The terms “qualified” and “certified” are often used interchangeably in the rigging industry, but many construction professionals don`t know the difference. OSHA standards require that qualified riggers be used during lifting operations for assembly and disassembly work, or when workers are in the drop zone and hook, unhook, or guide a load or connect a load to a component or structure. However, OSHA does not require riggers to be “certified.” So why is it important for a rigger to be certified? What exactly do these terms mean? Qualified rigger OSHA only vaguely determines who meets the criteria for a qualified rigger and leaves the final decision to the employer. A qualified rigger “has a recognized diploma, certificate or professional booth, OR who can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to load rigging through extensive knowledge, training and experience.” However, qualified riggers do not need to be certified by an accredited body or third party. Under these criteria, a rigger with extensive practical experience, but without formal training or certification, may be considered a qualified rigger. Certified rigger A certified rigger is a person who has passed rigorous written and practical examinations related to rigging. Accredited organizations such as the NCCCO offer rigger certification exams as well as numerous crane and rigging training schools. Most programs offer basic, intermediate, and advanced certifications. Advanced certified riggers usually have extensive rigging experience and have completed master rigging courses and training. R.
Baker & Son All Industrial Services has been providing rigging and demolition services since 1936. Our impressive in-house team of rigging professionals, one of the best in the industry, is made up of highly experienced, qualified and certified riggers, master riggers and engineers at the intermediate to advanced level, and our rigging equipment is state-of-the-art. R. Baker & Son can handle industrial, pharmaceutical and commercial rigging projects of virtually any size and complexity. Konecranes` focus on safety is something we strongly believe in and emphasize in our own employees, customers and contractors. As strong advocates for workplace safety, we believe that no issue is too simple or complex to help you. We also offer rigging training through the Konecranes Training Institute. Slings play an important role in safe lifting. Crane operators must understand the basics of rigging, be able to identify safe rigging practices, and check slings for defects before use. The following procedures must be followed whenever slings are used: [44 FR 8577, 9 February 1979; 44 FR 20940, 6 April 1979, as amended by 58 FR 35173, 30 June 1993; 76 FR 33611, 8 June 2011; 77 FR 23118, 18 April 2012] OSHA 1910.184(c) Safe Operating Practices The following excerpt is taken directly from OSHA 1910.184* Table H – 2. — NUMBER AND DISTANCE OF CLAMPS WITH U-BOLT When used for eye splices, the U-bolt shall be mounted in such a way that: this “U” section is in contact with the rope cul-de-sac. When determining the safety load capacities of different specific and identifiable hook sizes and types, the manufacturer`s recommendations should be followed.
All hooks for which there are no applicable manufacturer`s recommendations shall be checked for twice the intended safety load before being put into service for the first time. The employer shall keep a record of the dates and results of these tests. *The OSHA regulations above are not intended to be a complete overview of all applicable regulations on the subject. State laws may impose different safety and maintenance standards. Therefore, please consult applicable national laws as well as original equipment manufacturer specifications for more information. The statements and descriptions contained herein represent the opinion / recommendation of the seller and do not constitute express warranties. Table H – 1. — MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WEAR AT EACH POINT OF THE CONNECTION.