Rigger Training

COURSE CONTENT

• Module 1 - The Role of the Rigger and an Introduction to Lifting

Operations

• Module 2 - Rigging And Lifting Operations

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MODULE 1

The Role of the Rigger and an Introduction to Lifting operations

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MODULE 1

• Learning Outcomes of Module 1:

• The role and responsibilities of a rigger

• Typical installation/site responsible roles
• Typical roles involved in lifting operations
• Typical reporting structure for the rigger
• Health and safety legislation that applies to the rigger
• Relevant parts of LOLER and PUWER
• Key control-of-work documents and their purpose
• Typical hazards associated with rigging and lifting activities
• Correct and safe manual handling techniques
• Checking for adequate access, work space and lighting
• Types of PPE the rigger would typically use
• Evaluation will be by means of written examination

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MODULE 1

1.1 The role of the Rigger

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A RIGGER

There are several roles of a Rigger, these include;

• Assess the weight of the load, centre of gravity and security of the load.

• Align, level, and anchor machinery.

• Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving,

using hand and power tools.

• Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures such as beams,

ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.

• Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or

confined spaces, using chainfalls and other equipment.

• Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A RIGGER

• Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support

materials such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets

• Select gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights
and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

• Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in

order to ensure safety of workers and materials.

• Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.

• Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to manoeuvre over, under, and/or around
obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

• Clean and dress machine surfaces and component parts.

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MODULE 1

1.2 Introduction to lifting operations – Relevant legislation and

management of the hazards

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Relevant legislation and regulations to lifting and rigging operations include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974

• Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998

• Provision Use of Work and Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

• Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992

• Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (PPER) 1995

• Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

This act requires employers to provide a safe system of work. Many features of
Rigging and Lifting tasks have known hazards and risks, and there is a
requirement upon employers to minimise or eliminate these risks as far as
possible or as low as reasonably practicable.
Employees also have the duty to help the employer to take reasonable care of
themselves and others, also to help employers to comply with regulations and
legal requirements.

The Health and Safety at Work Act

Personal Display
Management Manual PUWER/
Regulations Handling Protective Screen Work Welfare
LOLER
Equipment Equipment

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998:

• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) were
made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSW Act) and came into
force on 5 December 1998.

• These Regulations implement the lifting provisions of the Amending Directive

to the Use of Work Equipment Directive (AUWED, 95/63/EC).

• The Regulations apply in all premises and work situations subject to the HSW
Act and build on the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
• LOLER applies offshore as the HSW Act applies by virtue of the Health and
Safety at Work Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 1995 (SI
1995/263). This Order applies the Act to offshore installations, wells, pipelines
and pipeline works.

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Regulations Within LOLER 1998

• LOLER Regulation 2 – Interpretation

• LOLER Regulation 7 – Marking Of Lifting Equipment

• LOLER Regulation 8 – Organising Of Lifting Operations

- Initial Planning
- Competent Person
- Planning of Individual Lifting Operations
- Working Under Suspended Loads;
- Visibility
- Attaching/Detaching and securing loads
- Pre-Use Check

• LOLER Regulation 9 – Thorough Examination and Inspection

- Competent Person

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)1998:

• The Provision & Use of Work Equipment regulations (PUWER) 1998 are made
under the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HASAWA 1974) and came into
to force on 5th December 1998.

• PUWER 98 brings into effect the non-lifting aspects of the Amending

Directive (AUWED). The primary objective of PUWER is to ensure that work
equipment should not result in Health & Safety risks, regardless of its age,
condition or origin.

• PUWER 1998 applies to the Provision & Use of all Work Equipment, including
mobile & lifting equipment.

• It applies to all work places and work situations where the HSW Act applies
and extends outside Great Britain to certain offshore activities in British
territorial waters and on the UK Continental Shelf.

