Qualifying Rigger & Signalperson
New OSHA ruling for Riggers and Signalpersons to be “QUALIFIED” took effect on 11/8/2010 and our Training classes are in full effect. This is not the same as obtaining certifications in these areas. OSHA only requires that workers be qualified, not certified, and we’ve designed an intense and fun class, complete with practical (hands on) testing, that will get anyone from the novice to a full-time operator through compliance with ease.
OSHA Requirements for Qualified Rigger or Signalperson
Rigger
According to OSHA regulations, a Qualified Rigger must be used for hoisting activity for assembly and disassembly work. Also, they must be used anytime workers are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, guiding a load or completing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure.
A “qualified” rigger or signal person is not necessarily the same as one that has been “certified”. It is possible to be qualified without holding a certification. It is also possible that one could be certified yet not be qualified for a particular load.
According to OSHA, a qualified rigger is defined as:
- Person holds a degree, certificate or professional standing OR
- Person has extensive knowledge, training and experience AND
- Person can successfully demonstrate their ability
A person need not be qualified to handle every type of job. Instead, they must, according to OSHA, “have the ability to properly rig the load for a particular job.” Because each job is different, the qualified rigger need only be qualified for the job on which he or she is working; and that is where our training comes in.
Signalperson
A Signalperson is required, according to OSHA regulations, in the following situations:
- The operator does not have a full view of the point of operation
- The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction that the equipment is moving
- The operator or the person handling the load feels that a signalperson is needed
- Anytime there are site-specific safety concerns
As is the case with riggers, holding a certain certification does not necessarily mean that a signalperson is qualified. Below are some of the skills and knowledge that a person must have in order to be a qualified signalperson.
- Understands the signals used at a specific work site
- Displays a competent use of these signals
- Understands crane dynamics including those involving swinging, raising, lowering, stopping loads and boom deflection
- Must pass an oral or written test as well as a practical test
There are two ways that an employer can ensure a signalperson is qualified.
- Third Party Qualified Evaluator
- Employer’s Qualified Evaluator
Documentation proving qualifications must be available at the work site in either paper or electronic form. Documentation must list each specific type of signaling for which the worker is qualified such as hand signals or radio signals.
We must emphasize again that the final version of the new OSHA regulations do NOT require riggers or signal persons to be certified. They must, however, be qualified. The best way to assure accuracy and consistency when determining a worker to be qualified is to use a third party qualifying agency for training.
Why Qualify Your Riggers and Signalpersons?
- The most obvious reason is to meet OSHA requirements
- No “grandfathered” workers
- While the new regulations do allow time to bring all current workers into compliance, it does require that all workers become qualified.
- Additionally, and many would argue even more importantly, you can help to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on your work site
- When you use us to qualify your riggers or signal persons, you will not have to do all the independent research to be sure that all of the requirements are being met and that the instructors and qualifying agents are in compliance with federal laws
- Our training class makes it easy to get your whole crew certified fast. We can easily handle up to 40 candidates per group for a 2-day class
- You don’t have to worry about travel or other expenses for workers because we come to you. We bring everything that is required to get your employees certified, including our own NCCCO equipment.
What our Qualified Rigger and Signal Person Training Class Covers
Our training class covers everything that is required for qualifying riggers and signalpersons :
- Operator hands on (Rigging & Signalperson)
- Scope of the rigging activity
- Rigging components
- Technical knowledge
- Inspection
- Execution of Rigging Activity
- Hand signals
- Voice communication
- Basic knowledge of crane operations
- Situational awareness (how to take site specific considerations into account)
- Safety Standards and regulations
Successful completion of the following tasks are also required:
- Pre-use rigging inspection
- Rigging hitches
- Rigging connections
- Basic knots
This class is identical to the NCCCO rigging signal person class but without the certification. Each participant will receive certificate of completion and a photo ID card.
