What is a Qualified Rigger and who can be a Qualified Rigger?
A qualified rigger has received training or extensive experiences and can demonstrate the ability to solve problems that relate to rigging loads. Employers can determine whether their employee is qualified to perform the rigging of loads. The rigger may possess a recognized degree or certificate in rigging training. Riggers do not have to be certified by an accredited organization, but the employer may use third-party training entities for the qualification standards. Determining whether a person is a qualified rigger is based on the nature of the load, lift, and equipment used to hoist that load plus that person’s knowledge and experience.
What is the Rigging User’s responsibility?
- Utilize appropriate rigging gear for the application
- Utilize the rigging gear within industry standards and the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Conduct regular inspection and maintenance of the rigging gear
- Provide employees with training to meet OSHA and ASME requirements
What is the Rigging Gear Manufacturer’s responsibility?
- Product and application information
- Product is clearly identified with name/logo, load rating, size, and traceability
- Product performance: working load limit, ductility, fatigue properties and impact properties
- Product training and training resource
What are the requirements and criteria for the inspection of slings?
ASME B30.9 states that a visual inspection for damage shall be performed by the user or designated person each day or shift the sling is used. A complete inspection for damage shall be performed periodically by a designated person, at least annually. Written records of most recent periodic inspection shall be maintained.
Slings shall be removed from service if any of the following are present.
- Missing or illegible sling identification
- Evidence of heat damage
- Slings that are knotted
- Fittings that are pitted with rust
- Corroded
- Cracked
- Bent
- Twisted
- Gouged
- Broken
- Visible damage that causes doubt to the working condition of the sling
What are the requirements of rigging hardware inspection?
ASME B30.26 states that a visual inspection shall be performed by the user or designated person each day before the rigging hardware is used. Periodic inspections shall be performed by a designated person, at least annually. The hardware shall be examined and a determination made as to whether they constitute a hazard. Written records are not required.
Rigging Hardware shall be removed from service if any of the following are observed:
- Missing or illegible manufacturer’s name or trademark
- No load rating identification (or size as required)
- 10% or more reduction of the original dimension
- Bent, twisted, distorted, stretched, elongated, cracked, or broken load bearing components
- Excessive nicks, gouges, pitting and corrosion
- Indication of heat damage including weld splatter or arc strikes
- Loose or missing parts
- Unauthorized replacement components
Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for inspection of their product.
What is required of a person to become a Signal Person?
- Must know and understand the type of signals used at the jobsite
- Is competent in using the signals
- Understands the operations and limitations of the equipment, including all crane functions being used to hoist loads
- Understands the most recent qualifications specified in subpart CC (1926.1419-1926: 1926.1428)
- Pass an oral or written test and a practical test
What are safe rigging operation practices that should be followed?
Under ANSI B30.9, whenever any sling is used, the following practices shall be observed:
- Slings that are damaged shall not be used
- Slings shall not be shortened with knots, bolts, or other makeshift devices
- Sling legs shall not be kinked
- Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities
- Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads balanced to prevent slipping
- Slings shall be securely attached to the load
- Slings shall be padded or protected from sharp edges
- Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions
- All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads
- Hands and fingers shall not be placed between sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load
- Shock loading is prohibited!
- A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling.
What are the basic hitches for slings?
- Vertical Hitch: Full lifting capacity of the sling can be utilized.
- Choker Hitch: Sling will be down rated by at least 25% due to the stress at the choke point
- Basket Hitch: Sling lifting capacity will be double of the vertical capacity if both legs are used at 90 degrees and corners are protected
Rigging Links
OSHA Facts:
Qualified Rigger: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/cranes-qualified-rigger-factsheet.html
Wire rope inspection: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3635.pdf
Qualified Signal Person: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/cranes-signal-person-factsheet.pdf
Crosby Links:
Qualified rigger management sign off authorization form: http://www.thecrosbygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/qualified_rigger_management_signoff_.pdf
Phone/Tablet Apps: http://www.thecrosbygroup.com/resources/crosby-apps/
Plate Clamp Application Assistant: http://www.thecrosbygroup.com/resources/clamp-application-assistant/
OSHA Links:
Crane and Derrick standard (CDAC): https://www.osha.gov/doc/cranesreg.pdf
Guidence on Safe Sling Use: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/index.html
Synthetic Slings: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/synth-web.html
Round Slings: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/synth-round.html
Wire Rope Slings: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/wire.html
Alloy Steel Chain Slings: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/alloy.html
Tables and Figures: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/tables-figures.html
ASME: https://www.asme.org/
Wire Rope Info:
Wire Rope Forensics: http://www.casar.de/Resource_/TechnicalReference/1678/wire_rope_forensics_a4.pdf