Who is a rigger & 17 essential duties of a rigger?
A rigger is an expert that handles and directs loads on a site. In construction, a rigger is a person who ties up, balances, manipulates, and moves heavy loads. A rigging job requires expertise, and that’s why a rigger is an essential person in the workplace.
Employment qualifications of a rigger.
A rigger must possess some experience and skills to be employed. However, many riggers do not start out specializing in Rigging work, but from their work, they’re exposed to rigging activities. Their initial skill job may be Carpenter, mechanic, laborer, or mason.
The basics for a rigger employment include
- A high school diploma.
- Physically fit and able to stand for half the day.
- Learn how to use rigging tools.
- Knowledge of power tools.
- Ability to drive lifting equipment
OSHA Qualified riggers.
All personnel working as riggers must meet specific requirements according to the OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Those requirements include either certification or experience in managing and solving problems with rigging loads.
However, OSHA has various requirements for people engaging in rigging jobs; for instance, if a given rigging activity involves driving a forklift, a tri-lifter, or other equipment, the reader needs a license to operate what OSHA calls a powered industrial truck.
A rigger can also be certified after undergoing certification training and testing at a recognized center, for example, NCCCO, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.
Know also that a certified rigger is different from an OSHA-qualified Rigger. This is because OSHA only considers you capable when working with a type of load or equipment with experience.
17. essential duties of a Rigger.
1. A rigger tests the mechanical systems to ensure they function well.
2. Familiar with the lifting equipment and accessories.
3. Know how to use hand signals.
4. Has the responsibility of stopping the lifting operation when the activity is prone to cause a problem.
5. Make reports for all unsafe hazards or safety concerns while working.
6. The rigger directs the lifting and the loading operations
7. The rigger ensures the operator and the rigger are familiar with the signaling in use.
8. The rigger engages in verbal communication during the Hoisting and lifting operation to ensure the safety of the workers and materials.
9. The load will only be lifted if the weight is appropriately determined.
10. Attach the loads to the rigging equipment to prepare them for moving and loading activities.
11. The law controls the movement of heavier equipment using chain falls, gin poles, gallows, and others.
12. The Rigger Maneuvers the suspended load to ensure effective rigging operations.
13. Responsible for repairing and fabricating supporting structures, hoisting, pulling Gear, and using hand and power tools.
14. Dismantles and stores the rigging equipment after each use.
15. Install ground rigging for yarding Lines, attaching chokers to logs and the lines.
16. Directs the lifting and loading activities and every other operation per their activities.
17. The Rigger is always aware of any obstruction within the crane radius and the working area.
Also read:
- Procedures for atmospheric testing in confined spaces.
- Brief explanations on the three ISO management system standards every health and safety professional needs to know
- Must do things you need to know before you enrol for ISO 45001:2018 STANDARD lead auditor course.
- Tornado warning: what you need to do when you see alert messages
- Free HSE Documents
- Drilling machine safety toolbox talk
Qualities of a good rigger.
There are a lot of qualities the personnel should possess to be efficient at the workplace. Those qualities include the following:
- Good communication skills.
- Reliable and hardworking.
- A good team player.
- Good knowledge of Math.
- Knowledge of hand signals.
- Excellent Vision and hearing capability.
- Good eye for an inspection of rigging equipment and accessories.
- Must be up-to-date and willing to comply with all necessary standards.
- Physically fit.
Also read:
- Tornado warning: what you need to do when you see alert messages
- Marine Activities safety toolbox talk
- 6 Confined space hazards that can pose a problem to the entrants
- Manual call points: what does it do?
About The Author
I was captivated when you mentioned that OSHA has different requirements for individuals engaging in rigging jobs. My friend told me that their project involves industrial rigging. I should advise him to work with a company with the right tools for the job.