Rigging & Signal Person Training Program Breakdown

Comprehensive Certification & Safety Training – Available Nationwide

I. Introduction to Rigging & Signal Person Roles

The Rigging & Signal Person Training Program by 3P Safety is a comprehensive, hands-on course designed to certify workers responsible for rigging loads and directing crane operations. This program blends classroom instruction with field exercises to develop:

• Safe load rigging techniques

• Effective signaling methods

• Regulatory compliance knowledge

Why Rigging & Signaling Matter:
Incorrect rigging or poor communication can cause load drops, property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities. OSHA requires that qualified signal persons and competent riggers are present on all crane operations where signaling or complex rigging is required.

Program Focus:
This training is ideal for:

• Construction and industrial riggers

• Crane signal persons

• Maintenance and plant personnel

• Safety officers and lift directors

II. Legal and Safety Regulations

Understanding regulations ensures compliance and reduced liability:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (Cranes & Derricks):
  Signal person qualifications, rigging requirements, and inspection protocols.

• ASME B30 Standards:
  B30.5 (Cranes), B30.9 (Slings), B30.26 (Rigging Hardware).

• Qualified Person Criteria:
  OSHA-recognized qualifications for both riggers and signal persons.

• Employer Responsibilities:
  Proper training, documentation of qualifications, and jobsite hazard assessments.

III. Rigging Equipment & Terminology

This module provides hands-on knowledge of essential rigging gear:

• Rigging Hardware:
  Shackles, hooks, eye bolts, turnbuckles, spreader bars, and lifting beams.

• Slings:
  Wire rope, synthetic web, chain, and round slings; their applications and limitations.

• Load Control Accessories:
  Tag lines, softeners, and edge protection.

• Terminology:
  Working Load Limit (WLL), Center of Gravity (COG), Sling Angle, Hitch Types.

Diagrams and live demonstrations enhance learning.

IV. Pre-Lift Planning and Inspection

Safety begins before the lift:

• Rigging Inspection:
  Checking for wear, broken wires, kinks, stretching, or chemical damage.

• Load Weight & COG Calculation:
  Determining safe lift configurations and verifying within equipment limits.

• Hitch Selection:
  Choosing between vertical, choker, basket, or bridle hitches based on the load.

• Environmental Assessment:
  Checking for obstructions, wind conditions, ground stability, and power lines.

V. Rigging Procedures

Operators learn step-by-step rigging techniques:

• Proper Load Attachment:
  Securing slings to avoid slipping or crushing loads.

• Sling Angle Awareness:
  Recognizing how angles affect capacity and load stress.

• Load Stability & Control:
  Using tag lines, avoiding shock loading, and smooth hoisting practices.

• Multi-Crane and Tandem Lifts:
  Fundamentals of communication and load distribution.

VI. Signal Person Training

This section develops clear, consistent communication skills:

• Hand Signals:
  OSHA/ANSI-approved standard signals for hoisting, lowering, swinging, stopping, and emergencies.

• Voice & Radio Communication:
  Call-and-response protocol, clarity under noisy conditions, and maintaining backup communication.

• Positioning & Visibility:
  Signal persons must always maintain clear line-of-sight or proper relay methods.

• Team Coordination:
  Establishing chain-of-command between crane operator, signal person, and rigging team.

VII. Emergency Response & Incident Prevention

Preparation for unexpected events:

• Load Drop or Swing Response:
  Procedures to minimize risk to personnel and property.

• Equipment Failure Protocols:
  Identifying rigging failures, immediate communication, and area evacuation.

• Environmental Hazards:
  Adapting to wind gusts, lightning, or unstable ground conditions.

VIII. Hands-On Practical Training

Live field training reinforces classroom lessons:

• Rigging Practice:
  Select proper hardware, configure slings, and secure loads safely.

• Directed Lifts:
  Perform lifts with live cranes under instructor supervision.

• Signal Simulations:
  Hand and radio signal exercises with real-time operator feedback.

• Load Movement Exercises:
  Precision control, blind spot navigation, and confined space lifts.

IX. Assessment and Certification

All participants must demonstrate skill and knowledge:

• Written Exam:
  Covers OSHA standards, rigging hardware, load charts, and hand signals.

• Practical Exam:
  Hands-on demonstration of rigging inspection, load attachment, and directing a crane lift.

• Certification:
  Successful candidates earn a Rigging & Signal Person Certificate.
  Renewal training is offered every 3–5 years or per employer/site requirements.