Introduction to Rigging, Hoisting, and Material Handling

Lesson 1 • Industry Terminology and Scope

Defines rigging, hoisting, and material handling as distinct disciplines. Establishes shared vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Framework Overview

Surveys workplace safety regulations and employer obligations governing rigging operations. Establishes compliance as a non-negotiable baseline.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment

Identifies PPE required for rigging and hoisting tasks and explains selection criteria. Proper PPE use is reinforced as a daily habit.

Lesson 4 • Hazard Recognition Basics

Introduces common rigging hazards including struck-by, caught-in, and electrical risks. Students practice identifying hazards before progressing to equipment use.

Lesson 1 • Synthetic and Chain Slings

Covers nylon, polyester, and chain sling construction, ratings, and limitations. Students apply sling selection criteria based on load shape and environment.

Lesson 2 • Wire Rope Construction and Types

Explains wire rope lay, strand count, and core types used in rigging. Students distinguish rope constructions and select appropriately for load conditions.

Lesson 3 • Hooks, Shackles, and Links

Identifies hook types, shackle patterns, and connecting hardware with rated capacities. Students practice reading load ratings and matching hardware to applications.

Lesson 4 • Blocks, Sheaves, and Pulleys

Explains mechanical advantage through block-and-tackle systems and sheave sizing. Students calculate line pull reductions using reeving diagrams.

Lesson 1 • Rigging Configuration Calculations

Integrates hitch type, sling angle, and load weight into complete capacity calculations. Students solve multi-variable rigging problems before advancing to lift planning.

Lesson 2 • Softeners, Pads, and Edge Protection

Explains how sharp edges reduce sling capacity and how padding restores it. Students apply edge protection selection rules to load scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Basic Hitch Types

Defines vertical, choker, and basket hitches with capacity relationships. Students select the correct hitch for load shape and stability requirements.

Lesson 4 • Sling Angle and Tension Effects

Demonstrates how decreasing sling angle exponentially increases leg tension. Students use sling angle factors to recalculate safe working loads.

Lesson 1 • Crane Stability and Tipping

Covers tipping fulcrum, counterweight function, and dynamic load effects on stability. Students identify conditions that reduce rated capacity below chart values.

Lesson 2 • Crane Load Charts and Ratings

Explains how load charts encode radius, boom angle, and configuration limits. Students extract rated capacities for specific lift scenarios from actual chart formats.

Lesson 3 • Crane Types and Applications

Surveys mobile, overhead, tower, and jib cranes with typical use cases. Students match crane type to site conditions and load requirements.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Operation Crane Inspection

Establishes daily and periodic inspection requirements for cranes and hoists. Students complete a structured inspection checklist before simulated crane operation.

Lesson 1 • Forklift Pre-Operation and Travel

Covers daily inspection, safe travel speed, and load positioning during transport. Students complete a pre-operation checklist and practice safe travel posture.

Lesson 2 • Conveyor and Roller Systems

Introduces gravity and powered conveyor types, guarding requirements, and safe loading practices. Students identify pinch points and apply lockout procedures before maintenance.

Lesson 3 • Manual Lifting and Ergonomics

Applies biomechanical principles to safe manual lifting, carrying, and team lift coordination. Students practice correct technique and identify tasks requiring mechanical assistance.

Lesson 4 • Pallet Jacks and Hand Trucks

Explains manual and powered pallet jack operation, capacity limits, and safe maneuvering. Students apply ergonomic push-pull principles to reduce injury risk.

Lesson 1 • Pre-Lift Meeting and Toolbox Talk

Establishes the purpose and content of pre-lift briefings for all crew members. Students conduct a simulated pre-lift meeting using their completed lift plan.

Lesson 2 • Written Lift Plan Development

Walks through each section of a written lift plan including rigging, crane, and personnel assignments. Students draft a complete plan using a standard template.

Lesson 3 • Standard vs. Critical Lift Classification

Defines thresholds that elevate a lift to critical status requiring enhanced planning. Students classify lifts and apply the appropriate planning protocol.

Lesson 4 • Load Weight and Center of Gravity

Covers methods for determining load weight and locating center of gravity before lifting. Accurate data prevents tip-over and rigging overload.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Crane and Tandem Lift Coordination

Addresses communication hierarchy and load-sharing protocols for tandem crane lifts. Students assign roles and rehearse communication sequences for a two-crane scenario.

Lesson 2 • Roles of Signalperson and Dogger

Defines qualification requirements and exclusive authority of the designated signalperson. Students identify when a signalperson is mandatory and who may give signals.

Lesson 3 • Standard Hand Signal System

Teaches the complete set of industry-standard hand signals for crane and hoist operations. Students practice each signal until execution is automatic and unambiguous.

Lesson 4 • Radio and Electronic Communication

Covers radio protocol, channel discipline, and backup communication methods. Students apply radio procedures during simulated blind-lift exercises.

Lesson 1 • Incident Response and Near-Miss Reporting

Establishes immediate response steps for rigging failures, dropped loads, and crane incidents. Students practice incident documentation and near-miss reporting to drive continuous improvement.

Lesson 2 • Tandem and Multi-Crane Lifts

Applies load-sharing calculations and synchronized movement protocols to two-crane and three-crane lifts. Students produce an engineered lift plan for a tandem scenario.

Lesson 3 • Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

Covers spreader bars, lifting beams, vacuum lifters, and custom fixtures with design and inspection requirements. Students select and inspect below-the-hook devices for given load profiles.

Lesson 4 • Personnel Hoisting Requirements

Establishes the strict regulatory and equipment requirements for hoisting workers in a personnel basket. Students identify all conditions that must be met before personnel hoisting begins.