Electrical Transmission 

& Distribution 
Partnership 

OSHA Construction Outreach 
Training Course 

Lifting & Rigging 

Continuing Education 

Presenter Guide ‐
4th Quarter 2016 
This page intentionally left blank

2 
Introduction

This Lifting & Rigging continuing education course is designed to be presenter lead.
The presenter may choose to augment the material with videos, handouts or other media to
enhance the learning experience. The presenter may choose to incorporate visual aids such
as rigging equipment both good and damaged, and/or handouts to enhance the presentation.

Using this material in combination with practical experience, good presentation skills and
knowledge of adult learning techniques, the presenter has a greater opportunity to deliver the
information effectively.

Edgar Dale stated that 2 weeks after a learning event, adult learners remember:

 10% of what they read

 20% of what they hear
 30% of what they see
 50% of what they see and hear
 70% of what they say
 90% of what they say while performing a task

Microsoft® PowerPoint® combined with good instructional skills and instructor/student dialogue
work strongly in the fifty to seventy percent range. PowerPoint® presents the information to the
attendee and the instructor summarizes the content of the slides. It is critical to engage and
involve the attendee in the process. Ask open-ended questions that will elicit conversation and
discussion, but be cautious to maintain control of the discussion.

Conversation and scenarios are good, but can cause the discussion to run long. If it seems like
the group is losing focus during the course, the facilitator can direct the group back on track by
using comments like “This is a great discussion, but let’s get back to the subject at hand”.

Another tool is the “Parking Lot” which is simply a newsprint chart, dry erase board, or note pad
where the presenter records questions that are not answered or comments not addressed
during the meeting and that may require more research. It is vital to capture any ongoing
discussions or questions on the “Parking Lot” and follow up when the information is known.

This refresher is to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2016. Delivery time is approximately 1
to 1.5 hours in one setting or divided-up into multiple, shorter sessions. It is critical that
the presenter familiarizes himself or herself with the material prior to delivery.

At the end of this document are three handouts that discuss rigging hardware
inspection, manual material handling, and an OSHA Fact Sheet that explains the
requirements for a qualified rigger. The presenter can use this material in conjunction
with the PowerPoint® presentation to augment the topic.

3 
This page intentionally left blank

4 
Slide 1

Lifting & Rigging

Continuing Education
Fourth Quarter 2016

Introduce the subject. Explain that this is the continuing education module for the 4th quarter
2016.

Slide 2

Objectives
Upon completion of this continuing education
module you should be able to:
 Describe the four main causes of crane accidents
 Describe pre-use inspection criteria for hoisting
and rigging equipment
 Describe how sling angles affect sling capacity
 Describe safe manual material handling practices
 Describe the Do’s and Don’ts of forklifts

Discuss the objectives of this course. Explain that you are going to discuss all types of lifting
and rigging from mechanical (cranes and forklift trucks) to manual methods (lifting with the
human body).

5 
Slide 3

Major Causes of Crane Accidents

 Power-line
Contact
 Overturns
 Falls (from
crane)
 Mechanical
failures

Explain that OSHA has identified some major causes of crane accidents. In nearly 45 percent
of the incidents, boom or crane contact with energized lines has been the cause. Others
include dropped loads, boom collapse, workers crushed by the counter weight, outrigger
misuse, falls, and rigging failures. Another key issue is crane failures that occur due to
machines not being properly maintained or inspected regularly to ensure safe operation.

6 
Slide 4

Planning Before Startup

 Level the crane
 Ensure support surface is firm
and able to support the load
 Know the basic crane capacities,
and limitations
 Know job site restrictions
 Make other personnel aware of
hoisting activities
 Barricade areas within swing
radius.
 Ensure proper maintenance and
inspections.

Explain that before a load is lifted, certain criteria must be established. The competent person
must ensure the equipment is in good working order. The crane must be level and the surface
must be able to support the load. If surface will not support the load and crane weight, you must
use cribbing, matting, or other material to make the surface stable.

The operator must know the crane capacities, limitations and job site restrictions such as
location of overhead energized lines, unstable soil, or high winds. Prior to making the lift, make
sure other personnel on site are aware of overhead lifting operations. Never let anyone get
beneath an overhead load.

All personnel must be aware of the hazards of swinging loads. When using cranes that the
house rotates over the outrigger beams, it is necessary to barricade an area 360 degrees
around the crane to avoid workers from entering an area where they can be caught between the
counterweight and a stationary object.

