COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Safe Working Practices for Rigging & Load Movement course. This training has been developed to provide you with the essential safety knowledge and procedural understanding required to perform lifting and load-handling operations in accordance with Australian WHS legislation and industry best practices.

Rigging work is inherently high-risk, involving the use of cranes, slings, hooks, and heavy plant to lift, position, and transport loads. To prevent injury, equipment failure, or catastrophic incidents, every team member must apply structured safety protocols, work in coordination with others, and maintain a strong focus on planning, risk control, and compliance.

The course begins by exploring the purpose of implementing safe systems of work in rigging operations. Participants will gain an understanding of the hazards associated with lifting activities—including dropped loads, instability, entrapment, and rigging failure—as well as their legal responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations. Recognising these duties is critical for promoting a proactive safety culture on site.

A successful rigging operation relies on clearly defined roles. This section explains the responsibilities and communication expectations of riggers, doggers, crane operators, spotters, and lift supervisors. Licensing and competency requirements for each role are outlined, ensuring every team member understands their obligations and scope of practice during rigging tasks.

Planning is the foundation of a safe lift. Participants will learn how to review rigging documentation, lift plans, and engineering drawings before work begins. Identifying lift categories—such as routine, complex, or critical—and understanding the sequencing of operations ensures risks are identified early and managed effectively.

Pre-lift hazard identification and risk assessment are essential. This section teaches participants how to identify key risks such as unstable ground, overhead obstructions, or inclement weather using the four-step risk management process: identify, assess, control, and review. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and pre-start risk assessments form the core of daily safety planning.

Rigging equipment must be inspected and verified prior to use. This section covers the types of gear used—such as chains, slings, shackles, spreader bars, and hooks—and explains how to inspect for damage, verify load ratings, and ensure compliance with Australian Standards. Tagging and certification checks are part of mandatory equipment compliance.

Exclusion zones are critical for protecting site personnel and the public. Participants will learn how to implement physical barriers, signage, and traffic control measures to prevent unauthorised access to the lift area. Spotters or safety observers must be briefed to monitor and enforce these zones during all lifting operations.

Safe load preparation prevents incidents during movement. This section covers assessing the shape, weight, and centre of gravity of the load, selecting correct sling configurations, and applying padding to protect lifting gear and load surfaces. Proper preparation reduces the risk of load shift, slippage, or damage during the lift.

Rigging arrangements must be secure and well balanced. Participants will be trained to ensure sling angles are within safe limits, all locking devices are engaged, and connections are verified. Rigging practices must adhere to manufacturer specifications and lift plan guidelines.

Test lifts are an essential safety step. This section teaches how to lift the load slightly to assess balance and alignment, identify any unexpected movement, and make necessary adjustments before proceeding with the full lift. This ensures controlled and predictable lifting motion.

Load control during movement requires coordination and vigilance. Participants will learn how to use tag lines, maintain visual communication with crane operators, and ensure safe clearance from obstacles. Signal systems—whether verbal, radio-based, or through hand gestures—must be clear, consistent, and followed without deviation.

Working near cranes and mobile plant introduces specific hazards. This section provides guidance on staying out of slew zones, maintaining awareness of the counterweight, and understanding crane load charts and limitations. Maintaining line of sight and prompt communication ensures team members remain in safe positions at all times.

Environmental factors such as wind, rain, and visibility can impact lift safety. Participants will learn how to monitor weather conditions, stop work when thresholds are exceeded, and secure equipment and materials to prevent uncontrolled movement. Planning for environmental risk is an essential component of site safety.

Rigging at heights introduces fall risks. This section covers how to access elevated rigging points safely using ladders, scaffolds, or EWPs, and how to implement fall protection systems such as harnesses, anchor points, and guardrails. Height access equipment must be inspected before use and positioned correctly to reduce fall hazards.

Manual handling is often required in rigging activities. Participants will learn correct lifting techniques, the use of mechanical aids, and strategies for reducing repetitive strain. Team lifting practices and ergonomic positioning are discussed to reduce fatigue and overexertion injuries.

Emergency response is critical when rigging incidents occur. This section prepares participants to respond to dropped loads, equipment failures, or injuries. Procedures for evacuation, site control, first aid, and incident reporting are explained, with emphasis on post-incident review and documentation to support future safety improvements.

