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Qualified Riggers: OSHA Required
By Debbie Dickinson, Executive Director,
Crane Institute of America Certification, Inc. (CIC)
What is a Qualified Rigger?
Effective November 8, 2010 OSHA requires
riggers to be Qualified Riggers. Crane Institute Certification (CIC) asked
OSHA for more definition of the requirements for Qualified Riggers. Our understanding is that a rigger must be
qualified to perform the task at hand. Just as crane operators are qualified to operate different types of
equipment, riggers' skill and knowledge level may also vary.
Basic riggers typically perform rigging
in conjunction with their craft. For
example, Ironworkers may connect using a choker, or other appropriate hitch, to
connect and balance I beams, H beams, Angle Iron, Chanel Iron, etc. The basic rigger performs repetitive tasks
to connect loads and signal an operator to move a load. Carpenters may perform basic rigging to
connect roof trusses and signal the operator to lift and place the
trusses. Boilermakers may be setting sets
of boiler tubes. While this lift may be
a bit more complicated than a roof truss or I beam, the basic principle is the
same. Connect, balance and signal the
same type of load, with the same type of rigging and connection, and guide with
a tag line, if appropriate.
 Advanced Riggers must be able to perform
all Basic Rigging functions and use signals correctly. In addition, Advanced, or level 2 Riggers,
must be able to calculate weight of loads on multiple leg slings used at
angles, select slings and other hardware appropriate for the load, know the
load's ability to withstand lifting and calculate and plan for multiple crane
lifts. Advanced Riggers may also select
or determine which crew members are qualified to perform basic or advanced
level tasks. Certification of an
Advanced Rigger requires a knowledge test and a practical exam.
Certification of qualified riggers is
not required by OSHA, however, the crane and rigging industry has recognized
third party, accredited certification testing as the most objective and
reliable means to qualify personnel. CIC
makes certification of Qualified Riggers. CIC provides accredited certifications for:
·
Qualified Signalperson & Qualified Rigger - Basic
·
Qualified Rigger - Advanced
One certification from CIC exam
documents rigger qualification at a basic level and simultaneously fulfills the
OSHA requirement for Signalperson
Qualification by Examination. Advanced,
or Level 2 riggers, are certified at the basic level and for more advanced
tasks.
About Crane Institute of America Certification,
Inc. (CIC) - CIC is a respected leader in the certification
of crane and rigging personnel. CIC
certifications are OSHA recognized and NCCA accredited. CIC provides the most realistic to the job
site and affordable certifications to the industry. For more information, visit: http://www.CICert.com or call 763-476-4242. 
Copyright
© 2010 Crane Institute of America Certification. All rights reserved.
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