7 
Slide 5

Competent Person
 The competent
person must
inspect all
machinery and
equipment prior to
each use, and
during use, to
make sure it is in
safe operating
condition

Explain that OSHA regulations state that the employer must designate a competent person who
will inspect all machinery and equipment prior to each use, and during use, to make sure that it
is in safe operating condition. Any deficiencies will be repaired, or defective parts replaced,
before continued use. In addition to frequent inspections, a thorough, annual inspection of the
hoisting machinery will be made by a competent person, or by a government or private agency
recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Records must be maintained of the dates and
results of inspections for each hoisting machine and piece of equipment

Competent Person: 1926.32(f) of the OSHA standards defines a competent person as one who
is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working
conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has
authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

8 
Slide 6

Equipment traveling under or near a power line

must:
Spotter
(a) Have a lowered boom/mast and support
 When hoisting loads in close system (b) Obey minimum clearance
proximity to energized lines,
a spotter must be used
distances set in Table T (c) Reduce speeds
 Must not have other
to minimize breaching
responsibilities (d) Use a dedicated spotter if closer than
 Must have clear 20 feet (e) Illuminate or identify the power
communication with the lines at night
operator (f) Identify and use a safe path of travel
 Must have a clear view

Explain that when using a spotter the spotter must not be given other responsibilities, and must
be free from distractions. The spotter must have an unobstructed view both horizontal and
vertical. They also need to maintain communications with the operator.

9 
Slide 7

Load Charts-Hand Signal Charts

 Load charts and

the operator’s
manual must be
available in the
cab at all times
 Hand signal
charts Explain that the picture in the slide is
• Posted on not a complete hand signal chart, but
machine
merely an example. An example of a
• Posted in vicinity
complete chart is on the previous
7 page.

Explain that 1926.1417(c)(1) states that the procedures applicable to the operation of the
equipment, including rated capacities (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special
hazard warnings, instructions, and operator's manual, must be readily available in the cab at all
times for use by the operator.

1926.1417(c)(2) states that where rated capacities are available in the cab only in electronic
form: In the event of a failure which makes the rated capacities inaccessible, the operator must
immediately cease operations or follow safe shut-down procedures until the rated capacities (in
electronic or other form) are available.

Also, explain that hand signal charts must be either posted on the equipment or conspicuously
posted in the vicinity of the hoisting operations.

10 
Slide 8

When  is  a  qualified  rigger  required? 

Safe Rigging Practices (See  Handout).    Employers  must  use 
Use & Inspection qualified  riggers  during  hoisting 
activities  for  assembly  and 
disassembly  work.      Additionally, 
qualified  riggers  are  required 
whenever workers are within 
the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, 
or  guiding  a  load,  or  doing  the  initial 
connection  of  a  load  to  a  component 
or structure. 
8

Explain that you are now going to discuss pre-use inspection of general rigging hardware and
discuss a few safe work practices associated with rigging and lifting.

Slide 9

Causes of Rigging Failures

 Exceed rated capacity
 Improper hitch
 C.O.G. issues
 Shock load
 Damaged/Fatigued
equipment
 Damaged during lift
 Home-made lift point
failure

Discuss the primary reasons for rigging failures.

11 
Slide 10

Inspections
 Employers must ensure
that rigging equipment
has permanently affixed
and legible identification
markings as prescribed
by the manufacturer that
indicate the
recommended safe
working load

10

Explain the OSHA requirements. Employers must ensure that rigging equipment:

Has permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer
that indicate the recommended safe working load;

Not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the
identification markings by the manufacturer; and

Not be used without affixed, legible identification markings

12 
Slide 11

Inspections
 Each day before being used, the sling and all
fastenings and attachments shall be inspected
for damage or defects by a competent person
designated by the employer
 Additional inspections shall be performed
during sling use, where service conditions
warrant
 Damaged or defective slings shall be
immediately removed from service

11

OSHA and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) require that a visual inspection
for damage will be performed by the user or other designated person each day or shift the sling
is used. Damaged slings will be removed from service and not be used until they are repaired
or they are discarded.

