Services Sling and Rigging Training

 

Long before it was fashionable, Lift-It began training sling users and inspectors. I would travel anywhere, at my own expense and flap my gums around the clock to educate men and women with the goal of enabling them to perform their jobs more safely. Lift-It's motto and mission has always been, "Accident Prevention through Education".

Even after thirty years, I am still passionate about the sling training and rigging training I present and know that I have a sacred duty to instill a quest for excellence in my students that goes far beyond traditional sling and rigging topics. My energy is contagious and at the conclusion of my sling training or rigging training presentations, at jobsites, mines and power plants, my students applaud and thank me for my message, which is: God, country, family, respect for life, life's blessings and excellence that does not allow compromise.

We are honored in our association with Rigging Institute and particularly the people that make Rigging Institute a great rigging training and sling training organization: Mike Riggs, Connie Riggs, Tom De Soo and Harley Gist.

These folks are as dedicated and passionate about your safety as I am or we would not be associated. They also operate on a level of integrity and morality that is not only rare, but inspirational.

Lift-It® and Rigging Institute have set up Learning Centers with our trusted associates who hold the same values. Be sure to view upcoming educational opportunities on line at lift-it.com.

You have many options to assist you in attaining your training objectives. You can either enroll with our Learning Centers in Open Enrollment Programs or we can come to your location for an On-Site Presentation.

We look forward to not just training our students to pass a test, but to exposing them to principles and life skills that will serve them well in any endeavor. Excellence knows no boundaries and we will ignite the spark that helps our students be the best that they can be.

Sincerely,
Mike Gelskey

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SLING AND RIGGING TRAINING CURRICULUM
Course	Hours	On-Site Requirements and Details
		Classroom Set Up	Display Tables	Set Up (Hours)	Minimum Number	Maximum Number
Sling User	4 or 8	Yes	4	1.5	-	75
Designated Synthetic Sling Inspector	4 or 8	Yes	14	1.5	-	25
Facility Program	4 or 8	Yes	-	1	-	12
Advanced Rigging	4	Yes	-	1	-	25
Designated Sling & Hardware Inspector	4 or 8	Yes	20	8	-	25
Management Awareness	1, 2 or 4	No	-	.5	-	*
Product Procurement	2 or 4	Yes	4	1	-	25
Design and Engineering	2 or 4	Yes	4	1	-	25
Hands On or Job Specific Rigging	8 or 16	Yes	4	8	-	12
Equipment Training	8 to 40	Yes	2	8	-	25
Competent Rigger 1	8	Yes	4	2.5	10	*
Competent Rigger 2	16	Yes	4	2.5	10	*
Qualified Signalperson	8	Yes	2	1.5	12	25
NCCCO Rigger 1	16	Yes	8	4	12	12**
NCCCO Rigger 2	16	Yes	8	4	12	12**
NCCCO Signalperson	8	Yes	3	3	12	16
Train-the-Trainer	24	Yes	6	4	6	12

* Student Population is dictated by the facility
** Number of students will dictate the number of practical exam days

 

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ACCIDENT PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION

The benefits of educating sling users, prior to death or injury, clearly outweigh any effort done in reaction to a liability incident. The Lift-It® Sling Safety Program is concise and coordinates sling users, the inspection process and your facility into an ongoing and viable system that protects sling users, property and the corporate bottom line.

The Lift-It® Sling Safety Program provides detailed instruction to all parties who are involved with slings and rigging. Participants should include: specialized and incidental riggers, sling inspectors, safety, training, loss control, quality assurance, tool room and purchasing personnel.

Our goal is accident prevention through education. The cost for our services is truly incidental when compared to the expense of a single "incident". If together we prevent just one accident, then we have accomplished our objective. Arrange a mutually convenient, training experience and take the first step to improve overall efficiency, safety consciousness and morale.

SAFETY AND TRAINING SEMINARS

Safety and Training Seminars are presented regularly, by Lift-It®. Visit www.lift-it.com for upcoming events. The Seminars are presented in the Los Angeles area and are generally two or three days in duration.

For over twelve years we presented the Lift-It® Sling Safety Seminar and received rave reviews. We will continue to offer this popular training session and have expanded our curriculum to include other course offerings.

