3.1 Common rigging and lifting terminology and what each term means, to include:

3.1.1 SWL

3.1.2 WLL

3.1.3 Lifting equipment

3.1.4 Lifting appliances

3.1.5 Lifting accessories

3.1.6 Factors of safety

3.1.7 Centre of gravity or balance of the load

3.1.8 Load security

3.2 The purpose of inspections and thorough examinations

3.3 Temporary structural supports for lifting equipment including. scaffolding frames

3.4 Load characteristics which effect complexity: size, uneven weight distribution, a fragile load, difficult to access lifting points and dynamic loading.

3.5 The effects of resultant tension on lifting equipment when used at various angles and configurations

3.6 How the included angle affects the tension in the sling legs

3.7 The purpose and safe use of different types of equipment used in lifting operations:

3.7.1 Chain blocks

3.7.2 Lever hoists

3.7.3 Snatch blocks

3.7.4 Wire rope hoist (Tirfor)

3.7.5 Beam clamps (universal and standard)

3.7.6 Beam trolley

3.7.7 Master links

3.7.8 Shackles

3.7.9 Chain Slings

3.7.10 Wire rope slings

3.7.11 Fibre slings

3.7.12 Eye bolts and Eye nuts

3.7.13 Swivel hoist rings

Rigger Initial Training Standard

Revision 3 Amendment 1 (November 2021) Page 12 of 48

3.7.14 Turnbuckles

3.7.15 Jacks*

3.7.16 Machine skates*

*Where specific equipment is unavailable due to regional differences in operations or practice, appropriate substitutes may be implemented. Where alternative equipment is used it must allow for the same lifting operation outcome to be completed.

3.8 Anchor points including structural steel, scaffold lifting frames, runway beams and pad eyes

4.

How to prepare for the lifting operation

4.1 The purpose of a risk assessment, the information it contains and how to use it

4.2 The purpose of a lifting plan and the key information it contains – typical examples of lifting plans to be shown to learners, and how to use them.

4.3 Communication methods and protocols used for lifting and rigging operations – agreed industry best practice

4.4 Procedures to follow to establish the load bearing capabilities of structures, and lay-down areas that will be used

4.5 The importance of establishing escape routes from the work area

4.6 How to use identification tags to establish material and capacity, colours of fibre slings to establish SWL and WLL, and colour coding to verify current certification of lifting equipment.

4.7 Various methods and sources of determining the weight of a load – e.g. sourcing data from the manufacturer’s manual.

4.8 Pre-use inspection of lifting equipment

4.9 How to position and install (rigging up) the lifting equipment for the lifting operation

4.10 Why it is important that all parties that may be affected by the lifting operation are made aware of the impending and ongoing lifting operation

4.11 The importance of accounting for adverse environmental factors e.g. wind strength, poor visibility, icy surfaces etc.

PRACTICAL

5.1 Working to a detailed lifting plan and a risk assessment

5.2 Load weight identification and methods to determine the weight of the load.

5.3 Lifting equipment pre-use inspections and how to establish SWL, WLL and current certification.

5.4 The importance of walking the route to establish any hazards which have not been addressed.

5.5 Correctly and safely positioning and installing lifting equipment prior to starting the lifting operation

6.1 ‘Inching’ up the load to check the balance and security of the load

6.2 Moving loads using specific lifting techniques, to include:

6.2.1 Cross hauling/transferring loads

6.2.2 Lifting, moving, lowering and landing unbalanced loads

6.2.3 Lifting operations with restricted access

6.3 Safe body and hand positions during the lift

6.4 Ensuring that the load is moved at the minimum height necessary to avoid exceeding the safe range of the equipment and avoiding obstacles and locate the load in its final position

6.5 Lowering the load at the final location i.e. positioning the load in the exact location and in the correct orientation

6.6 Safe methods of disconnecting the load from lifting equipment and lifting accessories

6.7 Best practice communication methods and protocols prior to and during lifting activities

7.1 De-rigging and removing all lifting equipment from the lifting operation site

7.2 Post-use inspections of lifting equipment

7.3 Storing lifting equipment and lifting accessories after use

7.4 The procedures to follow if any lifting equipment or lifting accessory is found to be damaged

7.5 The disposal of waste as a result of the lifting and rigging activities - in relation to legislation and company procedures