Slide 12

Wire Rope Inspection

 Look for:
• Excessive broken wires
• Kinking
• Bird Caging
• Crushing
• Deformation
 Ten randomly distributed
broken wires in one rope
lay, or five broken wires
in one strand in one rope
lay

12

Explain that when inspecting wire rope slings, the user will look for items such as:
 Broken wires
 Kinking
 Bird caging
 Crushing or deformation of the rope

13 
Slide 13

Wire Rope Inspection

 Look For:
• Main Strand
Displacement
• Core
Displacement Protrusion

13

Explain that in this picture the main strand misplacement in this eye will require that this winch
be taken out of service.

Slide 14

Out Of Service Criteria

Wire Rope Winch Lines

 6 randomly distributed
broken wires in one lay
OR
 3 broken wires in one
strand in one lay

 At end fittings-1 broken

wire

14

Explain that this winch must be removed from service because of number of broken wires.
Depending on the type of wire rope, for winch lines, six randomly distributed broken wires in one
lay or three broken wires in one strand in one lay is cause for removal from service.

14 
Slide 15

Sheave Inspection
• The grooves
must be
smooth and
free from
surface defects
which could
cause rope
damage Damaged Sheave

15

Explain that sheave grooves will be smooth and free from surface defects that could cause rope
damage.

Slide 16

Web Sling Inspection

 Synthetic web slings
shall be removed
from service if:
• Illegible Tag
• Burns
• Tears
• Cuts
• Punctures
• Broken/worn stitches

16

Explain that all web slings must be marked with the name or trademark of the manufacturer, the
rated capacities for the different types of hitches and they type of material. If the sling has a tag
and the tag is missing or is not legible, it must be taken out of service.

15 
Slide 17

Shackle Inspection
 Look for:
• 10% wear in the bow
• 10% wear in the pin
• Any Unusual Bends
• Any Change in Shape
• Cracks or Sharp Nicks
• Modifications
• Pin replaced with a bolt

17

Explain that when inspecting shackles, the main points are to look at the pin, and the bow. If
the pin does not insert correctly or all the way, this is a sign of damage. In addition, if the bow is
worn more than 10 percent, this is a sign of wear. Do not modify a shackle by replacing the pin
with a bolt or other object. A damaged shackle cannot be repaired and must be discarded.

Slide 18

Fiber Rope Inspection

 Natural and synthetic fiber rope
slings WILL be immediately
removed from service if any of the
following conditions are present:
• Abnormal wear.
• Powdered fiber between strands.
• Broken or cut fibers.
• Variations in the size or roundness
of strands.
• Discoloration or rotting.
• Distortion of hardware in the sling.

18

In our industry, fiber rope is one our most useful items. Rope is used to secure, haul, and
rescue. Rope should be kept dry and as clean as possible. As with all other rigging equipment,
it must be inspected for wear and damage. When inspecting a fiber rope sling, first examine the
surface. Look for dry, brittle, scorched, or discolored fibers. Scratch the fibers with a fingernail.
If the fibers come apart easily, the fiber sling has suffered some kind of chemical damage and
must be discarded.

16 
Slide 19

Fiber Rope Inspection

 Check the interior

of the rope

Look here for

broken, melted
fibers and/or
powdery build-up

19

Explain that a buildup of powder-like sawdust on the inside of the fiber rope indicates excessive
internal wear and is an indication that the rope is unsafe.

Slide 20

Chain Slings

 A thorough periodic inspection of alloy

steel chain slings in use shall be made on
a regular basis
 Such inspections shall in no event be at
intervals greater than once every 12
months
 The employer shall make and maintain a
record of the most recent month in which
each alloy steel chain sling was
thoroughly inspected

20

Each chain sling must be inspected daily before use. Each chain sling must have a minimum
annual inspection by a competent person. That inspection must also be documented.

17 
Slide 21

Snatch Block Inspection

 LUBRICATION
 PIN WEAR

 LATERAL
WOBBLE
 FLANGE WEAR

21

Explain that Snatch blocks should be inspected for wear, loose parts, and lubrication.

Slide 22

Crane Hook Inspection

 Normal Service
• Yearly
 Heavy Service
• Semiannually
 Severe Service
• Quarterly

22

Explain that the periodic inspection is determined based on the use. A periodic inspection
is a more thorough inspection than the frequent inspection.

