Riggers are in charge of the safe movement of plant and equipment around a worksite. Because this is a high-risk activity, it's important to ensure you are adequately licensed before performing any rigging work.
If you want to work as a rigger, you'll need to undertake a course with a registered training provider and then apply for your rigging license.
However, there are a few different rigging courses to choose from: basic, intermediate or advanced. Additionally, once you have completed the course requirements and passed an assessment, you will need to apply for the actual license through your local workplace safety authority.
The type of course you choose will depend on the kind of work you are likely to be doing on site. Here is an overview of what each of these rigging courses covers.
A basic rigging course covers the movement of plant and equipment, steel erections, hoists (including mast climbing hoists), placement of pre-cast concrete, safety nets and static lines, perimeter safety screens and more.
This course includes learning how to safely plan out the work, how to select the right equipment and inspect it for suitability. You will also learn how to set up a work task safely, erect a structure and dismantle it when the job is complete.
Before you undertake the basic rigging license course, you'll need to be over 18 years old and hold a dogging license.
Intermediate rigging courses are the next step up, building on what you learn in the basic course.
Along with performing rigging work for steel erections, precast concrete, static lines, and crane loading platforms, an intermediate rigging course will provide training in how to rig all types of hoists, cranes, conveyors, dredges and excavators. You will learn how to safely rig tilt slabs, dual lifts and perform rigging tasks associated with the demolition of structures or plant.
It is a prerequisite that you have completed a basic rigging course.
Advanced rigging courses build on what you've learnt in the basic and intermediate training courses. An advanced training course will teach you how to rig gin poles and shear legs, flying foxes and cableways, guyed derricks and structures, and suspended scaffolds.
There is also the option to study rigging in detail with a Certificate III course. This training course will leave you with a Statement of Attainment once you have successfully passed the necessary assessments.
The certificate course covers the training material of the basic and intermediate courses, and it can be tailored to suit the individual, making it ideal for people who are already working in the construction industry or have some prior knowledge of rigging but are not certified.
To achieve this qualification, you'll need to demonstrate competency in 15 learning units (which includes 4 electives). The list of course units can be found here.