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Our basic rigger safety training course is OSHA Aligned and designed specifically for our end-user.
- You will learn about rigger terminology, and the definitions for each word.
- You will learn about the different rigger slings.
- You will learn about hardware associated with rigging.
Rigger Definitions
The first section of our Basic Rigger and Signal Person Safety Course is an introduction into the terminology that applies to rigging tasks and jobs. If you do not already have a knowledge of the basic terms, then you will struggle in your job responsibilities. Some of the most common basic terms that you will learn are:
Slings – Slings are used to connect the load to the crane. They are made to perform various kinds of particular loading operations. The leg is the part of a sling that extends. Slings should be examined to ensure they will perform correctly before being used.
Center of gravity – The point in the load around which the weight is equally distributed in all directions is known as the center of gravity, or COG. The COG is, in other words, the point at which a load balances. This indicates that a load won’t tilt in any direction if it is picked up directly above the center of gravity.
Load control – When a load is lifted, its stability is referred to as load control. If the load doesn’t move while you’re lifting it, you have good load control. On the other hand, if the load can shift and move, your load control is poor.
Capacity – The maximum weight or force that a material can support before failing is referred to as its capacity. Failure of a material may result in injuries or even death.
Reduction – Reduced capacity of a sling material is referred to as reduction. Side loading, material wear or damage, and using sling angles lower than 90° are common causes of rigging reductions.
Rigging Sling Types
In the next section of the training course, you will learn about the different types of slings, the materials that slings are made from, and the strengths and weaknesses of those materials. We will discuss three different kinds of slings: synthetic, wire rope, and chain.
Synthetic Slings
There are three types of synthetic slings: flat, round, and fiber rope slings.
Synthetic flat slings – Normal materials for synthetic flat slings include nylon, Dacron, and polyester. Synthetic flat slings are widely used in construction because of their many benefits.
Synthetic round slings – Polyester yarns that can support a load are typically used to create round slings. These yarns are shielded by a Kevlar or other sturdy material jacket. The jacket shields the inner yarns from chafing, cuts, and snags but does not shield them from intense heat.
Synthetic fiber rope slings – Synthetic fiber rope slings are made from various types of rope material, including nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or spectra. These slings are commonly used in the maritime industry.
Wire Rope Slings
Unlike flaws in a chain link that would lead to a catastrophic failure, flaws found within the wires that make up a wire rope are not as severe because the other wires can take up the load.
Wire rope slings hold several advantages over other types of slings. These ropes are not as strong as chains, but they have good flexibility and weigh less. The rigger has time to react when the outer wires break because it gives employees advance notice of sling failure. Wire rope slings that have been properly constructed are very safe for general use.
Chain Slings
Because of their strength and versatility in adjusting to the shape of a load, chain slings are frequently used. Additionally, if you need to lift hot materials, chain slings are your best option. They are heat-resistant for temperatures up to 1000°F (538°C).
All load limit reductions should be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, never lengthen or shorten chain slings by knotting or twisting them.
Learn About Hardware
This portion of the course will cover the operation, inspection, and maintenance of detachable rigging hardware used for load-handling activities. We will also be discussing all the different types of shackles, eyebolts, hooks, swivel hoist rings, and weld-on lugs.
Shackles
You will often use shackles to make connections between rigging components. There are four different parts of any type of shackle:
- Bow
- Pin
- Ears
- Pin shoulder
While there are many different styles and uses for shackles, this course categorizes them into three different groups.
- Anchor shackles are the most common type of shackle. They work well for connecting to wire rope slings, master rings, hooks, pad eyes, and eye bolts.
- Chain sling shackles are ideal for use with chains due to their size and shape. When possible, try to combine the use of chain slings and chain sling shackles.
- Synthetic sling shackles are wider than anchor shackles. Their greater width keeps flat slings from bunching up, which is a common problem with anchor shackles.
Eye Bolts
Eye bolts provide a safe attachment point for lifting equipment, such as rigging slings. They have a threaded shank with an eye—a loop—at one end. Being able to identify the different types of eye bolts is really important. The identifying factors that should be marked on the bolt are:
- Shape
- Size or rated load
- Manufacturer name
- Alloy grade
Swivel Hoist Rings
Swivel hoist rings can swivel 360° and pivot 180°, allowing operators to lift from any direction. Because of this, swivel hoist rings have the same capacity, no matter the angle at which they are pulled. You should always familiarize yourself with the components of the tool you are using. Swivel hoist ring components include:
- Bail
- Swivel bushing
- Bolt
- Pin
- Bushing flange
Crane Hooks
There are numerous sizes and types of hooks. No matter which type you are using, make sure they are in good working order before lifting. Hooks require routine inspection, just like all other rigging hardware. Damaged hooks are one of the most common issues; more specifically, damaged, broken, or missing safety latches. Safety latches are required to be on the hook unless it would present a hazard for the type of lifting you are doing.
