Rigging and signalperson jobs are in demand. You have probably heard those terms, but you may not know what the jobs entail. A rigger is an individual with the proper degree or certificate or someone who has extensive training and experience or knowledge that enables them to successfully demonstrate their ability to resolve issues that pertain to rigging loads. These are individuals who must have the ability to rig the load for a specific job and properly plan the process.

Topics covered by a rigger training course will include OSHA and ASME standards, the proper use of taglines, knots that are used in rigging, hoisting personnel, hand and voice signals, and the safe usage of slings, rigging hardware, wire rope, and chain and lever hoists. It also involves rigging procedures and practices as well as learning the basics of crane operations.

Signalpersons serve as the eyes and ears on the ground for the crane operator. They must properly signal and communicate with the crane operator so they can avoid crane accidents. Crane operators should never try to work without a qualified signalperson on duty working with them. According to OSHA, a crane operator signalperson must complete specific training to be qualified to perform the job.

Here are some responsibilities of a signalperson:

• Demonstrate their knowledge through practical, oral, and written tests
• Know the crane equipment, its limitations and the dynamics involved in boom and crane lifting and movement
• Know the different kinds of signals used at the job site and can use those signals competently

There are certain times that OSHA requires a signalperson to be on the job. Those times include:

• The load or area near or at the load isn’t within the operator’s full view
• When the equipment is moving, and the direction of movement is obstructed
• When the operator or the individual who is handling the load believes a signalperson is needed for safety concerns

Eligibility requirements to become a certified signalperson:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Pass drug screening
• Pass the written exam
• Pass a practical test
• Adhere to the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Code of Ethics

Rigging and signalperson jobs are in great demand. There are websites where openings are listed. There are also different construction organizations that help companies recruit for the two different positions. Specialized training schools, such as ATS, can also help with job placement. To learn more about training programs for rigging and signalperson positions, contact ATS today at (800) 383-7364.

Signalperson

Safety is crucial on any site, and this is especially true where there are cranes in operation. When we think of cranes, it is the crane operator that is the job that comes to mind, but there are several other positions that are crucial to safe crane operation, and one of those is the crane signalperson. The crane signalperson is not new, it has been part of construction since industrial cranes became common, and were sometimes called spotters, but what is it they do?

It is the crane signalperson’s job to ensure the safe operation of a crane, working in tandem with the crane operator, to move large loads safely around a site. There are two aspects of the job, the first is the physical inspection of the load and equipment, and the second is guiding the operator during a lift. Beginning with the load itself, the crane signal person should be able to spot issues with the load itself, such as incorrect weight distribution, the load hook is correctly positioned, the rigging chain is set correctly without twists, and so on, and that load weight, position relating to the boom and other factors are all correct.

They also play an important part in the lift itself, firstly, before the load is moved, assessing the hoisting path, including whether it means being too close to any hazards or traveling over the heads of site workers causing a safety issue that must be highlighted and measures are taken to avoid. Once the lift is in progress, the crane signal person directs the crane operator, using a series of special hand signals or a hands-free radio system. In this way, the operator is always kept aware of the precise position of the load, its movement including direction and speed, when to stop, if there are any dangers, and so on. It is a partnership that allows cranes to operate safely.

CCO Signalperson Certification

Accomplishing that needs a good understanding of the cranes themselves, and in many ways, a crane signalperson needs to have as good an understanding of crane operation as the operator themselves, and of course, that means training. Becoming an NCCCO certified crane signalperson is a requirement for employment, and the approved courses that get you certified provide the skills and understanding of both crane operation and the safety aspects of moving large loads on site that are needed to perform the tasks required properly. To be a qualified crane signalperson, there are a few requirements. Passing both the written and practical examinations are essential, without proof of those qualifications you cannot be employed as a crane signal person, you must also be over eighteen years of age and drug-free.

Those qualifications and the skills needed to get them can be learned through a variety of training approaches, however, the best training includes both classroom training and a chance to put those newly learned skills into practice on-site, not only giving the technical understanding needed but the confidence gained from real-world experience to get out there and launch a lucrative career as a crane signalperson.

In any construction site, no matter what crane is being used, from the smallest loader crane to the largest tower crane, there is a certain amount of danger once a load is off the ground. Safety is a crucial aspect of any crane operation, and riggers are central to that safety, with the crane operator making up a team that oversees every aspect of the crane operation on site.

The rigging team is responsible for all aspects of a lift, from the rigging of the load to ensure it has the required support and stability by organizing the cables and so on. This is where the rigging reference comes from, a throwback to the times of sailboats, but the rigger’s duties do not stop there, they also take part in the monitoring of the process throughout the lift. The other aspect of rigging that is incredibly important for safety is the signalperson. The signalperson relays the load condition, observations of the team, and other details to the crane operator themselves throughout the process.

Each of these positions is essential for site safety, the load riggers assess the weight, balance, and size of the load, setting up the pulleys and cable system to ensure a safe lift, so safety actually begins well before the lifting process is even started. During the lift, the signalperson will help control the lift and is an essential rigger position. With modern construction requiring ever larger and heavier loads to be moved, the rigger team is crucial to keeping the site safe during the lift, aiding and advising the crane operator throughout the process. Safe crane operation really is a team effort, and riggers are crucial to that team’s success.

Of course, for that team to work effectively and efficiently to maintain safety, training is essential, but the right training is even more important. There is specific OSHA qualification for riggers and signalpersons, and those qualifications can open doors to a new and rewarding career as a rigger or signalperson.

