The rigging and lifting industryĀ has witnessed significant growth as industrialization increases. TheĀ global cranes marketĀ 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 trainingĀ you will need to fulfill the safety requirementsĀ by OSHA. Thatās why an experienced rigging hardware expert like Holloway HoustonĀ believes in constant and properĀ riggingĀ training.
Letās learn about theĀ important skills you can learn from rigging training.
The first step in any rigging application or job is to select the right equipment. There is no point in usingĀ wire ropesĀ for a lifting and rigging operationĀ that warrants usingĀ synthetic slings. In other words, you need to consider various factors such as:
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 andĀ plan your rigging applicationsĀ accordingly. Most professional training programsĀ will help you master every element involved in a rigging job, ranging from which crane to which slings and hoists to use.
The second most critical step in a rigging job isĀ 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 likeĀ 1926.251(a)(6)Ā require you to check different rigging and lifting devicesĀ 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 isnāt. Itās not uncommon for riggers to use a damaged sling unknowingly, resulting inĀ deadly accidents. Thatās why professional rigging trainingĀ is a must.
With training, you can pick up this skill. You will learn rigging equipment inspectionĀ skills like:
While checking the rigging equipmentĀ before use is necessary, it isnāt 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 expertĀ 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.
A live demo also means you can learn the working mechanism of rigging equipment. Your training will allow you toĀ 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:
All rigging and lifting operations are condition-specific, meaning you will need to use different rigging techniques depending on the site conditions. As your crewās safety depends on it, it is necessary to know which methods to use in what situations.
A professional rigging trainingĀ 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.
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:
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.
In addition to communication, learning to control the load is equally important. Lose control of a heavy load and you will have:
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.
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.
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 rentingĀ high-quality rigging equipment, Holloway Houston also offers services like rigging inspection, testing, and training.Ā Contact usĀ today for more information.