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Regulations Within PUWER 1998

• PUWER Regulation 4 – Suitability of Work Equipment:

• PUWER Regulation 8 – Information and Instructions

• PUWER Regulation 9 – Training:

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

Application Of LOLER 1998 And PUWER 1998 Offshore

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SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

Prior to any lifting task being carried out, employees must ensure that the
following Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) are carried out:

• Valid permit to work.

• Risk Assessment & Control measures in place.
• Lifting operations plan.
• Toolbox talk.
• Housekeeping standards.

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TYPICAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH LIFTING AND RIGGING
OPERATIONS

As with any task in the work place, there are many hazards associated
with rigging and lifting operations, these can include;

• Dropped loads/objects
• Striking adjacent equipment, structures or machinery
• Working at heights
• Restricted access working
• Working near live electrical equipment and machinery
• Working near or within multiple worksite areas
• Chemical hazards
• Environmental hazards
• Dynamic forces affecting lifting and rigging operations

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MANUAL HANDLING TECHNIQUES

It is important that we plan any manual handling operation thoroughly before

moving any object. When moving an object there are 7 Key points to kinetic
lifting:

1. Warm up muscles by stretching

2. Foot position

3. Lift with the legs

4. Straight back

5. Palm grip

6. Elbows in

7. Load close to body.

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CHECKING FOR ADEQUATE ACCESS, WORKING SPACE & LIGHTING

Before a lift is carried out a walk through of the lift,

from lifting point to landing point is highly
recommended to ensure there is adequate
access/egress, working space and lighting.

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MODULE 2

Rigging And Lifting Operations

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MODULE 2

• Learning outcomes of Module 2

• Common rigging terminology

• Types of lifting equipment to use for different lifting activities
• Types of lifting accessories to use for different lifting activities
• Sling angles and sling tension
• Purpose of inspection and ‘thorough’ examinations
• Load characteristics that affect complexity
• Purpose of risk assessment
• Purpose of a lifting plan and how to interpret information from a lifting plan
• Key criteria of a lifting plan
• Conduct a lifting operation working from, and conforming to, detailed criteria
contained within a lift plan
• Correctly and safely position and install lifting equipment prior to starting the
lifting operation
• Informing all relevant parties of impeding and ongoing lifting operation

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MODULE 2

• Adverse environmental factors could affect the safety of the lifting operation
• How to use identification tags, colour codes to establish SWL and WLL and the
certification of lifting equipment
• Demonstrate load weight identification and methods to determine the weight
of the load
• Identify the safe positioning of personal involved in lifting operations, and
identify and establish escape routes from the work area.
• Benefit of trial lifting of the load
• How to establish load-bearing capabilities of structures and lay-down areas
that will be used on the planned route of the load.
• Demonstrate best practice communication methods and protocols prior to, and
during lifting activities.
• Demonstrate how to conduct lifting equipment pre-use and post-use
inspections.
• Demonstrate progressively ‘inching’ up the load to check the balance and
security of the load
MODULE 2

• Demonstrate cross hauling and transferring loads

• Demonstrate rigging up unbalanced loads (loads with an offset centre of
gravity)
• Demonstrate rigging up and lifting loads where there is restricted access to the
load and load route path.
• Demonstrate safe body and hand positions during the rigging and lifting
operation
• Demonstrate repositioning of lifting equipment during a cross hauling
operation
• Demonstrate moving the load at minimum height necessary to avoid obstacles,
locating and lowering the load to its planned location and position.
• Demonstrate safe methods of disconnecting the load from the lifting
equipment
• Demonstrate how to de-rig, correctly store lifting equipment after use and
record any damage to lifting equipment or load.
MODULE 2

• Demonstrate the procedures to follow if lifting equipment or the load is

discovered damaged.
• Reasons for ensuring the worksite is left in a clean and tidy condition
• Waste from the lifting operation is properly disposed of according to relevant
legislation and company procedures
• Evaluation will be by means of written examination and Practical performance
evaluation
MODULE 2

2.1 The Principals of Rigging and Lifting

2.2 Prepare for the lifting Operation
2.3 Carrying out the Lifting Operation (Practical)
2.4 Restoring the work area an post-operation responsibilities (Practical)

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MODULE 2

2.1 The Principals of Rigging and Lifting

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COMMON LIFTING TERMINOLOGY

• SWL
• Safe Working Load is the maximum load as assessed by a competent
person which an item of lifting equipment can raise, lower or suspend
under particular service conditions.

