What a Successful Rigger Knows

Specific items of knowledge required of a Rigger have been covered in previous articles in this space. To quickly review these, a Rigger must know:

How to determine a load's weight
How to determine a load's center of gravity
How to select proper sling and rigging hardware
The effect of sling angles
The proper methods of safe load securing
How to select proper hitches and their applications
Standard hand and voice signal communications
How to inspect rigging equipment

In addition to these topics, there exists areas of general knowledge that compliment the well-rounded Rigger. Successful Riggers will possess some knowledge in all of the following areas:

Enhanced safety practices and procedures that cover all possibly encountered situations
The proper use, maintenance, and repair of machines, hand tools, and power tools that may be encountered during rigging projects
The ability to read and correctly interpret technical drawings and diagrams associated with lift projects
The appreciation and understanding of the characteristics and applications of differingmaterials, both those lifted as well as those used during the course of lifting
Basic knowledge of arithmetic and geometry
Basic knowledge in how products, tools, and equipment are designed and manufactured

The importance of specifically related hands-on rigging experience has been covered in previous articles in this space. Rigger specific experience can be gained through on-the-job training and formal apprenticeships. However, successful Riggers must gain additional experience, and retain knowledge through:

Interpersonal skills by working with customers and the public
Interpersonal skills by working with associates such as engineers and planners
Scheduling and logistics planning such as transportation requirements
Financial aspects of projects via profit and loss events
Legal aspects of projects through contracts and agreements