{"id":9079,"date":"2024-05-14T18:01:47","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T18:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/superiorrigstg.wpengine.com\/?p=9079"},"modified":"2025-05-13T14:58:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T14:58:23","slug":"what-does-a-rigger-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/superiorrigging.com\/what-does-a-rigger-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Rigger Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What Does a Rigger Do?<\/strong><\/h1>

In short, a rigger<\/a> <\/span>uses his or her knowledge of the trade to safely move or relocate a product while utilizing appropriate equipment and methods.<\/p>

There are hundreds of ways to move a product, but a rigger is trained to understand physics such as distribution of weight, sling capacities, sling angles and configurations, in order to move the product safely and without damage.<\/p>

In this blog we dive deeper into how a rigger performs work and what you should look for in a qualified and competent rigger.<\/p>

Important Factors & Techniques a Rigger Needs to Know <\/strong><\/h3>

Skating & Jacking<\/h4>

Machine skates are a piece of equipment used to move heavy products. They are made up of a count of wheels contingent to the weight of the load they will support. The wheels on the skates are made of steel, nylon or poly. Choosing the correct skate depends on the ground surface needs or protection. Competent riggers are trained on how to choose and utilize skates to move heavy equipment safely. \u00a0<\/p>

A rigger must be able to properly position the correct machine skates under the load in a way that is secure and ensures stability. From there, every move must be made with precision. The slightest bump could derail the load and cause serious damage or injury.<\/p>

Jacks and forklifts are used to lift equipment so that it can be safely placed on machine skates. This technique is especially useful when space is restricted or when the movement is a short distance. Skating and jacking allow the product to be safely placed in its final location.<\/p>

This technique is crucial to moving and setting large, modularized products, which is primarily how manufactures produce equipment today.<\/p>

\"Forklift<\/p>

Understanding Sling Angles <\/strong><\/h4>

The sling angle is where the sling meets the load.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

The angle directly impacts the lifting capacity. Sling angles are important because as the horizontal sling angle decreases, the greater the tension on the slings.<\/strong><\/span> Employees can be greatly injured, and your product can have significant damage if the tension is too high.<\/p>

Let\u2019s look at the sling angles for a rigging plan designed to lift an item that weighs 900lbs<\/strong> with two slings<\/strong>.<\/p>

A person without proper rigging training may think that two slings, rated at 500lbs each, would be appropriate. The sling angle will affect the sling\u2019s capacity positively or negatively.<\/p>

First<\/em>,<\/span><\/strong> the rigger needs to ensure the slings capacity exceeds the items weight.<\/p>

Next<\/em>,<\/strong><\/span> the rigger should calculate the tension factor. The hitch impacts this step. A rigger could use a choker hitch, vertical hitch or vertical basket hitch.<\/p>

Finally<\/em>,<\/span><\/strong> as the horizontal sling angle decreases, the sling tension increases.<\/p>

The standard recommended sling angle for the rigging industry is 60 – 90\u02da. It\u2019s possible to fall under 60\u02da if you have limited head room or have a unique lifting solution. Any lift under 30\u02da is not recommended but if performed requires a critical lift plan<\/strong>.<\/p>

Reduction Factors<\/strong><\/h4>

In the above case, let\u2019s consider that the rigger is utilizing slings in a vertical configuration. Each sling is rated for 500lbs and 15ft long.<\/p>

To calculate the reduction factor<\/strong>, you must divide the overall height from the top of your load to the base of your hook by the length of your sling. In the illustration below the height is shown as X and the sling length is shown as Y.<\/p>

Let\u2019s say the height is 13ft and the sling length is 15ft for this scenario. 13 divided by 15 equals .866. So, your reduction factor is .866.<\/p>

If you take your reduction factor and multiply it by the capacity of the sling, which was 500lbs, we now see our capacity is only 433lbs per sling. This puts us at a total lifting capacity of 866 lbs, which is not appropriate<\/strong> for our 900lb load.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

The reduction factor always needs to be evaluated to make the decision whether to form a new rigging plan. This could include adding a spreader bar or using a sling with a greater lifting capacity.<\/p>

In this case, the best decision would be to use a different sling with a higher rated capacity.<\/p>

Critical Lift Plans <\/strong><\/h3>

According to OSHA<\/span>, a lift becomes critical if it meets one of the following criteria:<\/p>

  1. Exceeds 75% of the rated capacity of the crane or derrick.<\/li>
  2. Requires the use of more than one crane or derrick.<\/li><\/ol>

    Your rigging personnel should be well-trained to recognize situations where a critical lift plan is necessary. The rigger collaborates with the crane operator<\/span><\/a> to complete the requisite paperwork and oversee the critical lift.<\/p>

    Crane and rigging companies hold different standards when it comes to critical lift plans. At Superior, we mandate a critical lift plan under the following circumstances:<\/p>