• WLL
• Working Load Limit is the maximum load that an item of lifting equipment
is designed to raise, lower or suspend.

• Lifting Equipment
• Work equipment for lifting or lowering loads, and includes it’s attachments
for anchoring, fixing or supporting it e.g. chain hoist, lever hoist, air hoist,
winches, cranes etc.

• Lifting appliance
• A name commonly used in the industry for lifting equipment.

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COMMON LIFTING TERMINOLOGY

• Lifting Accessories
• Any device which is used or designated to be used directly or indirectly to
connect a load to a lifting appliance, and which does not form part of the
load, e.g. wire rope slings, synthetic fibre slings, hooks, shackles, eye bolts
etc.

• Factors of Safety
• Is the ratio between the minimum breaking load and the safe working load.

• Centre of Gravity
• C of G is the point about which the parts of a body exactly balance each
other.

• Load security
• Is a term used to ensure that the load does not disintegrate or fall before
being lifted. The load and the accessories should be checked prior to lifting
and during the test lift.

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TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES

Chain Block Beam Clamp

Beam Trolley

Pull Lift

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TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES

Snatch Block
Hook
Skid

Master Links

Tirfor

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TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES

Eyebolt
Dee Shackle

Bow Shackle

Turn Buckle

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TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT/ACCESSORIES

Endless
Webbing Slings

Wire Slings

Webbing Sling

Chain Slings

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BASIC SLING CHART

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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

• When lifting with multi-leg slings, they are rated at a certain tonnage from
0° to 90° and this SWL should NOT be exceeded even if the angle is less than
90°.
• When using single slings in pairs however, you must always be aware of the
increased loading in the slings when lifting at an angle.

8,000kgs

At 0 degrees = 4,000kgs on each leg

At 90 degrees = 5,600kgs on each leg
At 120 degrees = 8,000kgs on each leg
At 151 degrees = 16,000kgs on each leg
At 171 degrees = 48,000kgs on each leg
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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

5,000kgs 10,000kgs

Tension = 5,000kgs Tension in each leg = 5,000kgs

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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

Maximum
SWL = 5,000kgs Recommended SWL = 5,000kgs
Combined
Angle of
90 degrees

10,000kgs

Safe Lift ?

Tension in each leg = 7,000kgs

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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

SWL = 5,000kgs SWL = 5,000kgs

Angle of
120 degrees

10,000kgs

Safe Lift ?
Tension in each leg = 10,000kgs

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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

How to Calculate Sling Tensions:

SWL of one sling x 0.7 x number of slings

Example: If you had 2 slings with an SWL of 1000kgs lifting

at a combined angle of 90 degrees the calculation will be

1 x 0.7 = 0.7 x 2 = 1,400kgs

0.7 is the angle factor when

working at a combined 90 degree angle

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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

4 leg bridle SWL = 3,000kgs

3 x 0.7 = 2.1 x 3 = 6,300kgs

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SLING ANGLES & TENSIONS

90 degrees
Maximum between 3 leg bridle
Any 2 adjacent legs

SWL = 3,000kgs

6,300Kgs

What can be lifted ?

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PURPOSE OF INSPECTIONS

• LOLER Reg 9 states: “Every employer shall ensure that, where the safety of
lifting equipment depends on the installation conditions, it is thoroughly
examined”

• You should identify equipment which requires a thorough examination and

ensure that it is thoroughly examined. The risks which could arise from the
failure of the lifting equipment will determine how thorough the examination
needs to be.