18 
Slide 23

Load Hook Inspection

 Inspect for
• Distortion of hook
• No Bending
• No Twisting
• Increased throat opening
• Wear
• Cracks, Nicks, Gouges
• Latch damage or malfunction
• Hook attachment device

23

When inspecting hooks look for distortion or bending. When looking head on at the hook tip,
there should be no twist of deflection in any direction. Check for wear, cracks, etc.

Slide 24

Safe Rigging Practices

24

Explain that the following section will discuss safe rigging practices.

19 
Slide 25

Rigging Equipment
 Working Rules for Slings
• Never exceed the rated capacity
• Never use a damaged sling
• Never shorten with knots, bolts, or other
devices
• Always protect slings from sharp edges of the
load
• Always keep hands and fingers clear of
slings under tension

25

The following are some working rules when using slings.

 As with any rigging component, never exceed its rated capacity;
 Never use damaged equipment;
 Never shorten slings with knots or any other devices;
 Always protect slings from sharp edges; and
 Always keep hands clear of slings under tension.

Slide 26

Rigging Equipment
 Consider the following
• Lifting Factors
• Sling angle
• Capacity of rigging hardware
• Weight of the load
• Environment
• Wind

26

Before lifting any load, you must take into consideration the size, weight, and center of gravity of
the load. This will help determine how many slings to use and how the object will be rigged.
In addition, sling length will have an effect on the sling angle. A small sling angle can have a
significant effect on the sling tension.

20 
Do not exceed capacity of any lifting equipment.

Estimating the load

If you are unsure of the load weight, you can do several things:
 Check shipping papers
 Check name plates and labels
 Ask the equipment manufacturer
 Use industry standard tables and charts
 Estimate the weight using weights of similar loads, Stay within 50% of cranes rated
capacity when using load weight estimates

Storage

 When storing slings, care should be taken to prevent damage.

 Synthetic slings need to be stored out of direct sunlight because UV rays break down the
material.
 Chain and wire rope slings should be stored off the ground and kept dry to keep them
from corroding.
 Do not throw heavy items on top of slings so they do not kink or break any strands.
 Ideally, slings should be hung during storage.

Slide 27

Rigging Equipment
 Sling Angles 500 lbs 500 lbs
• Two slings, each
supporting the
same weight and
having the same
support angle
results in an equal 1000lb
distribution of the
load to each sling
0º Angle

27

When two slings of the same length and the same support angle are used on a load that is
balanced, the total weight of the load is divided equally between the sling legs.

21 
Slide 28

Load Angle Factor

Sling Leg
 Divide the sling length by
the height from the load to
the hook

L=20’ Sling Tension = L/H x ½ Load

H = 10’
 20 ÷ 10 = 2
 2 x ½ Weight = 10,000
LOAD WEIGHT =
10,000 POUNDS  Each leg = 10,000 tension

28

Two slings, each having the same length, and having the same support angle results in an
equal distribution of the load on each sling. To calculate a load on a sling, you take the length
of the sling divided by the height from the load to the lifting attachment (hook), measured from
the bottom of the hook to the load. This L over H gives you a number from zero to two. That is
your angle multiplier. You then take that number and multiply it by ½ the weight of the load. As
the multiplier increases, the load on the sling leg increases.

Slide 29

Manual Material Handling

& Lift Truck

29

Explain that the following section will discuss both manual material handling and the use of
forklifts.

22 
Slide 30

Safe Lifting Practices

 Bend the knees not the back
 Stand close to the load
 Grip with hands, not just
fingers
 Bring the load in close to the
body
 Arms tucked in and weight
centered
 Let your legs do the work

30

Explain that to lift properly, body mechanics are critical. Always plan the lift. If possible, use a
machine for heavy or awkward loads. When lifting with the body do not bend at the waist,
instead bend the knees. Stand close to the load. Grip with your hands, not just your fingertips.
Bring the load close to the body. Tuck the arms in and make sure the weight is centered. Let
your legs do the work.

Slide 31

Lifting & Carrying

 How to Lift and Carry Safely
• Carrying
• Make sure you can see where
you’re going
• Move slowly with small steps
• Don’t twist the body – change
direction with your feet
• Try not to lift the load above
shoulder level
• Unloading, same as lifting

31

When carrying the load, make sure you can see where you are going. If you cannot see, get
help. Do not twist the body, change direction with your feet. Try not to lift the load above
shoulder level. Carry long objects such as conduit over the shoulder. However, watch for ends

23 
hitting people or objects. When unloading, following the same steps as lifting except in reverse
order.

