General Industry Rigging Training Program Breakdown

Comprehensive Safety & Certification Program – 3P Safety

I. Introduction to General Industry Rigging

Objective: Provide trainees with an understanding of rigging in general industry, the responsibilities of a rigger, and the importance of safety.

• What is Rigging in General Industry?

  • Lifting, moving, and securing loads using cranes, hoists, and other industrial lifting devices.

  • Common applications: manufacturing, shipbuilding, utilities, and maintenance.

• Responsibilities of the Rigger

  • Attaching and detaching loads

  • Ensuring proper load stability and safe movement

  • Communicating with equipment operators and signal persons

• Importance of Safety

  • OSHA incident data on rigging accidents

  • Potential hazards: crushed limbs, falling loads, and property damage

  • Building a safety-first mindset in the workplace

II. OSHA and Industry Standards

Objective: Familiarize trainees with regulations and best practices for safe rigging in general industry.

• OSHA Standards

  • 29 CFR 1910.179 – Overhead and Gantry Cranes

  • 29 CFR 1910.184 – Slings

  • 29 CFR 1910.147 – Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

• ASME Standards

  • B30.2 – Overhead and Gantry Cranes

  • B30.9 – Slings

  • B30.10 – Hooks

  • B30.26 – Rigging Hardware

• Employer Responsibilities

  • Ensure inspections, proper maintenance, and employee training

• Employee Responsibilities

  • Follow safety procedures, inspect rigging gear, and report unsafe conditions.

III. Rigging Equipment and Identification

Objective: Teach trainees how to identify, select, and inspect rigging equipment for industrial lifting tasks.

Slings

• Wire rope slings

• Chain slings

• Synthetic web and round slings

Rigging Hardware

• Shackles, hooks, eye bolts, turnbuckles

• Spreader bars, lifting beams, and clamps

Specialized Load Attachments

• Magnets, vacuum lifters, tongs, and grabs

Inspection Guidelines

• Look for wear, cracks, bent components, frayed ropes, or chemical damage

• Follow ASME B30.9 removal-from-service criteria

IV. Load Weight, Center of Gravity, and Sling Angles

Objective: Ensure trainees can calculate load weights, determine the center of gravity (COG), and select the correct rigging configuration.

• Load Weight Determination

  • Using manufacturer tags, engineering drawings, or formulas

• Center of Gravity (COG)

  • Importance of balancing the load to prevent tipping or rotation

• Sling Angle Considerations

  • Effects of sling angle on working load limit (WLL)

  • Calculating sling tension and angle factors

• Multi-Leg Sling Configurations

  • Bridle hitches, two-point and four-point lifts

V. Pre-Lift Planning and Inspections

Objective: Teach hazard recognition and pre-lift protocols to ensure safe lifting.

• Pre-Lift Checklist

  • Confirm load weight, rigging configuration, and inspection

  • Verify the load path is clear of personnel and obstructions

  • Ensure communication and hand signals are understood

• Rigging Equipment Inspection

  • Remove damaged or untagged gear from service

• Jobsite Hazard Assessment

  • Identify electrical hazards, poor ground conditions, and environmental risks.

VI. Rigging and Lifting Techniques

Objective: Provide practical techniques for safe rigging and movement of loads.

• Basic Hitch Types

  • Vertical hitch

  • Basket hitch

  • Choker hitch

  • Bridle and multi-leg configurations

• Safe Rigging Practices

  • Avoid shock loading and side pulling

  • Protect slings from sharp edges using softeners or padding

  • Control swing and rotation using taglines

• Load Movement

  • Smooth acceleration and deceleration to prevent load shift

  • Never stand under suspended loads

VII. Communication and Signal Person Training

Objective: Establish clear communication protocols to prevent accidents.

• Standard Hand Signals

  • OSHA and ANSI-compliant signals for cranes and hoists

• Voice and Radio Communication

  • Use clear, concise instructions and repeat-back protocols

• Signal Person Role

  • Maintain line of sight, direct lifts, and give emergency stop signals

VIII. Emergency Procedures

Objective: Train personnel to respond effectively to rigging emergencies.

• Load Drop or Rigging Failure

  • Evacuate and secure the area immediately

• Equipment Malfunction

  • Use the emergency stop and follow lockout/tagout procedures

• Weather and Environmental Hazards

  • Suspend lifts in high wind, lightning, or poor visibility

IX. Rigging Equipment Maintenance and Storage

Objective: Teach proper care and storage to extend equipment life and ensure safety.

• Routine Maintenance

  • Lubricate metal components and clean synthetic slings

• Proper Storage

  • Keep slings dry, out of UV light, and free from chemicals

• Recordkeeping

  • Maintain inspection logs and equipment certifications

X. Hands-On Practical Training

Objective: Apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.

• Conduct daily rigging gear inspections.

• Rig and unrig loads of varying shapes and sizes

• Perform controlled lifts and rotations

• Coordinate with a signal person under instructor's supervision

XI. Final Evaluation & Certification

Objective: Confirm competence through knowledge and practical skills testing.

• Written Exam

  • Covers OSHA regulations, load calculations, and rigging safety

• Practical Skills Test

  • Demonstrate rigging, signaling, and safe load handling

• Certification

  • Issued to participants meeting program requirements

Recommended Training Duration

• Total Duration: 2–3 Days