• Before you use any item of lifting equipment for the first time, unless you
have received physical evidence that a thorough examination has been carried
out which shows that it is safe to use, it should be thoroughly examined by a
competent person.

• A thorough examination is also required following any significant change

which may affect the safe operation of the lifting equipment. These include:
• Its involvement in an accident or dangerous occurrence;
• After a significant change in conditions of use; and
• Long periods out of use.

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LOAD CHARACTERISTICS WHICH EFFECT COMPLEXITY

When lifting there are several factors which may effect the complexity of the
lifting operation, such as;

• Weight
• Centre of gravity (C of G)/Balancing point
• Size, shape, Length
• Type of load
• Availability of lifting points
• Determine the correct slinging technique, & cross haul transfer of load

Weights:

• METRIC tonne, te, 2,204Lbs 1,000kg

• British (Long) Ton T Ton 2,240 Lbs 1,016 kg
• US American (short ton) ton, 2000Lbs, 907 kg

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MODULE 2

2.2 Prepare for the Lifting Operation

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Prepare for the Lifting Operation

Before a lifting operation may be conducted, a task based Risk Assessment must
be carried out. According to the HSE there are “5 Steps” to a Risk Assessment.

The 5 Steps are:

1. Identify the hazards

2. Decide who might be harmed and how

3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

4. Record your findings and implement them

5. Review your assessment and update as necessary.

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PLANNING A LIFT

As mentioned previously LOLER Reg 8 “Organisation of Lifting Operations” covers

the requirement for a lift to be properly planned and a Risk Assessment to be
carried out. It states;

• The person planning the operation should have adequate practical and
theoretical knowledge and experience of planning lifting operations.

• The plan will need to address the risks identified by the risk assessment and
identify the resources required, the procedures and the responsibilities so that
any lifting operation is carried out safely.

• The plan should ensure that the lifting equipment remains safe for the range
of lifting operations for which the equipment might be used.

• Where two or more items of lifting equipment are used simultaneously to lift a
load, where appropriate a written plan should be drawn up and applied to
ensure safety.

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EXAMPLE LIFT PLAN

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COMMUNICATION METHODS

During lifting operations the following communications can be used

• Verbal
• Radio
• Hand Signals

The signaller, Rigger, Banksman, should stand in a safe position where he/she
can see the load and can be seen clearly by the team members. Each signal
should be distinct and clear.

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COMMUNICATION METHODS

• Standard Crane hand Signals:

“Take the strain”

“Hoist” “Lower”

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COMMUNICATION METHODS

• Standard Crane hand Signals:

“Stop” “Emergency Stop”

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ESTABLISHING LOAD BEARING CAPABILITES

• Before picking up or landing of any load you will be required

to carry out a walk through of the planned route the load will travel.

• It is important that the lay down area is checked for load bearing
capabilities ,

• Landing areas or landing points maybe marked with a SWL,

• If no markings cant be found then you may have to refer to

engineering drawings to establish the SWL of the landing area.

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USE OF IDENTIFICATION TAGS

• All lifting devices and lifting accessories must be marked/tagged clearly in

such a way that you can identify the ID number and SWL/WLL.

• A current colour code may also be marked on the lifting equipment to

Indicate to you that it had a thorough inspection by a competent person or
third party,

• If in any way, you cant read the information, (SWL/WLL) on the ID tag
then we don't use it.

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DETERMINING THE WEIGHT OF A LOAD

It is critical to find out the weight of the object you are about to lift. This is
needed to identify the type and size of the lifting equipment.