Slide 32

Forklift Safety Do’s and Don'ts

 DO:
• Inspect daily
• Refuel or recharge only
in designated areas
• Keep loads low and
balanced, tilt back
slightly
• Keep wide loads
centered

32

Explain that only those persons that are trained may operate a forklift. Retraining must be
conducted every three years or sooner if supervision deems necessary. Before operation, the
operator must inspect the unit daily. If there are any problems, do not use the machine. Refuel
or recharge in designated areas. These areas may contain flammable atmospheres, so do not
smoke. When traveling with a load, keep the load low and tilted back slightly. When handling
wide loads, make sure they are centered and balanced.

Slide 33

Forklift Safety Do’s and Don'ts

 Do:
• On slopes travel with load
up hill
• Drive in reverse, if vision is
blocked (except uphill)
• Back out slowly and check
behind you after unloading
• Park on flat surfaces with
forks tilted forward and
lowered; block wheels if on
a slope

33

When traveling on slopes, the load should always be located on the uphill side. If the load
obstructs your view, drive in reverse, except when going uphill. Back out slowly and check the

24 
area around you before moving. It is a good idea to sound the horn before moving to alert
others in the area. When parked, lower forks to the ground. If not possible to park on a flat
surface, chock the wheels.

Slide 34

Forklift Safety Do’s and Don'ts

 Don’t:
• Lift or Carry people
unless forklift is
equipped to do so
• Overload the
forklift
• Travel with forks
raised higher than
needed

34

Do not carry people unless the forklift is equipped to do so. If so equipped, there are special
precautions must be taken. As with all material handling equipment, make sure you are within
the safe working load. Never let another employee get beneath the load. When traveling, keep
the forks as low as possible. Observe basic safe driving rules such as do not speed, keep it
under control, and watch for pedestrians.

25 
Slide 35

Review
1. What are the 4 main causes of crane accidents?

2. Sling angle effects sling capacity? True or False

3. What are some removal criteria for wire rope?

4. You
should always lift with your _________ and avoid
_______.

5. When
you park a lift truck the forks should be __________
________ and ___________

35
35

Desired answers

• Contact with power lines; overturns; falls; mechanical failures

• True
• Excessive broken wires; kinking; bird caging; crushing; deformation
• Legs, Twisting
• Tilted Forward Lowered

26 
 Safe Rigging Practices Handout 
Material handling using rigging hardware is a special skill, which requires special
tools, special methods, and a special mindset to safely lift, move and locate
materials and equipment. The three most important points to remember when
performing work using rigging hardware and techniques are:

ALWAYS inspect your equipment before use. Do not use damaged

or defective rigging hardware.

NEVER exceed the rated capacity of the rigging hardware

Stay clear of loads about to be lifted or moved and NEVER stand

or place any part of your body under a suspended load.

Look for wear at the bow section. Greater than 10%

reduction in original width is requires removal from
service
Look for nicks, cuts, gouges or deformation of the
body
Look for wear or damage to the pin and pin threads
and always ensure that the pin is fully screwed into
the clevis body before lifting
Only use rigging hardware for rigging jobs. Material
Screw Pin Shackle or Clevis shackles may be rated for the load but they are not
designed to be used as rigging hardware
Do not substitute a bolt or spud wrench for the
original pin

Slings with any cuts, nicks, tears, and/or other type

damage must not be used
All web slings must have legible tags that show the
capacity in all hitch configurations, the manufacturer
and the material of which it is made
Sling angles reduce lifting capacity
Nylon Web Sling

27 
 Only lifting chains may be used for lifting
Lifting chains must have a documented inspection
performed at intervals no greater than every 12
months
Lifting chains must be visually inspected before each
use. The user must inspect all the links, hooks,
rings, and any other attachment(s)
Lifting chains must be tagged to show their capacity
in each hitch configuration and the manufacturer
Do not use cargo chains for lifting
2-Way Chain Sling

When inspecting wire rope check the sling body and

the sling eyes for:
Broken Wires, Kinks, Bird Caging, Crushed Strands,
deformation of the sling body or eye
Remember the D/d ratio to avoid sling damage
To calculate the D/d ratio, add together the diameter
(D) of the object to be lifted and the diameter (d) of
the sling, then divide the sum by the diameter of the
sling. For lifting, Ratios of 18:1 or greater are
Wire Rope Slings desired

Hooks designed to have safety latches must have

properly working safety latches
Never disable or tape open a hook latch
When inspecting hooks, look for:
Broken or missing latches
Bends, gouges, twists or deformation
Stretched throat opening
Load Hook With Safety Latch
Deformation

Sling Sling angles and choker hitches reduce the rated

capacity of ALL sling types
Sling angles less than 30° should be avoided
When sling angles are 30° the tension on each sling
Avoid < 30°
is equal to the total weight of the lifted load!