Competent Rigger Levels 1 and 2, Certified Rigger Preparatory Levels 1 and 2, Sling and Rigging Hardware Designated Inspector and Certified Signal Person are two day programs with the third day dedicated to practical exams.

The Lift-It® Sling Safety Seminar features: Basic and Advanced Rigging, Sling Inspection, Fall Prevention Demonstrations, a tour of the Lift-It® facility and Hands-on-Rigging during the first two days. Day Three may feature a Train-the-Trainer Program. This program will give an overview of what is necessary to develop and communicate the message of proper sling and rigging techniques. Required prerequisites for Train-the-Trainer are Days One and Two.

Students can register for Day One and/or Day Two and not attend Day Three, Train-the-Trainer. Early registrations are encouraged as the class size is deliberately limited to facilitate maximum participation.

COMMENTS FROM OUR SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS

I learned more in the first ninety minutes than I did when attending another conference that lasted five, long days.Very well presented, nice to see such passion about the subjects.

Excellent program and well worth the time. The seminar greatly enhanced my understanding of rigging practices.

Very good information on sling inspection with definite answers on what to look for. A great learning experience.A very informative seminar, much new information obtained, great job, Mike.

Thanks for the excellent training, you have changed the way I look at sling and rigging for the better. I am moving forward in a safer direction.

The seminar took a lot of mystery out of things I do every day. It was an extremely knowledgeable experience and I am glad I attended. I do a lot of iron work and will always practice what I learned here today. Thank you Lift-It.

ON - SITE PROGRAMS

Thousands of sling users and inspectors have been educated, on location, through the Lift-It® Sling Safety Program.

The preferred program is two days in duration. Day One features Sling User instruction and Day Two features a Designated Sling Inspector Class and a Facility Program. Arrange class modules in any desired sequence to compliment scheduling and attain your training objectives.

Invite other interested parties to your program and "share" not only the benefits, but the cost.

PROGRAM curriculum

SLING USER TRAINING

Sling User Training features information on: sling input materials, sling designs and design features, on a generic level, with an emphasis on proper application and usage. Mechanical considerations, sling angles and tension, center of gravity, tension factors and sling protection are explored in an interactive format. Environmental considerations: water, temperature, chemical exposure and ultraviolet light are examined. Sling inspection systems, techniques and removal from service criteria are presented in Sling User Training.

Recommended class size: 50-75 Class duration: 4 or 8 hoursRequirements: Tables and ChairsLarge Screen2 Hour Classroom Set Up

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DESIGNATED SYNTHETIC SLING INSPECTOR TRAINING

Designated Synthetic Sling Inspector Training provides detailed information on sling inspection per ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184. General information and sling damage, with a heavy emphasis upon cause-effect and recommendation are presented. In addition, sling inspection systems, techniques and removal from service criteria are covered. Sling User Training is a recommended prerequisite, but not required. Recommended class size: 25Class duration: 4 or 8 hoursRequirements: Same as Sling User

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FACILITY PROGRAM

The Facility Program is a capstone class. Participants are taken from the classroom into the "real" world and actual inspections are conducted. Sling storage locations and consumption patterns are analyzed, from the perspective of inventory management. The need for sling protection is reinforced to maximize sling service life and overall safety. Either Designated Synthetic Sling Inspector or Designated Sling and Rigging Hardware Inspector are mandatory prerequisites for Facility Program Training. Recommended class size: 12

Class duration: 4 or 8 hoursRequirements: PPE and Sling User requirements.

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ADVANCED RIGGING TRAINING

Advanced Rigging features: advanced weight calculations, center of gravity and load moment calculations. Sling User Training is a mandatory prerequisite. Recommended class size: 25Class duration: 4 hoursRequirements: Same as Sling User

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DESIGNATED SLING AND RIGGING HARDWARE INSPECTOR

Participants will be trained to identify sling and rigging hardware types, components and removal from service criteria per ASME, DOL-OSHA, association standards and manufacturer recommendations. Damage identification with an emphasis on probable causes and recommendations to mitigate reoccurring damage will also be presented. The two day program features training and hands on inspection exercises for synthetic (web, round and Twin-Path®), wire rope, chain and metal mesh slings. Sling hardware (eyebolts, swivel hoist rings, hooks, shackles and wire rope clips) is also included. Sling Identification (Tagging), Proof Testing, Repair, Inspection Systems, Techniques and Recordkeeping are presented. Participants will be tested after each days instruction and receive a Certificate of Achievement based upon cumulative examination results. The program can also be customized to include site specific gear and expanded to include Hoists and Below the Hook Equipment.Recommended Class Size: 20Class duration: 16 hoursRequirements: Same as Sling User, except 5 hour set up.Twenty tables (6 ft.) for exhibits with cardboard covers.