Weight identification can be found in a number of ways:

• Company/manufactures manuals
• Object may be marked with load details
• Estimation of the load using records and other sources of information

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PRE-USE INSPECTION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT

All lifting equipment must have a visual inspection prior to being used, this to
check for:

• Condition of equipment to include (cuts, abrasions, discolouration,

contamination, burns, kinks, bends, nicks etc..stretching, rusting, lack of
articulation
• Colour coded
• Valid test certificate
• General history, if it was removed from service etc..
If the equipment is not suitable, remove it from service immediately and
inform your supervisor
ALWAYS CHECK THE EQUIPMENT AFTER USE

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 PRE-USE INSPECTION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT
Shackle Inspection:
• Check if there is a SWL and ID/unique number
• Check correct colour code
• Check shackle body for wear
• Check shackle pin for wear
• Inspect threads for damage
Body Crown
• Ensure pins fit correctly

Safe working load

ID Number
Colour code

Pin
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PRE-USE INSPECTION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Webbing/Round Slings:

• Check SWL / WLL

• Identification Number

• Colour code

• Condition of sling

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PRE-USE INSPECTION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Wire Slings:

•Check for correct colour code

•The SWL ID unique number is identifiable
• Examine the sling along its entire length and check for broken wires, core
protrusion and crushing.

•Discard Criteria:
• 6 randomly distributed broken outer wires in a length of 6 diameters but no
more than 14 randomly distributed broken wires in a length of 30 diameters.

• Concentrated broken wires: 3 adjacent broken outer wires in one strand

• Check that the end of the loop terminates outside the ferrule. The rope end
should protrude slightly but no more than 1/3 rd of the diameter.

Colour Code

56 SWL & Identification

PRE-USE INSPECTION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Steel wire ropes are supplied either with fibre or with steel cores, the choice being
largely dependent on the use for which the rope is intended.
The principal function of the core is to provide support to the strands and
maintain them in the correct positions under working conditions.

Fibre Cores
For most applications ‘Fibrefilm’ polypropylene is used although natural fibres are
still available. The advantages of man-made fibre cores are:
• Reduction of internal corrosion due to non-absorption or retention of moisture
• Ability to withstand mild acids and alkalis
• Resistance to rotting
• Rope dressing is unnecessary for internal lubrication of fibre cores

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PRE-USE INSPECTION OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Steel Cores
Steel cores comprise an independent wire rope (IWRC) or, in the case of small
ropes, a wire strand (WSC). Such cores prove advantageous in severe working
conditions involving low factors of safety, small drums and pulleys, high
operational speeds, crushing on drums and pulleys, and wide fleet angles. The
steel core provides better support for the outer strands, so that the rope retains
its shape.

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“RIGGING” LIFTING EQUIPMENT

• Regulation 6 of LOLER requires that lifting equipment must be positioned or

installed to as low as reasonably practicable prevent the risk of the equipment
or the load striking people, or the risk of the load drifting, falling freely or being
released unintentionally.
 
• It is therefore essential that lifts over people are minimised and unauthorised
access to the work area prevented. Equipment should also be installed and
positioned to prevent crushing when the equipment is in its extreme position.
Wherever possible, hooks and other similar devices used for lifting should have
either safety catches fitted or be shaped to prevent the accidental displacement
of the sling.
 
• Where two or more items of lifting equipment are used they, or their loads,
should be prevented from coming into contact with each other.

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POINTS TO CONSIDER DURING LIFTING OPERATIONS

• Inform other parties that may be affected by the lifting operation;

• Signage,
• Barriers,
• Tannoy.

• Adverse Weather conditions;

• High winds,
• Poor visibility,
• Icy surfaces,
• Pitch and heave.

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POINTS TO CONSIDER DURING LIFTING OPERATIONS

• During lifting operations it is important to ensure the safety of personnel, they

are positioned correctly;

• The signaller, Rigger, Banksman, should stand in a safe position where he

can see the load and can be seen clearly by the crane operator. Each signal
should be distinct and clear,

• Communication plays a big part in Lifting operations by using verbal, radio or

hand signals,

• If at anytime anyone is unsure or identifies anything that may not be going

to plan or part of the LIFTING OPERATION the he/she should :

STOP THE JOB,

• THERE IS NEVER EVER A STUPID QUESTION DURING LIFTING OPERATIONS

IF YOU ARE EVER UNSURE STOP AND ASK

CONTINUE TO WORK SAFELY

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