knots
- Recognize potential hazards
- Use signaling procedures
- Use various rigging equipment and basic hitches, as well as their applications
What Safety Topics Does Rigger Level I Trainings Cover?
The safety topics that Rigger Level I Training will need to cover are as follows:
- Sling types
- Different rigging hardware
- Lifting devices
- Angles and stresses
- Sling hitches
- Crane operations
- Communication
- Hand signals
Certified Rigger Level II
A Certified Rigger Level II should be able to select rigging components and procedures based on rigging capacity. They should also know and be able to demonstrate Rigger Level I knowledge and skills. Unsupervised, a Level II Rigger must be able to competently perform the following rigging tasks:
- Calculate the load weight and center of gravity
- Determine lift points
- Determine and choose rigging based on the load
- Inspect the rigging and lift points before use
- Identify and attach rigging by understanding hitch configurations and load angle factors
- Understand load dynamics and the risks associated with them
Level II Riggers will also have a working knowledge of hoisting equipment, winches, jacks, industrial rollers, and similar equipment, as applicable.
What Safety Topics Do Rigger Level II Trainings Cover?
The safety topics that need to be covered in a safety training for a certified Rigger Level II are similar to the topics required by the Rigger Level I training. The only difference is that a Rigger Level II training will need to go more into depth with the topics. Some additional topics include the following:
- Weight
- Load capacity
- Center of gravity
Certified Rigger Level III
A Rigger Level III is someone who can successfully demonstrate or understand how to:
- Inspect rigging before use
- Identify and attach rigging with basic knowledge of hitch configurations
- Recognize associated hazards
- Use signal operations
- Use different types of rigging equipment
What Safety Topics Does Rigger Level III Trainings Cover?
In addition to everything that is covered in Rigger Level I and II safety training, a Rigger Level III is required by safety standards to know safety topics such as:
- Stability
- Load charts
- Wire rope slings
- Chain slings
- Crane safety
- Worksite awareness
Necessary Rigger Skills
Strong Communication
Communication constitutes the basis of all operations. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, riggers must communicate with anyone involved in the construction process. You will need to know how to communicate with others in the workplace at any point during the operation. As a result, whether they are the operator or the supervisor, riggers must consider themselves as a vital component of the process.
Excellent Decision Making
There is always a risk when working with heavy machinery. That is why excellent decision-making is essential. When something goes wrong, riggers must be able to act immediately. They must be able to identify hazards before they become problems. Identifying and acting on changes as they occur is a difficult skill to teach; rather, it is a personal skill that comes with dedication and watchfulness.
Confidence With Equipment and a Willingness to Learn
As a rigger, you’ll be expected to use a wide range of tools. Riggers wear numerous hats, from driving cars to jobs to operating forklifts. You will learn how to move and handle big items utilizing a range of equipment during your training. Even the most basic qualification will educate a rigger on how to use hitches. A rigger that is eager to learn will improve their skills by getting more knowledge and training that will enable that individual to execute their tasks safely.
Five Most Common Rigger Jobs
Rigging Supervisor
A rigging supervisor coordinates, supervises, and operates cranes. Working in this field includes inspecting machinery and using rigging equipment and cables. Your primary responsibilities will be to supervise the riggers and other specialists. You ensure that your crew follows proper safety procedures when lifting, hoisting, or installing equipment or materials. You may also be in charge of each project’s budget and timeline. You must report activities and progress to project supervisors at various points throughout the day or project.
Rig Operator
A rig operator is in charge of the rig, crew, and equipment, as well as ensuring customer satisfaction with all services the company provides. They are also in charge of ensuring that all crew members arrive at the rig on time and are ready to work. Being a rig operator means that productivity standards for all rig functions are your responsibility. You must also help to maintain a safe working environment.
Crane Rigger
A crane rigger is in charge of lifting and moving large or heavy loads using a crane. These skilled professionals are qualified to operate this heavy machinery safely. This job typically involves working on construction sites such as tall buildings, ships, bridges, and roads. The size of the load you’re moving with the crane may be hazardous, so you must adhere to all safety standards outlined in your certified training. Your responsibilities include operating the crane equipment and ensuring that the crane is properly assembled.
Rig Hand
A rig hand, also known as a roughneck, is a worker on an oil rig. The term rig hand refers to a variety of jobs that are performed on an oil rig. In this profession, you are usually in charge of maintaining the drilling rig and its equipment. However, your exact responsibilities will vary depending on the position. The lease hand is the lowest position in the rig hierarchy. In this role, you are responsible for general drilling rig maintenance.
The floor hand is the next level, and he or she helps set up and tear down the drilling operation. You are in charge of handling pipe, drilling tools, and other necessary materials on the rig in this position. The next three rig tech roles are advancement tiers: motor hand, derrick hand, and driller. Their responsibilities include engine maintenance, drill system monitoring, and drill manning.
Rigger Helper
Rigger helper is as the name suggests. They are an individual that assists the rigger in the lifting, moving, and positioning of the crane and structural members on ships that are being repaired or built.
Average Salary For Rigger Jobs
The average salary for rigger jobs varies depending on what job title you hold, your experience, and where you are located. Rigger job salaries can range anywhere from $35,500 per year to $97,500 per year.
Our OSHA Aligned Training
Here at Safety Provisions and Hard Hat Training, we offer Rigger Signaler training. This training is aligned with the standards laid out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and satisfies their training requirements. It also presents information riggers must comprehend for approval to work onsite. This includes load weight, angles and stresses, the center of gravity, sling hitches, sling types, hardware, lifting devices, communication, and more. Our training is available in English and Spanish. We also have a version that complies with Canada’s standards.
It is important to note that only the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) can provide actual certified crane operator (CCO) certification. Our trainings adhere to the OSHA Requirements, which is what CCO uses. Like OSHA, the NCCCO does not specifically approve courses. Therefore, our courses are NCCCO aligned but cannot authorize certifications to an individual.
For additional information on riggers or for any other training, visit our homepage.