Rigger Safety and Operation Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Compliance Framework

Covers applicable safety regulations, inspection standards, and employer obligations. Connects compliance requirements to daily rigging decisions and documentation duties.

Lesson 2 • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Teaches systematic identification of rigging hazards and formal risk-ranking methods. Students apply a job hazard analysis process to realistic lift scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Personal Protective Equipment for Riggers

Specifies PPE selection, fit, inspection, and replacement criteria for rigging environments. Reinforces that PPE is the last line of defence, not a substitute for engineering controls.

Lesson 4 • Incident Reporting and Emergency Response

Outlines procedures for reporting near-misses, injuries, and equipment failures. Prepares students to act decisively during rigging emergencies and preserve evidence for investigation.

Lesson 1 • Hooks, Shackles, and Connecting Hardware

Details the design, load ratings, and proper use of hooks, shackles, rings, and links. Students identify hardware markings and verify compatibility with slings and loads.

Lesson 2 • Hardware Inspection and Rejection Criteria

Establishes inspection intervals, defect categories, and removal-from-service criteria for all hardware types. Students practice hands-on inspection using standardized checklists.

Lesson 3 • Synthetic and Chain Slings

Covers nylon, polyester, and chain sling construction, load ratings, and angle factors. Students distinguish sling types and select appropriately for load and environment.

Lesson 4 • Blocks, Sheaves, and Mechanical Advantage

Introduces block-and-tackle systems, sheave sizing, and mechanical advantage calculations. Students compute line pull requirements for multi-part reeving configurations.

Lesson 1 • Centre of Gravity Determination

Explains centre of gravity concepts and methods for locating it on regular and irregular loads. Accurate COG location is linked directly to load stability and sling placement.

Lesson 2 • Estimating Load Weight

Teaches volume-based weight estimation using material density tables and geometric formulas. Students estimate load weight when certified weight data is unavailable.

Lesson 3 • Working Load Limits and Safety Factors

Defines working load limit, design factor, and proof load and explains how they interrelate. Students apply safety factors to select hardware with adequate rated capacity.

Lesson 4 • Sling Tension and Angle Calculations

Applies trigonometry to calculate sling tension at various horizontal angles. Students use tension tables and formulas to verify sling capacity under realistic configurations.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Leg Sling Configurations

Covers two-, three-, and four-leg bridle slings, load sharing, and angle effects on each leg. Students calculate per-leg tension and verify rated capacity for bridle arrangements.

Lesson 2 • Tag Lines and Load Control

Covers tag line selection, attachment, and hand signals for controlling suspended load movement. Students practice coordinated load control in simulated lift exercises.

Lesson 3 • Softeners, Padding, and Edge Protection

Explains how sharp edges reduce sling capacity and how padding and edge protectors restore it. Students select and position edge protection for various load profiles.

Lesson 4 • Straight, Choker, and Basket Hitches

Introduces the three fundamental hitch types, their capacity ratings, and correct application methods. Students practice each hitch and identify when each is appropriate.

Lesson 1 • Crane Operator Communication

Establishes standardized hand signals, radio protocols, and signal person responsibilities. Students demonstrate correct signals and practice radio communication procedures.

Lesson 2 • Overview of Crane Types

Surveys mobile, overhead, tower, and gantry cranes and their typical applications. Students match crane type to site conditions and lift requirements.

Lesson 3 • Reading and Interpreting Load Charts

Teaches how to extract rated capacity from crane load charts using radius, boom length, and configuration. Students practice chart lookups for multiple lift scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Crane Hazard Zones and Exclusion Areas

Defines swing radius hazard zones, overhead power line clearances, and exclusion area setup. Students establish and enforce exclusion zones during simulated crane operations.

Lesson 1 • Equipment Selection and Capacity Verification

Applies load calculations and site data to select crane, slings, and hardware with verified capacity. Students confirm that every component in the lift system meets or exceeds required ratings.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Lift Meeting and Toolbox Talk

Prepares students to lead an effective pre-lift meeting that communicates the plan to all personnel. Students practice facilitating a toolbox talk and confirming crew readiness.

Lesson 3 • Lift Plan Documentation

Covers the required elements of a written lift plan, including sketches, load data, and personnel assignments. Students draft a complete lift plan using a standardized template.

Lesson 4 • Lift Classification and Planning Triggers

Defines routine, critical, and engineered lift categories and the planning requirements each triggers. Students classify lifts and determine the appropriate level of planning rigour.

Lesson 1 • Post-Lift Inspection and Debrief

Establishes post-lift inspection routines for hardware, slings, and the lift area. Students conduct a structured debrief to capture lessons learned and update lift records.

Lesson 2 • Multi-Crane and Tandem Lift Operations

Addresses the additional coordination, load sharing, and communication demands of tandem lifts. Students analyse load distribution between cranes and identify critical control points.

Lesson 3 • Rigging Attachment and Pre-Lift Checks

Covers the sequence for attaching rigging hardware, performing final inspections, and clearing the lift zone. Students complete a pre-lift checklist before any load leaves the ground.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring Conditions During the Lift

Identifies changing conditions that require lift suspension, including wind, ground movement, and equipment alerts. Students practice recognizing abort triggers and executing a controlled stop.

Lesson 1 • Machinery and Equipment Rigging

Addresses rigging of motors, pumps, vessels, and other industrial equipment with manufacturer lift points. Students verify lift point ratings and develop rigging plans from equipment documentation.

Lesson 2 • Adverse Weather and Environmental Conditions

Evaluates the impact of wind, rain, ice, and extreme temperatures on rigging capacity and safety. Students apply environmental derating factors and establish weather-based go/no-go criteria.

Lesson 3 • Scenario-Based Problem Solving and Decision Making

Presents complex, multi-variable lift scenarios requiring students to integrate all course competencies. Students defend their rigging decisions through structured analysis and peer review.

Lesson 4 • Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Rigging

Covers rigging attachment points, erection sequences, and temporary bracing for structural steel and precast elements. Students plan lifts that account for erection stability and connection sequencing.