Load Luck Runs Out-Safety Does not!

Rig it Safe- Rig it Right

28 
Manual Material Handling Handout
Safe lifting and carrying techniques are crucial to prevent painful and expensive
injuries in the workplace. Unfortunately, in practice, most workers do not
consistently use safe practices. These unsafe practices place workers at great risk
to their personal well-being.

Safe Lifting Prevents Major Injuries

Thousands of back injuries and other soft tissue injuries occur in the workplace
each year, many leading to permanent pain and disability. These injuries are often
caused by unsafe lifting and carrying of heavy or awkward objects, and are easily
prevented. The most common types of job-related back injuries are:

Strain—overused or overstretched muscles

Sprain—torn ligaments from sudden movement
Herniated disk—loss of cushioning ability from strain or age

Safe Lifting and Carrying Techniques

Safe lifting and carrying techniques are the key to dramatically reducing debilitating
back and soft tissue injuries on the job. When lifting, workers should consider the
following lifting safety tips:

Consider using a machine if practical

Warm up before lifting
Use team lifting for heavy or awkward objects
Avoid working in awkward positions
Plan your route before you lift
Bend at the knees, not the waist
Lift with your legs, not your back
Keep the load close to your body
Avoid lifting above the shoulder level Wrong Right
Avoid twisting
Make sure you can see where you are going
Although improper lifting, carrying, and moving techniques are the primary cause of
back and other soft tissue injuries, injuries are much more likely to occur when
employees are in poor physical condition and overweight. Therefore, employees
should be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and good muscle tone. Just
remember, you only have one body, if you do not take care of it, or abuse it, it will
break down.

29 
This page intentionally left blank

30 
31 
This page intentionally left blank

32 
 FactSheet
Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in
Construction: Qualified Rigger
This fact sheet describes the qualified rigger requirements of subpart CC – Cranes
and Derricks in Construction, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.1401, 1926.1404, and
1926.1425. These provisions are effective November 8, 2010.

When is a qualified rigger required? components and other equipment to support

Employers must use qualified riggers during specific construction activities. Such experience
hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly may have been gained over many years.
work (1926.1404(r)(1)). Additionally, qualified However, this experience does not automatically
riggers are required whenever workers are within qualify the rigger to rig unstable, unusually heavy,
the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding or eccentric loads that may require a tandem lift,
a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to multiple-lifts, or use of custom rigging equipment.
a component or structure (1926.1425(c)). In essence, employers must make sure the person
can do the rigging work needed for the exact types
Who can be a qualified rigger? of loads and lifts for a particular job with the
A qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the criteria equipment and rigging that will be used for that
for a qualified person. Employers must determine job.
whether a person is qualified to perform specific
rigging tasks. Each qualified rigger may have Do qualified riggers have to be trained
different credentials or experience. A qualified or certified by an accredited organiza-
rigger is a person that: tion or assessed by a third party?
• possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or No. Riggers do not have to be certified by an
professional standing, or accredited organization or assessed by a third
• has extensive knowledge, training, and experi- party. Employers may choose to use a third party
ence, and entity to assess the qualifications of the rigger
candidate, but they are not required to do so.
• can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve
problems related to rigging loads. Does a certified operator also meet the
requirements of a qualified rigger?
The person designated as the qualified rigger
must have the ability to properly rig the load for a A certified operator does not necessarily meet the
particular job. It does not mean that a rigger must requirements of a qualified rigger. Determining
be qualified to do every type of rigging job. 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
Each load that requires rigging has unique experience. A certified/qualified operator may
properties that can range from the simple to meet the requirements of a qualified rigger,
the complex. For example, a rigger may have depending on the operator’s knowledge and
extensive experience in rigging structural experience with rigging.

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or
standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of
compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal
Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.
The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
For more complete information:

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov
(800) 321-OSHA
DOC 10/2010