Construction labourers perform a variety of tasks on the construction site. A rigger is responsible for fastening heavy loads to transportation equipment and controlling, supervising and directing the equipment's operators. Knowing the duties and skills required can help you decide if this is the right career path for you. In this article, we discuss the answer to "What does a rigger do?", understand the roles and responsibilities, explore the skills required and find out their salaries.
What does a rigger do ?
To better understand the answer to "What does a rigger do?", it is beneficial to review their job duties. A rigger uses pulleys, cranes and winches to move heavy materials and equipment around the worksite. The mishandling of rigs can cause heavy damage, so this position requires significant responsibility. In addition to oil and gas and construction sites, every other industry that utilises cranes with large tonnage capacity requires riggers. Here are some of the responsibilities that they undertake:
- make sure that the machinery is aligned, levelled and anchored
- prepare loads for transport by inspecting and preparing them
- operate cable, rope, pulley, winch, winches and other lifting equipment
- select the right pulleys, booms, braces and cables for various jobs
- assess the risks associated with lifting and moving heavy equipment through confined spaces
- ensure that safety procedures comply with state laws and company policies
- work closely with the rigging and construction teams
- clean, dismantle and store rigging equipment after the job is complete
Requirements to become a rigger
Riggers do not typically need any special certifications to work. The Industrial Training Institute (ITI) offers a variety of vocational courses to labourers who have completed Class 8 or Class 10. You can follow these steps to become a rigger:
Completion of class 8 or 10
While formal education may not be necessary for employment as a rigger, it may offer long-term benefits. Completing Class 8 or a Class 10 can equip you for government jobs or pursue private employment opportunities. To improve your career prospects, you can also take advantage of a different online or offline formal training program.
Choosing the industry
Construction, manufacturing, oil, mining or any other relevant industry is a good place to work as a rigger. Understanding the requirements of the field in which you are interested and assessing if you possess the necessary skills or abilities may help you decide whether you want to pursue it. The task of a rigger is demanding, requires physical strength and requires you to be healthy and strong. Working outdoors in any weather condition is also a requirement.
Undergo vocational training
Several short- and long-term vocational training courses and skill development programs are available to help you gain skills that can help you find a good job. in India offers a range of courses to guidance, counselling, training and internships for career development and job placement. In ITIs skills can be acquired in various sectors such as construction, agriculture, production, manufacturing, automotive and electronics. These can be used to gain the needed skills and to find employment.
Industry experience
After completing the vocational training, you can apply for jobs in the industry of your choice. Performing the work duties assigned to you can provide you with work training and experience. Be sure to follow your instructor's safety instructions and wear protective gear if necessary. After gaining the necessary experience in the industry, you can apply directly to employers for employment.
Advancement in career
Once you gain experience in the industry, you can choose to advance your career. You can advance to levels such as master rigger and rigging equipment inspector. As part of their duties, they oversee operations at the construction site, manage people at the site and ensure quality assurance and safety standards.
Skills requirements of a rigger
The following are some skills and characteristics that make a rigger successful:
Good communication skills
Using a crane to lift heavy materials is part of rigging. It is crucial for riggers and those around them to be aware of the dangers when operating a crane. It is essential for these professionals to have good verbal communication so that they can give clear instructions to the surrounding people. This ensures the safety of all the individuals working at the site.
Maintenance of equipment
The heavy equipment used at construction sites needs constant maintenance. These professionals establish how often and what type of maintenance equipment needs to be performed. Understanding the working of the machinery and the type of maintenance required for its smooth functioning ensures that the machines do not malfunction during critical tasks.
Reading and writing skills
The ability to read and comprehend basic content to read labels, charts and operation manuals is essential in this job role. It is also necessary for them to write incident reports in the local language or English. Having good reading and writing skills adds to their competency.
Technical knowledge
Since these professionals work with heavy equipment, they require expertise in the design, use, repair and maintenance of machines and tools. It is also necessary for them to have sound knowledge of plans, blueprints, drawings and models. The ability to understand raw materials, production processes and other techniques can help them excel at their job.
Attention to detail
Riggers have a multitude of responsibilities due to the nature of their work, which requires very close attention to detail. It is necessary for them to make sure the rigging is safe and reliable. In oil industries, the drilling process requires knowledge of the mechanical and hydraulic systems. It is crucial to set up the rig properly in order for the oil to flow smoothly and at the recommended pressure. This requires a high level of precision.
Where do riggers work ?
Based on the demand and prior experience, they may also work in the oil or mining industry. Riggers work on drilling rigs in the oil and gas industry and operate all aspects of the machinery used in drilling and monitor the rig's performance. In the maritime industry, marine riggers install, repair and maintain the ropes, cables, winches and pulleys that are carried by ships.