9 Most Important Skills You Will Learn from Rigging Training

The rigging and lifting industry has witnessed significant growth as industrialization increases. The global cranes market alone experienced a stellar 2.7% growth in 2020 compared to year-on-year growth from 2017 to 2019. It is expected to reach $36.36 billion in 2021 to $49.64 billion by 2028.

You will need to keep developing your skills to advance your career in the rapidly growing lifting and rigging industry. This goes well beyond the mandatory rigging training you will need to fulfill the safety requirements by OSHA. That’s why an experienced rigging hardware expert like Holloway Houston believes in constant and proper rigging training.

Let’s learn about the important skills you can learn from rigging training.

1. What Rigging and Lifting Equipment to Use

The first step in any rigging application or job is to select the right equipment. There is no point in using wire ropes for a lifting and rigging operation that warrants using synthetic slings. In other words, you need to consider various factors such as:

• The work site conditions
• Working load limits the load
• Size and type of the load
• The capacity of the rigging equipment

With proper rigging training, you can learn to calculate the size and weight of the load. You can also understand how to assess the work site conditions and plan your rigging applications accordingly. Most professional training programs will help you master every element involved in a rigging job, ranging from which crane to which slings and hoists to use.

2. Basics of Rigging Equipment Inspection

The second most critical step in a rigging job is equipment inspection. This is not a simple job. And as your safety depends on it, you would really want to do it right. Besides, OSHA regulations like 1926.251(a)(6) require you to check different rigging and lifting devices before use.

Before each rigging job, you will have to inspect your safety gear, crane, slings, hoists, and other hardware. Although it sounds easy enough, it usually isn’t. It’s not uncommon for riggers to use a damaged sling unknowingly, resulting in deadly accidents. That’s why professional rigging training is a must.

With training, you can pick up this skill. You will learn rigging equipment inspection skills like:

• Check the rigging hardware for defects
• How to inspect lines, ropes, slings, and webbing
• How to check protective gear for damage
• How frequently to inspect the equipment
• Learn which OSHA and ASME inspection standards to follow
• When to ask a competent person to conduct the inspection

3. Using the Rigging Equipment Safely

While checking the rigging equipment before use is necessary, it isn’t enough. You must also know how to use the equipment in the safest way possible. This step ensures you are assembling everything correctly. There should be no loose ends.

This also requires extensive training through live demos. When you see the rigging expert assemble a piece of equipment right before you, you better understand the safety precautions. As a result, this will be a critical part of your overall rigging training.

4. Learn The Working Mechanism of a Rigging Equipment

A live demo also means you can learn the working mechanism of rigging equipment. Your training will allow you to handle the equipment, learn how it works, and what potential challenges it may encounter. And best of all, you get as much individual practice as you want in a professional rigging training program.

In a typical rigging training program, you will learn working mechanisms such as:

• Setting up cranes
• Use different attachments
• Lifting mechanisms
• Signaling techniques

5. Different Rigging Techniques

All rigging and lifting operations are condition-specific, meaning you will need to use different rigging techniques depending on the site conditions. As your crew’s safety depends on it, it is necessary to know which methods to use in what situations.

A professional rigging training setup offers simulations that allow you to learn different rigging techniques. You can learn to use the mechanical advantages that tools like block and tackle systems, winches, and slings offer. It also helps you learn hardware techniques.

6. How does a Job Site Function?

Most rigging training programs offer on-site training. They essentially re-create real-life conditions, helping you to get a feel of your future work environment. Although it is a more controlled environment, it does teach you how an actual job site works.

This involves learning vital on-site skills, such as:

• Communicating with your crew
• Be aware of your own actions
• Assess potential threats before they cause a disaster

7. Efficient and Proactive Communication

Onsite communication will also be a part of your training. Rigging jobs often involve teamwork. Moreover, lifting and rigging operations rarely take place in calm and controlled environments. Communicating in a noisy and unpredictable environment is far from easy. It requires special training.

Furthermore, you will need to hoist, lift, and move large materials using specific rigging equipment. Given the risks involved in this, communication is necessary to prevent injuries, damage, and fatalities. Rigging training will prepare you to run everything as smoothly as possible. You will learn how to give directions to your crew using a wireless radio or even a whistle.

8. Controlling the Load

In addition to communication, learning to control the load is equally important. Lose control of a heavy load and you will have:

• Substantial damages and expenses.
• More work for everyone (repairs, cleanup, etc.)
• Lives of your crew and bystanders at risk.

You will need to learn different load controlling skills for better safety. This includes understanding how rigging angles will impact the load, how gravity works, and the capacities of different rigging equipment.

9. Improving Your Skills

Honing your rigging skills is essential to keep advancing in your career. New equipment and technology keep entering the market frequently. Safety and other regulations also keep changing. So, you should consider improving your skills every chance you get. When you come across a rigging training program, check out what it offers. If you think you can learn advanced skills or gain new knowledge, go for it.

In Conclusion

As you can see, rigging training helps you learn several important skills. Learning these skills is necessary to keep everyone safe, prevent damage, and finish your work on time. Plus, it can help you put your career on a fast track. Just make sure to choose a training program that fits your needs perfectly.

In addition to selling and renting high-quality rigging equipment, Holloway Houston also offers services like rigging inspection, testing, and training. Contact us today for more information.