4 minute read
Connector - Winter 2022
Are Your Ironworkers Qualified for Rigging?
The importance of formal training
IN THE FIELD By Macie Murie
Ironworkers are required to do rigging on a regular basis. In many cases, rigging involves repetitive, routine types of lifts, but not always. When faced with rigging uniquely designed sections, trusses, or components, these less common rigging activities require an elevated level of knowledge and skill that can’t always be taught in the field.
While rigging unique structures can be complicated, OSHA does not require formal certification for riggers. OSHA 1926.753(c) (2), only requires rigging activities to be performed by a “qualified” person, and it’s up to the employer to determine whether a person is qualified. Rigger qualification is specific to the rigging task at hand. This doesn’t mean that once rigger has been deemed qualified for one type of activity, such as lifting individual joists or beams, they are now able to perform all rigging activities moving forward.
Some employers find that on-the-job training and experience is sufficient to deem an employee qualified to perform routine rigging activities, but that is not sufficient when working with uncommon rigging scenarios. Here’s an example.
Last year, Illinois steel erector Area Erectors, Inc., used seven cranes to lift two 40 ft. x 250 ft. long trusses that made up the walls and two 40 ft. x 80 ft. cantilever trusses that became the entrance on the Pritzker Military Archives Center in Somers, Wis. Each of the two cantilever trusses was pitched in different directions while being tied into the existing structure and wall trusses. Advanced rigging knowledge is necessary for this type of lift. To assist them with pre-planning, the company used A1A Software's 3D Lift Plan. In all, the company created more than 20 3D Lift Plans for this project. This year, A1A Software has released a new tool specifically for rigging planning called Rigging Designer, which enables users to create custom rigging plans.
OSHA requires rigging activities to be performed by a “qualified” person, and it’s up to the employer to determine whether a person is qualified.
The Need for Formal Training
“Many well-intentioned riggers depend on the equipment or hardware’s design factor to compensate for the lack of knowledge on correct rigging practices. Ironworkers are often posed with erecting unique structures that could have multiple attachment points or an off-set center of gravity. These rigging scenarios require an advanced level of knowledge in order ensure the load can be rigged and hoisted safely,” said Jim Cox, Master Trainer, Industrial Training International (ITI).
“I recently went through a rigger and signal person training course as a refresher, and it was really eye-opening. After being in the industry for almost 40 years I thought I was going to know everything but I didn’t. I actually learned a lot,” said Jack Nix, Chief Operations Officer of Shelby Erectors. “I realized that it’s easy when everything is balanced, but with unbalanced loads you really need to know what you are doing,” he continued.
SEAA members that are accredited SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Craft Training Units are able to deliver basic rigger and signal person training, which is a requirement for individuals to complete. Once established, SEAA Craft Training Units and Assessment Sites can additionally decide whether to offer Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Rigger and Signal Person training and NCCER certification to the general public, or restrict the service to employees only.
“It’s important for everyone to receive rigger and signal person training to under stand the basics and overall best practices. When everyone on the job is on the same page, knows what’s going on, and knows what to expect during lifting operations, it increases productivity, safety, and efficiency,” said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s Craft Training and Assessment Administrator.
Formal training is necessary when it comes to complex rigging scenarios.
Basic rigger training is an excellent start, but it is important to have crew members go through intermediate or advanced training so that there is always someone on the job site that is qualified to handle unique rigging scenarios.
SEAA member ITI provides accredited rigger and signal person training for basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, and issues a qualification certificate after an individual takes a training course and passes the qualification exam. This can be an excellent way for employers to verify if a rigger is qualified to perform the rigging activity at hand. “The ITI qualification lasts for five years after passing the exam, but we always encourage students to take continuing education courses or skill building workshops throughout the year,” said Cox.
