Rigging supervisor

Rigging supervisors oversee rigging operations. They manage and coordinate employees who operate lifting and rigging equipment. They organise the day-to-day working activities.

The following job titles also refer to rigging supervisor:

rigging and lifting supervisor
rigging manager
lifting and rigging supervisor
lifting supervisor
rigging superintendent

As well as a high school diploma, a prior experience as a rigger is generally required to work as a rigging supervisor.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Rigging supervisor is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to rigging supervisor.

oil rig motorhand
rigger
tower crane operator
mobile crane operator
derrickhand

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of rigging supervisor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of rigging supervisor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

desalination technician
crane crew supervisor
sewer construction supervisor
construction scaffolding supervisor
bridge construction supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of rigging supervisor.

• Rigging terminology: Terms for lifting equipment, lifting accessories, slings, shackles, wires, ropes, chains, cables and nets.
• Crane load charts: Understand crane load charts which detail the features of the crane and how its lift capacity varies depending on distance and angle.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of rigging supervisor.

• Provide rigging plans: Provide rigging and lifting plans; accept and support project supplied lifting plans. This plan includes information regarding the rigging equipment used, weight of the lift, crane capacity, atmospheric and environmental conditions, lifting capacity and floor loading capacity.
• Direct rigging equipment operators: Provide guidance to rigging equipment operator; provide assistance during setting up and removing rigging equipment.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Evaluate employees work: Evaluate the need for labour for the work ahead. Evaluate the performance of the team of workers and inform superiors. Encourage and support the employees in learning, teach them techniques and check the application to ensure product quality and labour productivity.
• Interpret 3D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Understand rigging work orders: Read work orders, work permits and safety instruction to determine nature and location of work, job instructions, safety requirements, hazard information and evacuation plan.
• React to events in time-critical environments: Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.
• Plan rig work schedules: Plan work schedule and estimate manpower requirements.
• Interpret 2D plans: Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
• Follow safety procedures when working at heights: Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of rigging supervisor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of rigging supervisor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Rig loads: Safely attach loads to different types of hooks and attachments, taking into account the weight of the load, the power available to move it, static and dynamic tolerances of all instruments and materials, and the mass distribution of the system. Communicate with the operator verbally or with gestures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Detach loads.
• Use remote control equipment: Use a remote control to operate equipment. Watch the equipment closely while operating, and use any sensors or cameras to guide your actions.
• Transport drilling rigs: Move and relocate drilling rigs from one site to another with a specialised transportation truck.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Set up drilling rigs: Build up the drilling rig and prepare it for use after selecting an appropriate drilling location. Dismantle the drilling rig after the operations have finished.
• Move rigging equipment: Transport rigging materials and equipment to work locations; set up work site.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.

7215 – Riggers and cable splicers

---

References

1. Rigging supervisor – ESCO