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TRAIN-the-TRAINER

Sling User Training is a required prerequisite for the Train-the-Trainer Program. The course will give an overview of the necessary ingredients to successfully develop and communicate the message of proper sling and rigging techniques. Topics include: enabling and terminal objectives, outline development and presentation methods. The participants will be provided a PowerPoint presentation to facilitate effective presentations and have an option to purchase training aids. Train-the-Trainer is much more than traditional trainer programs which simply repeat course content. Train-the-Trainer is a professional development course with very profound benefits, which will enhance all future training activities. Recommended class size: 4Class duration: 16 to 32 hoursRequirements: Same as Sling User.

CUSTOMIZED PRESENTATIONS

Customized Presentations can be developed to assist in attaining your specific training objectives.

Management Awareness provides an overview of ingredients necessary for successful operations and accident prevention. 45, 60 or 90 minute presentations are done for groups of any size.

Product Procurement educates and informs those tasked with purchasing rigging equipment. Generic product specifications will assist in establishing baseline requirements, enabling the purchase of quality equipment at a competitive price.Class duration: 4 hours Recommended Class Size: 12

Design and Engineering provides instruction to those tasked with developing lifting and tie down assemblies. Design parameters, material specifications and component compatibility are explored. Class duration: 4 hours Recommended Class Size: 12

Understanding CFR 1926.1400

The following information describes the qualified rigger requirements of subpart CC - Cranes and Derricks in Construction, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.1401, 1926.1404, and 1926.1425. Additional details are available at www.osha.gov

Employers must use qualified riggers during hoisting activities for crane assembly and disassembly (1926.1404(r)(1). Additionally, qualified riggers are required whenever workers are within the fall zone, hooking, unhooking or guiding a load or doing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure (1926.1425(c).

The OSHA Standard requires Crane Operators of most cranes above 2,000 lbs., when used in construction be certified by an accredited third party, testing organization or qualified through an audited employer program. The standard DOES NOT require riggers or signal persons to be certified. The rigger and signal person must be qualified.

Who can be a qualified rigger? A qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the criteria for a qualified person. Employers must determine whether a person is qualified to perform specific rigging tasks.

Each qualified rigger may have different credentials or experience. A qualified rigger is a person, who:

• Possesses a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing
• Has extensive knowledge, training and experience
• Can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to rigging loads.

Persons designated as qualified riggers must have the ability to properly rig the load for a particular job. It does not mean that a rigger must be qualified to do every type of rigging job. Each load has unique properties that can range from the simple to the complex. For example, a rigger may have gained extensive experience over many years in rigging structural components and other equipment to support specific construction activities. However, this experience does not automatically qualify the rigger to rig unstable, unusually heavy or eccentric loads that may require a tandem lift, multiple lifts or the use of custom rigging equipment. Employers must ensure that personnel can do the rigging work needed for the exact types of loads and lifts for a particular job with the equipment and rigging that will be used for specific jobs.

Do qualified riggers have to be trained or certified by an accredited organization or assessed by a third party?

No. Riggers do not have to be certified by an accredited organization or assessed by a third party. Employers may choose to use a third party entity to assess the qualifications of the rigger candidate, but they are not required to do so.

Does attending a Lift-It® or Rigging Institute seminar make me a certified rigger?

No. We do not certify riggers. We provide the training that will enable the participant to become qualified or competent as determined by the employer or to pass the written and practical exams described above.

What is required to become a "Certified" Rigger?

The candidate must pass a written and a practical (Hands On) exam administered by a third party, testing organization, such as NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) or NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research).

Does a certified operator also meet the requirements of a qualified rigger?

