COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Quality Assurance & Control in Rigging Projects course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and systems required to uphold rigorous quality standards throughout the lifecycle of rigging and lifting operations.

In high-risk work environments, where lives, infrastructure, and costly equipment are on the line, quality is not simply about workmanship—it is a critical control that ensures compliance, safety, consistency, and client confidence. This program will guide you through the principles, procedures, and documentation frameworks that underpin effective Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in rigging projects across the Australian construction and industrial sectors.

The course begins by defining QA and QC within the context of rigging. Participants will explore the strategic purpose of a quality system—planning, preventing, and verifying—while distinguishing QA’s focus on systems and processes from QC’s focus on technical inspection and validation. The benefits of embedding robust quality controls include reduced rework, improved safety performance, and the ability to meet both contractual and statutory obligations without compromise.

Understanding the regulatory framework is foundational to all rigging quality systems. This section introduces key legislation such as the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and relevant Codes of Practice, alongside Australian Standards critical to rigging (e.g. AS 4991 for lifting components, AS 1418 for cranes, and AS/NZS 1891 for fall protection). Participants will also understand how quality requirements are often embedded in project specifications, engineering approvals, and licencing conditions.

All rigging projects begin with defined quality expectations. This section teaches how to interpret lift studies, project specifications, and client documentation to define performance benchmarks, identify key risk areas, and understand the tolerances allowed in rigging methods and equipment. Setting clear quality objectives at the outset helps prevent deviation and misunderstanding later.

A formal QA/QC system must be tailored to the rigging environment. Participants will learn how to establish a quality management structure with designated roles for supervisors, lift engineers, and QA officers. From pre-start preparations through to site execution and project closeout, each stage of the lift must be supported by documentation and oversight aligned with the QA system.

Documentation control is critical to transparency and traceability. This section outlines how to maintain inspection records, permits, lift plans, risk assessments, and equipment checklists in accordance with internal procedures and external audit requirements. Document versioning, sign-offs, and storage protocols are explained to ensure clarity and compliance.

Rigging equipment must meet specific inspection and verification requirements before use. Participants will review how to identify wear, corrosion, and deformation in chains, shackles, slings, hooks, and spreaders. Recordkeeping and tagging systems ensure that defective or out-of-service gear is identified and withdrawn before it creates safety or quality risks.

Lifting equipment must be matched precisely to the load. This section explains how to confirm working load limits (WLL), calculate sling angles and tension forces, and verify compatibility between load type, weight, and rigging gear. Applying correct safety factors and engineering data is essential to preventing failure under load.

Pre-lift QA procedures extend beyond equipment checks. Participants will learn how to assess site conditions—such as weather, ground stability, and crane setup—against the requirements specified in the lift plan. Any discrepancies must be resolved before work commences to maintain quality and safety compliance.

Rigging configuration requires thorough inspection before lift initiation. This section focuses on validating slinging arrangements, ensuring even distribution, preventing twisting or kinking, and protecting the load and gear with appropriate padding. These measures prevent damage and ensure stability during movement.

Lift plan validation is mandatory before critical lifts proceed. Participants will learn how to cross-check lift studies with current conditions, obtain sign-off from qualified personnel, and secure engineering verification where required. High-risk and tandem lifts require a higher level of quality documentation and review.

During the lift, quality monitoring continues in real time. Participants will be trained to observe rigging technique, check for compliance with the approved sequence, and identify any unsafe or substandard actions requiring correction. On-the-spot intervention can prevent costly incidents and preserve quality outcomes.

Effective communication is a core quality function. This section outlines protocols for two-way radio use, hand signal standardisation, and coordination among riggers, operators, and spotters. All communication procedures must be documented in the lift plan and reinforced during pre-start briefings.

Subcontractors and third-party service providers must adhere to site QA expectations. Participants will learn how to review certifications, performance records, and compliance documents from subcontractors, ensuring that external personnel meet the same quality standards as principal contractors.

Post-lift inspections help detect damage or wear that occurred during the lift. This section guides participants through systematic checks of rigging equipment and lifted loads, ensuring that issues are recorded, gear is tagged or quarantined as necessary, and no latent damage is left unaddressed.

Identifying and resolving non-conformances is a critical component of QA. Participants will learn how to complete NCRs, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to address procedural or technical quality failures. These records feed into broader continuous improvement systems.

Continuous improvement is a key goal of all QA systems. This section outlines how to conduct debriefs, identify trends in defects or rework, and update lift plans, training programs, and QA checklists to reflect lessons learned. Every rigging project provides insights that can enhance future performance.

The course concludes with final QA sign-off and project handover procedures. Participants will prepare as-built documentation, inspection records, and QA reports for delivery to the client or head contractor. A comprehensive closeout of QA documentation ensures the rigging project meets all contractual and regulatory obligations.

By the end of this course, you will have the systems knowledge, procedural awareness, and inspection capability to implement and maintain high-quality rigging operations—ensuring safe outcomes, regulatory compliance, and a reputation for excellence in every project you undertake.

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 Quality Assurance & Control in Rigging Projects

• Definition and purpose of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC)
• Importance of QA/QC in high-risk lifting operations
• Benefits of effective QA: compliance, safety, consistency, and client satisfaction

2. Regulatory Framework and Industry Standards

• Overview of WHS legislation, Codes of Practice, and Australian Standards
• Key rigging-related standards (AS 4991, AS 1418, AS/NZS 1891)
• QA obligations under contracts, licencing, and project specifications

3. Understanding Project Requirements and QA Expectations

• Reviewing rigging plans, lift studies, and client specifications
• Establishing quality objectives and performance benchmarks
• Defining scope, constraints, and stakeholder expectations

4. Establishing a Rigging QA/QC System

• Developing a quality management structure for rigging teams
• Identifying QA roles and responsibilities
• Integrating QA into pre-start, execution, and closeout phases

5. Documentation and Control of QA Records

• Types of documents: lift plans, inspection reports, checklists, permits
• Document control procedures: versioning, sign-off, retention
• Ensuring accessibility and compliance with audit requirements

6. Equipment Inspection and Verification Processes

• Pre-use inspections for slings, shackles, hooks, chains, spreaders
• Recording inspection outcomes and tagging systems
• Using manufacturer specifications and defect criteria for rejection

7. Verifying Compliance of Rigging Gear with Load Requirements

• Confirming working load limits (WLL), SWL, and safety factors
• Calculating sling angles and tension
• Selecting appropriate gear for load type, weight, and configuration

8. Site Setup and Pre-Lift QA Procedures

• Checking ground conditions, weather, and exclusion zones
• Verifying crane setup, outriggers, slew range, and lift radius
• Ensuring site prep matches lift plan specifications

9. Rigging Configuration and Load Securement Quality Checks

• Verifying slinging methods: choker, basket, vertical, bridle
• Ensuring even loading, correct positioning, and no twists or kinks
• Preventing damage to load or lifting gear through proper padding and alignment

10. Lift Plan Validation and Final Approval Process

• Cross-checking lift studies against current site conditions
• Sign-off procedures for critical and complex lifts
• Obtaining engineering verification if required

11. Monitoring Lifting Operations for QA Compliance

• Observing operator performance and rigging technique
• Checking adherence to approved lift sequence
• Addressing deviations or unsafe actions immediately

12. Coordination and Communication Quality Protocols

• Ensuring all parties are briefed and using consistent signals
• Using two-way radios and pre-agreed command protocols
• Documenting communication procedures in the lift plan

13. Managing Subcontractor and Third-Party QA Obligations

• Reviewing qualifications, certifications, and performance history
• Ensuring subcontractors follow site QA and safety procedures
• Coordinating inspections and shared responsibilities

14. QA Procedures for Post-Lift Inspections

• Checking rigging gear for wear, damage, or contamination
• Ensuring no structural damage occurred to the load or infrastructure
• Re-tagging or quarantining equipment requiring service

15. Non-Conformance Identification and Corrective Actions

• Recording quality issues or procedural failures
• Root cause analysis and corrective/preventive measures
• Reporting and resolution documentation for NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports)

16. Continuous Improvement Through Quality Reviews

• Holding post-lift debriefs with riggers, operators, and supervisors
• Tracking trends in defects, rework, or procedural lapses
• Updating lift plans, checklists, and training based on feedback

17. Final QA Sign-Off and Project Handover

• Completing QA documentation for client or head contractor
• Ensuring all reports, certifications, and as-built records are delivered
• Closing out QA file and lessons learned for future reference

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”.