COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Implement Sound Work Practices in Rigging Operations course. This program has been designed to build your knowledge, skills, and professional standards to carry out rigging activities safely, accurately, and in full compliance with legal, organisational, and industry requirements across a variety of construction and industrial environments.
Rigging practice involves far more than attaching gear to loads; it requires disciplined planning, precise execution, and an uncompromising focus on safety and compliance. This course begins by introducing approved work practices in rigging operations, outlining the roles and responsibilities of rigging personnel, and clarifying expectations for compliance, safety, and precision. It also explores the legal and organisational accountability that applies to rigging work, recognising that poor practice can lead to serious incidents, structural damage, and regulatory consequences.
Rigging work can only be undertaken within clearly defined licence and scope boundaries. This section examines rigging licence classes and their limitations, the range of tasks permitted under different endorsements, and the importance of working strictly within authorised scope. It also considers supervision and verification requirements, including when tasks must be overseen or checked by more experienced or appropriately licensed personnel.
Work health and safety requirements underpin every stage of rigging operations. This section focuses on identifying common rigging hazards, such as suspended loads, pinch points, working at heights, and unstable ground conditions. It explains how to follow WHS procedures and site rules, use personal protective equipment correctly, and respond to incidents and emergencies in accordance with site and legislative requirements.
Accurate interpretation of documentation is critical to safe lifting operations. This section examines how to read and understand lift plans, interpret work method statements, and recognise the purpose of permits and authorisations. It emphasises the importance of confirming instructions, clarifying uncertainties, and ensuring all prerequisites have been met before commencing rigging work.
Effective rigging starts with careful planning. This section explores how to assess job requirements and constraints, develop rigging sequences that minimise risk, and identify the equipment and personnel needed for each lift. It also covers coordinating lift timing and site access with supervisors, crane operators, and other trades to ensure that activities can be completed safely and efficiently.
Selecting and inspecting rigging equipment correctly is vital to load security and safety. This section examines how to identify appropriate rigging gear, including slings, shackles, hooks, and fittings, and how to conduct pre-use inspections. It explains how to check load ratings and certification, recognise signs of wear or damage, and remove defective equipment from service in line with organisational procedures.
Accurate load calculations underpin safe lifting decisions. This section focuses on identifying load weight and centre of gravity, calculating load distribution across slings and lifting points, and selecting correct lifting configurations to control forces within safe limits. It also emphasises confirming that load limits are not exceeded for any component, including rigging gear, lifting equipment, and supporting structures.
Rigging and lifting systems must be set up to provide secure, stable control of loads. This section examines how to establish anchor and attachment points, install rigging gear correctly, and secure loads in preparation for lifting. It also covers verifying system stability before lifting by checking alignment, tension, clearances, and the integrity of all connections.
Clear direction and control are essential once lifting operations commence. This section explores how to communicate effectively with crane operators and lift teams, use standard rigging signals, and coordinate movements so that everyone understands the plan. It also addresses monitoring load movement throughout the lift and maintaining exclusion zones so that no unauthorised personnel enter risk areas.
Performing lifts safely requires controlled execution and constant vigilance. This section examines how to lift loads smoothly and steadily, monitor balance and stability, and manage environmental factors such as wind, visibility, and ground conditions. It also explores how to respond to unexpected issues during lifts, including stopping work safely, reassessing risks, and seeking supervisory guidance where required.
Rigging responsibilities continue after the load has been moved. This section focuses on lowering loads safely into their final position, releasing rigging equipment correctly, and ensuring loads are secured or supported appropriately. It also covers inspecting equipment post-lift to identify any damage or deterioration and ensuring rigging gear is cleaned, stored, or tagged out as required.
Many rigging tasks involve working at heights, where fall risks must be carefully managed. This section examines how to apply working-at-heights procedures, use fall protection systems correctly, and maintain three points of contact when moving or positioning at height. It also looks at managing edge and fall hazards, including the use of guardrails, anchor points, and safe access systems.
Rigging operations are carried out within busy site environments and must be coordinated with other trades and activities. This section explores how to communicate clearly with supervisors, crane crews, and other workers, manage shared work areas, and sequence tasks to avoid interference. It also highlights the contribution rigging personnel make to overall site safety through proactive communication and cooperation.