A certified operator does not necessarily meet the requirements of a qualified rigger. Determining whether a person is a qualified rigger is based on their knowledge and experience, the nature of the load, lift and equipment used for lifting. A certified operator may meet the requirements of a qualified rigger, depending on the operator's knowledge and experience with rigging.

There are a couple of routes you can take to comply with the OSHA mandate:

• Competent Rigger-Level 1 (One day program-includes testing).
• Competent Rigger-Level 2 (Two Day Program-includes testing).
• Qualified Signal Person (One Day program-includes testing).
• NCCCO Rigger-Level 1 (Two day program-does not include testing).
• NCCCO Rigger-Level 2 (Two day program-does not include testing). [Level-1 is a prerequisite if you wish to participate in Level 2 testing].
• NCCCO Signal Person (One day program-does not include testing).

Training Details

Participants are tested in Competent Rigger Training. Qualified Signal Person training also involves a practical exam. The practical exam for Qualified Signal Person is required to satisfy the OSHA requirement and generally takes 15-20 minutes per person.

Exams

NCCCO must administer the written, certification examinations. Normally NCCCO requires 5 weeks advance notice and surcharges apply with less advance notice. Computer Based Testing is available at over 270 locations and requires substantially less advance notice.

We can administer the Rigging Practical Exams. Normally, 6-7 candidates would complete the Rigging Practical Exams per day. The candidate then has one year to complete the written exam.

Our training provides life skills and is not designed strictly to enable your folks to pass a test. Likewise we have partnered with the best third party certification entity, if you elect to go that route.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Competent Rigger Level 1

Time: 8 Hours
Competent Rigger Level 1 training consists of basic to intermediate rigging applications and prepares students to perform Level 1 rigging activities. Training will include: common sling hitches, load weight calculations, sling tension calculations based on sling angles for symmetrical loads, center of gravity and sling protection considerations. Students will learn pre-use inspection techniques and an overview of signal person responsibilities. Competent Rigger Level 1 training does not cover all signal person responsibilities. A course review and test is administered by Rigging Institute.

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Competent Rigger Level 2

Time: 16 Hours
Competent Rigger Level 2 training involves intense study of intermediate to advanced rigging applications, preparing students to perform Level 2 rigging activities. Training includes tension calculations based on sling angles for symmetrical and non-symmetrical loads, load weight calculation, center of gravity and sling protection considerations. Students will learn sling and hardware selection based on proper application and efficiency, pre-use inspection techniques and an overview of signal person responsibilities. Competent Rigger Level 2 training does not cover all signal person responsibilities. A course review and test is administered by Rigging Institute.

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Qualified Signal Person

Time: 8 Hours
Qualified Signal Person training prepares students to meet the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1400. Students will be shown proper methods to communicate with mobile, tower and overhead crane operators. Course study includes hand and voice communication, crane functions and limitations, suspended personnel platform regulations and overhead power line considerations. Rigging Institute written and practical exams are included in Qualified Signal Person training.

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NCCCO Rigger Level 1 Certification Preparatory Training

Time: 16 Hours
NCCCO Rigger Level 1 Certification Preparatory Training prepares students for the successful completion of Level 1 Rigger certification testing. Students will participate in classroom instruction and hands-on workshops for: slings, rigging, hardware, sling tension, angles, center of gravity considerations, sling protection, knot tying and an overview of signal person responsibilities. A practice test is administered, with a discussion of test answers and a review of course materials. Upon completion, students will be not only be prepared for third party testing, but more importantly, acquire the knowledge necessary for the competent performance of Level 1 Rigger duties.

For NCCCO Rigger Level 1 and Rigger Level 2 Certification Preparatory Training, we do not administer the written exam. Participants have 12 months to complete the written NCCCO test at approved computer based, testing (CBT) centers. To locate a Computer Based Testing Center use the following link http://nccco.org/faq/index.html#CBT. Select the option to locate a CBT exam and you will be prompted to enter a sponsor for the examination. Use the drop down and select NCCCO and enter the other pertinent information: zip code, distance and days to obtain a listing of CBT centers in your area. We can administer the practical exams for Rigger 1 and Rigger 2. The necessary exam time is a function of student population.