Lift Type Weld-On Lugs
Lift type weld-on lugs should be made of forged alloy steel or carbon steel and attached with grooved or filet welds. The lug and the object to which it is welded are joined tightly by the groove weld.
The eye in a weld-on lug is referred to as a pad eye. The integrity of these eyes will be compromised by side loading, just like with eye bolts. The strength of the entire weld-on lug may also be influenced by other factors. The type of metal, the sling angle, and improper welding techniques are a few examples.
Angles & Stresses
When slings are used at an angle while lifting a load, the capacity of the sling is reduced. How much it is reduced depends on the angle of the sling. When choosing a sling, you must consider the load it will be lifting and the stresses it will see when used at an angle.
Sling Hitches
The type of hitch used to lift a load can greatly affect the rated capacity of the sling. For that reason, in this section of the course, you will learn about four categories of hitches and which situations they are best suited for.
- Vertical hitches
- Bridle hitches
- Choker hitches
- Basket hitches
How Can I Pass the Test?
The best way to ensure that you pass the final exam after completing the course is by paying attention and taking it seriously. While the course may take up a lot of time, all the information that is presented to you is important for your safety as well as the safety of those you will be working around.
Practice Test Questions & Answers
Q: As opposed to chain slings, what is the advantage of using wire rope slings?
A: They offer flexibility and are lightweight
Q: What information is included in a shackle identification?
A: The manufacturer’s trademark or name, the rated load, and the size of the shackle
Q: What are the three basic hitches used in rigging?
A: Choker hitch, basket hitch, and vertical hitch
Start Your Training Now
Here at Hard Hat Training, we have available to you three different rigger and signal person courses. They are as follows:
- Rigger & Signal Person (Basic) Training
- Rigger & Signal Person (Intermediate) Training
- Rigger & Signal Person (Advanced) Training
How To Become a Rigger
Learning how to rig is a job-specific skill. You must be willing to learn if you want to work as a rigger.
- Riggers install and maintain rigging in factories, shipyards, logging operations, construction sites, and the entertainment sector.
- Rigging is used in many different industries.
- Riggers receive training in weight, suspension, and balance calculations.
How Do I Become a Rigger?
Learning how to rig is a job-specific skill. You must be willing to learn if you want to work as a rigger. Most rigger employers require a high school diploma or an equivalent. There are a few available training programs, but the majority of riggers begin with on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. The basics are given through job training, shadowing, or assisting, which also teaches you the necessary safety procedures.
As you develop your career, you can apply to become a certified rigger through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). This enables you to advance beyond entry-level work and certifies you to operate heavier rigging equipment. In order to become NCCCO certified, you must adhere to the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Comply with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy
- Comply with NCCCO’s Code of Ethics
Description for Rigger Jobs
Riggers install and maintain rigging in factories, shipyards, logging operations, construction sites, and the entertainment sector. They are in charge of rigging safety, attaching loads, controlling the movement of heavy machinery, and aligning and anchoring the machinery.
Entry Level Jobs – Rigging for the Industries
Rigging is used in many different industries. For the sake of this article we will only be going into detail about three of the most common industries that have rigger professions. Before we dive into the details, here are some examples of some less commonly known industries that use rigging:
- Processing industry
- Renewable energy industry
- Fossil power energy
- Food and drug industry
Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial manufacturing is one of the most common industries that use rigging. Rigging is used to move CNC machines, presses, shears, or other heavy-duty industrial manufacturing equipment.
Construction Industry
A rigger is an essential member of the team on construction and building sites. Rigging is a technique used on construction sites to move equipment up multiple floors or safely lift and move heavy beams or frames. With the right rigging technique, anything from large HVAC systems to power tools can be moved into position. Riggers receive training in weight, suspension, and balance calculations. They have control over how the objects are moved through narrow passageways or at great heights.
Entertainment Industry
Riggers work in a different capacity on movie sets than they do on construction sites. In movies, riggers also use ropes, pulleys, and chains to move heavy objects, but these heavy objects are usually pricey camera gear, lighting, or set pieces. On film sets, riggers will construct scaffolding to lift lights and support cameras for various angles shots. They will occasionally move actors with the aid of their rigging to give the impression that they are falling or flying.