Accurate documentation supports traceability, compliance, and continuous improvement in rigging operations. This section addresses how to record lift details, complete inspection and equipment logs, and report hazards, incidents, or defects in accordance with site procedures. It emphasises the importance of timely, legible, and factual reporting so that records can be relied upon for audits, investigations, and future planning.
Environmental and site conditions have a direct impact on rigging safety and feasibility. This section examines how to assess weather and ground conditions, manage wind, visibility, and access issues, and minimise environmental impacts from rigging activities. It also explores how to adjust work practices as conditions change, including postponing or modifying lifts when safety margins are compromised.
Finally, the course concludes with reviewing performance and continuous improvement in rigging operations. This section focuses on reflecting on completed rigging tasks, accepting feedback from supervisors, and identifying skills and licence development needs. It also considers how rigging personnel can contribute to improved practices through reporting near misses, participating in reviews, and sharing lessons learned so that future work is safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the practical techniques, safety awareness, and professional work practices required to implement sound rigging operations on site, supporting compliant, controlled, and accurate lifting outcomes.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Rigging Practice
- Understanding approved work practices in rigging operations
- Roles and responsibilities of rigging personnel
- Importance of compliance, safety, and precision
- Legal and organisational accountability in rigging work
2. Understanding Rigging Roles, Licences, and Scope of Work
- Identifying rigging licence classes and limitations
- Understanding permitted rigging tasks
- Working within authorised scope
- Recognising supervision and verification requirements
3. Applying Workplace Health and Safety Requirements
- Identifying common rigging hazards
- Following WHS procedures and site rules
- Using personal protective equipment correctly
- Responding to incidents and emergencies
4. Interpreting Lift Plans, Work Instructions, and Permits
- Reading and understanding lift plans
- Interpreting work method statements
- Understanding permits and authorisations
- Confirming instructions before commencing work
5. Planning Rigging Tasks and Lift Activities
- Assessing job requirements and constraints
- Planning rigging sequences
- Identifying equipment and personnel needs
- Coordinating lift timing and site access
6. Selecting and Inspecting Rigging Equipment
- Identifying appropriate rigging gear
- Inspecting slings, shackles, and fittings
- Checking load ratings and certification
- Removing defective equipment from service
7. Applying Load Calculations and Weight Assessments
- Identifying load weight and centre of gravity
- Calculating load distribution
- Selecting correct lifting configurations
- Confirming load limits are not exceeded
8. Setting Up Rigging and Lifting Systems
- Establishing anchor and attachment points
- Installing rigging gear correctly
- Securing loads safely
- Verifying system stability before lifting
9. Directing and Controlling Lifting Operations
- Communicating with crane operators and teams
- Using standard rigging signals
- Monitoring load movement
- Maintaining exclusion zones
10. Performing Lifts Safely and Accurately
- Lifting loads smoothly and steadily
- Monitoring balance and stability
- Managing environmental factors
- Responding to unexpected issues
11. Dismantling and Securing Loads After Lifts
- Lowering loads safely
- Releasing rigging equipment correctly
- Securing loads in final positions
- Inspecting equipment post-lift
12. Working at Heights and Managing Fall Risks
- Applying working-at-heights procedures
- Using fall protection systems
- Maintaining three points of contact
- Managing edge and fall hazards
13. Working Effectively with Other Trades and Teams
- Coordinating rigging activities with site operations
- Communicating clearly with supervisors and workers
- Managing shared work areas
- Supporting overall site safety
14. Completing Rigging Documentation and Reporting
- Recording lift details accurately
- Completing inspection and equipment logs
- Reporting hazards, incidents, or defects
- Following site documentation procedures
15. Managing Environmental and Site Conditions
- Assessing weather and ground conditions
- Managing wind, visibility, and access issues
- Minimising environmental impact
- Adjusting work practices as conditions change
16. Reviewing Performance and Continuous Improvement
- Reflecting on completed rigging tasks
- Accepting feedback from supervisors
- Identifying skills and licence development needs
- Contributing to improved rigging practices
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital โCertificate of Completionโ.