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NCCCO Rigger Level 2 Certification Preparatory Training

Time: 16 Hours
NCCCO Rigger Level 2 Certification Preparatory Training prepares students for the successful completion of Level 2 Rigger certification testing. Students will participate in extensive studies in sling hitch applications, calculations for off-set centers of gravity and determination of load weight distribution. Additionally, students will learn methods of determining sling tension, drifting and rotating suspended loads. A practice test is administered, with a discussion of test answers and a review of course materials. Classroom and hands-on workshops are utilized to prepare students for third party testing and acquiring the necessary knowledge for the competent performance of Level 2 Rigger duties. Candidates that are not Level 1 Certified can attend, but are not allowed to participate in Level 2 testing.

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Certified Signal person Training

Time: 16 Hours
NCCCO Certified Signal Person Training prepares beginning and experienced signal persons to meet the requirements necessary to pass written and practical, third party testing. More importantly, students will gain the skills needed to effectively communicate with crane operators. Course work includes hand and voice communication for mobile, overhead and tower cranes. Students will become familiar with crane limitations influenced by crane movement and also learn the regulations for suspended personnel platforms. Student success is optimized through a combination of classroom workshops, hands-on practice and crane signal review. Day 1, Certified Signal Person training is instructional. Written and practical examination by a third party is done on Day 2. Registration must be made at least 5 weeks in advance or additional charges may apply.

COMMENTS FROM OUR ON-SITE CLIENTS

Mike,

Several weeks ago we had a customer place an urgent special order with us that would amount to several thousand dollars in revenue; a significant sale! The trick was that we only had a few days to deliver the order. I knew that Lift-It mentions it's speed of delivery when required, but let me tell you, Chris MADE IT HAPPEN. This guy helped us secure a several-thousand-dollar sale in a severely depressed local economy. Because of his hard work, and Lift-It's superior product, W4 gained a strong foothold with a previously low volume customer. Our experience with Lift-It has been nothing but excellent. You're a great company with great people making great products. We're proud to be selling Lift-It products, and we look forward to selling them for years to come.

To you, Chris, and everyone at Lift-It, Thank you.W-4 Services LLC
Heston Williams, Vice President

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Junior,

Thanks for another one of your great classes. It was a great refresher course. Lift-it is a top notch company. Yourself and Senior have a way of drawing you in during your discussions and also treating you like one of the family. Your product knowledge, commitment to safety and generosity is very refreshing to see and much appreciated. Thanks for all you do, for always providing a superior product and always having our safety in mind.

Regards, Jim Schultz

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Mr. Gelskey,

My coworkers Jason Denker and Danny Morales and I attended your 16 hour rigger training this week. I wanted to send you a little note about how much we appreciate you and your teams hospitality. We felt very well taken care of, spoiled is the term we've been using here at the shop. To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to attending the class. I figured it would be "just another boring training class." I was totally wrong! Your presentation was extremely well put together and you kept things moving at a good pace to keep us interested. Aside from the things I learned about rigging, I feel like I got to know you a bit also. You seem to be a person that truly cares about his customers. The stories you shared about getting started and the four guys on the line crew really stood out to me. I appreciate you telling us about them. Being that, like your father, I'm just a simple government employee, I don't have any say in the type of equipment that our shop purchases. But, if I had my own company, I would be ordering all my rigging from Lift-It.

Again, thank you for a great couple of days and God bless you. Chris Laux

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We would like to commend you on the quality of the training that was provided by you; one word can sum it all up, "excellent". With the type of education you provided, our people are one step closer to an accident free environment.

C. E. VANWINKLE
BNSF RAILROAD

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Thank you for a most informative seminar. The information presented was without a doubt, outstanding. We recommend the seminar to others without reservation. The personnel enjoyed your practical approach, which made the seminar interesting and informative.

DAVE ASKINS
PG&E-Diablo Canyon Power Plant

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Mr. Gelskey,

Just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks! I have been through numerous trainings and seminars in my short 27 years of blue collar survival and have to say that the last four days have been monumental to say the least. You have set the bar for training in this line of work, not just in this industry line, but you brought to me a personal line of training that dictated what it is to be a man of integrity. You taught the important values of safe rigging and quality, how to be transparent, validating the values of God, being an American, and the importance of family, friends and community. I am grateful that the world of commerce has not compromised you. For most, it's all about the wallet. Keep up the great work in the greatest race you will ever run.

Thanks again,
Paul Kriege