Rigger and Signal Person Training, Certification & Qualification Requirements
USA - Short Answer: Rigger
In the USA, the short answer to this question is that an employer must use a qualified rigger during hoisting hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly work (1926.1404(r)(1)). Additionally, qualified riggers are required whenever workers are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure (1926.1425(c)).
Each qualified rigger may have different credentials or experience. A qualified rigger is a person that:
• possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or
• has extensive knowledge, training, and experience, and
• can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to rigging loads.
USA - Short Answer: Signal Person
Option (1)—Third party qualified evaluator. The signal person has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator (see Qualified Evaluator (third party), § 1926.1401 for definition) showing that the signal person meets the Qualification Requirements (see paragraph (c) of this section).
Option (2)—Employer's qualified evaluator. The employer's qualified (see Qualified Evaluator (not a third party), § 1926.1401 for definition) evaluator assesses the individual and determines that the individual meets the Qualification Requirements (see paragraph (c) of this section) and provides documentation of that determination. An assessment by an employer's qualified evaluator under this option is not portable—other employers are not permitted to use it to meet the requirements of this section.
Learn how ITI prepares riggers and signal persons with online, in-person, and even simulation-based training at https://www.iti.com/rigging-training-courses.
USA - Long Answer: Rigger
When is a qualified rigger required?
Employers must use qualified riggers during hoisting hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly work (1926.1404(r)(1)). Additionally, qualified riggers are required whenever workers are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure (1926.1425(c)).
Who can be a qualified rigger?
A qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the criteria for a qualified person. Employers must determine whether a person is qualified to perform specific rigging tasks. Each qualified rigger may have different credentials or experience. A qualified rigger is a person that:
• possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or
• has extensive knowledge, training, and experience, and
• can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to rigging loads.
The person designated as the qualified rigger must have the ability to properly rig the load for a particular job. It does not mean that a rigger must be qualified to do every type of rigging job.
Each load that requires rigging has unique properties that can range from the simple to the complex. For example, a rigger may have extensive experience in rigging structural components and other equipment to support specific construction activities. Such experience may have been gained over many years.
However, this experience does not automatically qualify the rigger to rig unstable, unusually heavy, or eccentric loads that may require a tandem lift, multiple-lifts, or use of custom rigging equipment. In essence, employers must make sure the person can do the rigging work needed for the exact types of loads and lifts for a particular job with the equipment and rigging that will be used for that job.
Do qualified riggers have to be trained or certified by an accredited organization or assessed by a third party?
No. Riggers do not have to be certified by an accredited organization or assessed by a third party. Employers may choose to use a third party entity to assess the qualifications of the rigger candidate, but they are not required to do so.
Does a certified operator also meet the requirements of a qualified rigger?
A certified operator does not necessarily meet the requirements of a qualified rigger. Determining whether a person is a qualified rigger is based on the nature of the load, lift, and equipment used to hoist that load plus that person’s knowledge and experience. A certified/qualified operator may meet the requirements of a qualified rigger, depending on the operator’s knowledge and experience with rigging.
Option (1)—Third party qualified evaluator. The signal person has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator (see Qualified Evaluator (third party), § 1926.1401 for definition) showing that the signal person meets the Qualification Requirements (see paragraph (c) of this section).
Option (2)—Employer's qualified evaluator. The employer's qualified (see Qualified Evaluator (not a third party), § 1926.1401 for definition) evaluator assesses the individual and determines that the individual meets the Qualification Requirements (see paragraph (c) of this section) and provides documentation of that determination. An assessment by an employer's qualified evaluator under this option is not portable—other employers are not permitted to use it to meet the requirements of this section.
Qualification Requirements. Each signal person must:
Know and understand the relevant requirements of §§ 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 and 1926.1428.
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