Post-lift inspections ensure equipment integrity. Participants will learn how to inspect rigging gear after use, identify and record damage or wear, and tag out defective items. Proper cleaning and storage procedures extend the life of equipment and support compliance with maintenance obligations.

Documentation underpins legal compliance and safety auditing. This section outlines how to complete and maintain lift registers, SWMS, inspection records, and risk assessments. Accurate and timely recordkeeping ensures rigging operations remain transparent, traceable, and ready for review by safety regulators or internal auditors.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and practical understanding to implement safe working practices across all aspects of rigging and load movement—protecting yourself, your team, and the worksite from avoidable incidents while upholding the highest standards of safety, communication, and compliance.

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 Safe Rigging and Load Movement Practices

• Purpose of safe systems of work in rigging environments
• Overview of risks involved in lifting and moving loads
• Legal duties of employers, workers, and supervisors under WHS legislation

2. Understanding Roles and Responsibilities in Rigging Teams

• Rigger, dogger, crane operator, spotter, and lift supervisor roles
• Communication and coordination expectations
• Licensing and competency requirements for each role

3. Planning Rigging Operations Safely

• Reviewing rigging and lift plans before commencement
• Identifying lift types: routine, complex, and critical lifts
• Consulting job documentation, drawings, and specifications

4. Conducting Risk Assessments and Pre-Lift Hazard Identification

• Identifying hazards: overhead powerlines, unstable ground, high winds
• Using the risk management process: identify, assess, control, review
• Completing pre-start risk assessments and SWMS

5. Inspecting and Selecting Rigging Equipment

• Types of rigging gear: slings, shackles, chains, spreader bars, hooks
• Pre-use inspection requirements
• Verifying load rating, tagging, and compliance with AS standards

6. Establishing Exclusion Zones and Site Control Measures

• Setting up physical barriers and signage
• Controlling pedestrian and vehicle access to the lift area
• Assigning and briefing spotters or safety observers

7. Preparing the Load for Safe Lifting

• Assessing load shape, weight, and centre of gravity
• Selecting suitable lifting points and sling configurations
• Applying protective padding to prevent load or sling damage

8. Rigging Loads Safely and Correctly

• Ensuring balanced and secure rigging arrangements
• Avoiding sling angles below manufacturer’s safe limits
• Double-checking connections and engaging all locking devices

9. Performing Test Lifts and Adjustments

• Lifting slightly to check balance and alignment
• Observing any unexpected movement or load shift
• Making adjustments before proceeding with full lift

10. Controlling Loads During Movement

• Coordinating with crane operators and doggers via hand signals or radios
• Using tag lines to stabilise suspended loads
• Monitoring surroundings and maintaining safe clearance

11. Working Safely Around Cranes and Plant

• Keeping out of the crane slew and counterweight zones
• Maintaining line of sight or clear communication at all times
• Understanding crane limitations and load charts

12. Responding to Changing Environmental Conditions

• Monitoring wind speeds and weather warnings
• Stopping work during adverse weather or poor visibility
• Securing materials and equipment in changing conditions

13. Managing Work at Heights During Rigging Activities

• Safe access to elevated rigging points and connection zones
• Fall prevention systems: harnesses, anchor points, guardrails
• Inspection and maintenance of height access equipment

14. Manual Handling and Ergonomics in Rigging

• Lifting and positioning heavy components safely
• Using mechanical aids and team lifting when appropriate
• Reducing repetitive strain and overexertion risks

15. Emergency Procedures for Rigging Incidents

• Responding to dropped loads, failed lifting gear, or equipment malfunction
• Evacuation and first aid protocols on rigging sites
• Incident reporting and follow-up investigation processes

16. Post-Lift Inspections and Equipment Care

• Checking rigging gear for damage or excessive wear after each use
• Cleaning, storing, and tagging equipment appropriately
• Recording defects and removing damaged gear from service

17. Documentation, Recordkeeping, and Compliance

• Maintaining inspection checklists and lift registers
• Ensuring SWMS, lift plans, and logbooks are complete and current
• Preparing reports for compliance or safety audits

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 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 “Certificate of Completion”.