Here at ATS, we believe safety on site is one of the most important aspects of the construction industry today, and we are proud to offer OSHA-compliant courses for both riggers and signalpersons that go beyond the basic requirements.

Our qualification program for either rigger or signalperson meets OSHA requirements, and features both written and practical instruction and testing over 8 to 12 hours, resulting in each student receiving a qualification compliance card issued by Associated Training Services upon successful completion.

Moving on, our Certification Program for riggers and signalperson exceeds the OSHA qualification standard, and again, includes both written and practical training and testing over a 4-day period. Successful completion brings with it NCCCO Rigging Level One and NCCCO Signal Person Certifications, providing a valuable skillset that employers are actively seeking.

If you’ve been working as a heavy equipment operator and are looking for ways to increase your income, have I some ideas for you. The surest way to increase your income is to specialize in a particular skill. Here are 5 particular heavy equipment skills you can specialize in to increase your work income.

1. Mobile crane – Become a mobile crane operator and you’ll immediately be in demand. That’s because this special skill requires additional education. Get the training to become a mobile crane operator and you’ll see your pay increase.
2. Rigging – Riggers are highly sought after on the construction site. Their job is to ensure safety and to come up with the best ways to lift heavy loads. Riggers can specialize in a particular type of equipment or loads, or they can work in construction at the general level. The higher your specialization the more likely you are in demand for the big bucks.
3. Truck Driving – Truck drivers are highly paid on the construction site, as well. That’s because it’s a special skill with a special license requirement.
4. Get a CDL – Just by holding a commercial drivers license, you make yourself more employable and can demand a higher salary. It’s good that you know how to drive a dump truck. It’s better if you have a CDL to prove it.
5. Become A Certified Signalperson – OSHA has very strict requirements for signalpersons. If you can get your certification, you’ll demand higher pay right off the bat.

There is no substitute for skills and certification. Whether you seek a license or certification, if you specialize in a heavy equipment skill, then you’ll demand higher pay.

Every rigger/signalperson has to be certified. That’s a federal regulation from OSHA and most insurance companies have been insisting on it too. It just makes sense that this vital job be one that is held by a person who has been trained and passed the certification meeting the National Comission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

This NCCCO certification goes past the federal standards and is recognized as the best in the crane and lifting industires. If you want to be the best rigger/signalperson on the job site, you need to have this certification.

How To Get Your NCCCO Certification

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School offers OSHA Rigger/Signalperson Training that results in getting your NCCCO Certification. This has a lot of advantages:

• OSHA Recognized
• Industry Recognized
• Portable – goes with person
• Opens additional job opportunities
• Short term – one week
• Additional credential

We Can Come To You

Employers can also take advantage of our Qualification program to train their employees at the ATS school in Wisconsin or bring ATS instructors on any site in the US. Rigger and signalperson information is taught and there are both written and practical exams. At the end of the time, credentials document the trainees’ completion of the program and are valid for three years.

Whether you come to ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School for the full NCCCO training or your employer has our instructors come to your job site and train you, that training will be the best we offer. Both the knowledge and the basic skills will be yours along with that precious certification that shows you are qualified to be the best rigger/signalperson on the job site.

The job of a signalperson is an old and ancient custom. Before electronic communications, signal people or a signalperson, used flags and lights for communication. Some still do depend on the circumstances. In fact, the military still uses lights and flags, especially in combat situations.

You’ve likely seen people on construction sites who stand around with flags and direct traffic. They don’t just direct cars and trucks on the road. They also direct heavy equipment such as cranes.

The signalperson must understand how every piece of equipment maneuvers and have a thorough understanding of their limitations. That includes how the boom swings, how buckets raise and lower, clearances, and a whole bunch of safety factors. These safety factors are the reason signal people must be OSHA certified.

Other things signal people must understand well are weather and terrain circumstances that can affect equipment maneuverability.

For instance, if it has rained within the last day or so, will the ground be too soft for tracked vehicles? What about wheeled vehicles? How will clay beneath the surface affect turning on the job site? Will vehicles move faster or slower as a result of weather and ground conditions?

These are all important considerations and the signalperson must be able to account for them as they direct heavy equipment on the work site. It is imperative for the safety of the entire work crew and any civilians in the area. That’s why it is important to get the best signalperson training you can get prior to taking a job in this specialty.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has its regulation for the delivery of rigging and signalperson training, as well as the certification of riggers and signalpersons. Associated Training Services does not set those OSHA-Compliant standards, but we must comply with them.

As a matter of course, ATS training programs exceed OSHA requirements. That includes the rigging certification course we offer.

There are actually two rigging and signalperson training programs at ATS. There is a qualification course, which trains people interested in the profession to become qualified riggers and/or signalpersons. When you graduate from this course you’ll be qualified to hold a job as a rigger.

The other course is a certification course. After graduating this course, you’ll be certified as a rigger/signalperson and can actually hold a position as either one in your state.

The ATS rigging and signalperson certification training program follow these standards:

• Written exams match the in-class curriculum. In other words, what you train on is what you’ll be tested on.
• Exceeds all OSHA requirements for training.
• You’ll receive practical training assignments followed by practical exams.
• You’ll receive 32-36 hours of rigging/signalperson training over the course of four days.
• After you successfully complete the training you’ll be awarded certifications for NCCCO Rigging Level One and NCCCO Signalperson.

If you’re ready to enter the proud ranks of qualified and certified riggers, then ATS’s rigging/signalperson training program is for you.