What Does a Rigger Do?
To move heavy objects, riggers use ropes, pulleys, and other tools. In confined construction areas where large machinery may not always fit, riggers are especially necessary. Heavy chains, cables, or straps are used by riggers to safely transport their load as they use cranes to move bulky objects from one location to another. To move objects, riggers also employ a system of pulleys and chain motors.
What is Rigging?
A rigger is a crucial team member on construction and building sites. Rigging offers a way to move equipment up multiple floors or lift and move heavy beams or frames safely on construction sites. With the proper rigging technique, anything from power tools to sizable HVAC systems can be moved into position. Riggers receive training in weight, suspension, and balance calculations. They have the ability to maneuver the objects being transported through narrow passageways or at great heights.
What Does It Mean To Be a NCCCO Certified Rigger?
NCCCO stands for National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. The correct term is CCO-certified, or Certified Crane Operator (an official title). Even if you are certified to operate a crane, it does not necessarily mean that you are CCO-certified. While there are other companies that seek to certify crane operators, only the NCCCO can provide a CCO certification.
Level I Rigger
To become a Certified Rigger Level I, you must first obtain NCCCO certification. When the load concentration, distribution of the weight, rigging fundamentals, and rigging equipment is known prior to the lift through their experience or on-the-job skills training, a first level rigger must be able to perform simple, recurring rigging jobs. A Level I rigger must be able to:
- Properly inspect rigging before lift
- Understand hitching and basic knots
- Locate and attach rigging
- Recognize potential hazards
- Use operation hand signals
- Use multiple types of rigging equipment
Level II Rigger
A Level II rigger possesses all of the skills and information gained via Level I certification. A Level II certified rigger can also select rigging components and techniques in accordance with rigging capacity. A Level II rigger can work unsupervised on the following rigging tasks:
- Determine weight and gravity of the load
- Find the lifting points
- Determine and select rigging according to the load
- Perform pre-use rigging and lifting point inspections
- Know the different types of hitches, load angle variables, rigging limits, and load integrity
- Identify load dynamics and the risks associated with them
Level II riggers should also be familiar with lifting equipment such as winches, jacks, industrial rollers, and other related tools.
Requirements for Becoming a Rigger
The most obvious requirements for someone to meet in order to become a rigger is by completing an OSHA Aligned safety training course. There are many certification programs available that meet the OSHA certification standards, and some employers send their riggers through a certification course to make sure they comply with OSHA regulations. Certification courses generally last from a few days to a few weeks and cover areas such as:
- Slings
- Knots
- Signaling
- Load control
- Safety issues
Safety courses also include both written and practical exams. Certified crane operators may also meet OSHA requirements for a qualified rigger, as long as the operator has the necessary experience in rigging.
OSHA requires employers to ensure that the rigger is able to perform the job at hand. Riggers must be able to rig a load under any given conditions. This means that, according to OSHA regulations, a rigger may be able to rig one type of load but not another. A rigger with substantial experience in structural rigging but limited experience rigging unstable loads, for example, may be deemed unqualified to manage a rig transporting an unstable load.
Qualified Riggers
A qualified rigger is one who meets the criteria for a qualified person. Employers must decide whether or not a candidate is qualified to do specific rigging jobs. Each competent rigger may have unique qualifications or experience. In order for a rigger to be considered a qualified rigger, they must meet two primary criteria:
- They must have in their possession a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or otherwise have extensive (and verifiable) knowledge, training, and experience.
- They must demonstrate their ability to find and execute solutions to problems involving rigging loads.
Riggers who are qualified need only have the skills necessary for the specific task at hand; they are not required to be qualified for every type of rigging job. Handling rigging loads can be simple or complex because each one has distinct characteristics. However, prior rigging experience does not automatically qualify a person to rig unstable, unusually heavy, or eccentric loads that may require a tandem lift, multiple lifts, or use of custom rigging equipment. The responsibility falls on the contractor to ensure that the person in charge of rigging work is capable and outfitted for each and every task they are assigned.
Rigger Safety Training
At the end of the day, safety training is critical and has the ability to save lives. As a result, our primary goal is to provide our customers with enticing, efficient, and inexpensive safety training. All of our safety training courses adhere to the appropriate standards and cover all of the relevant training subjects.
Our course creators devote a significant amount of time to researching and assembling relevant safety information, allowing us to present our customers with the most informed and impactful safety training.
Our course library contains over 200 complete training subjects for our customers. Each of these courses are completely narrated and tailored to the needs of the students. The following are our current rigging courses: