Rigger

NCCER‑Certified Rigger — Job Description

An NCCER‑certified rigger is a trained professional who safely assembles, inspects, and operates rigging equipment to lift and move loads in construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings, in compliance with OSHA and ASME B30 standards NCCER 2.

Core Responsibilities

According to NCCER and industry job descriptions duties typically include:

• Assembling and selecting rigging gear — choosing slings, chokers, shackles, cables, ropes, pulleys, winches, blocks, and sheaves based on load weight and size.
• Attaching loads — securing equipment to crane hooks, beams, gin poles, or other approved points using appropriate rigging devices.
• Directing crane operations — giving clear hand, radio, or verbal signals to crane operators or hoisting engineers to ensure safe lifting and movement.
• Setting up and bracing hoisting equipment — using hand tools and power wrenches to prepare and secure lifting gear.
• Splicing and repairing cables/ropes — making or repairing slings and tackle as needed.
• Guiding and positioning loads — using tag lines, turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks, and other tools to align and place structural members, pipe, or equipment into final position.
• Verifying alignment and securing — using plumb bobs, levels, and fastening methods to ensure stability before permanent installation.

Safety and Compliance

NCCER’s rigger curriculum covers safe rigging practices, load dynamics, lift planning, crane safety, and emergency procedures, meeting or exceeding OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC and ASME B30 standards NCCER 1. Certified riggers must follow strict safety protocols, use proper PPE, and may work in hazardous environments (confined spaces, heights over 50 ft, extreme temperatures)

Skills and Knowledge

• Understanding of rigging equipment and hardware inspection.
• Ability to calculate sling stress and select correct gear for each load.
• Proficiency in hand and verbal signaling for crane operations.
• Knowledge of crane safety, weather considerations, and power line clearance.
• Manual dexterity and ability to work with tools such as wrenches, levels, and plumb bobs NCCER 1.