A Guide On Crane Rigging

An oversight sometimes made by construction site managers is that they forget to hire riggers when renting cranes. Unknown to them, a crane rigger is an essential element of crane safety at the site. So, who is a crane rigger? Below is an exhaustive article on crane riggers and why you need them at the site. 

Who Are Crane Riggers? 

Crane riggers are professionals trained in crane operations. However, they should not be confused with crane operators. The crane riggers oversee the crane operation exercise while the operators drive the equipment. Riggers work hand in hand with the operator to prevent mishaps and accidents. Crane riggers in Australia can either have a basic, intermediate, or advanced rigging licence. Additionally, they must have a high-risk work licence. 

How Do Riggers Promote Crane Safety? 

Riggers promote site safety in the following ways: 

Site Inspections

More often than not, site managers are usually in a hurry to hire cranes since they want the project completed in the shortest possible time. What they do not know is that not every crane can be used at their sites. A crane rigger assesses the construction plans to determine a suitable place to install the crane. Further, they test the soil beneath to establish if it can hold the crane's weight. These evaluations also help the rigger to determine a suitable crane. For instance, while the site manager may want a tower crane, the rigger might recommend a crawler crane. 

Site Organisation

Most builders and construction staff might not be conversant with crane operations. The rigger gives a crash course to establish they understand how the crane works. Typically, they will show them the swing angle of the crane and the operator's blind spots. Besides, they will train them how to behave when the crane is in use. For instance, they should avoid its line of operation. Besides, they must be cautious when hooking and unhooking tools. The riggers also develop communication protocols to prevent accidents caused by miscommunication at the site. For instance, they could direct the workers to use a flag to signal them in case of an issue.  

Crane Operation 

The crane riggers keep in contact with the operator as the crane works. Typically, they signal the operator to ensure they comprehend the prevailing site conditions. Besides, they warn the operator of strong winds that could swing the crane's boom. After each shift, the riggers inspect the crane and conduct regular repairs and maintenance. 

Crane riggers will help promote a culture of safety at your construction site. When hiring the riggers, ensure they have the licencing and experience required to oversee the crane operations. Reach out to a rigging service to learn more.